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Seyfihoca Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

"what language" or "which language"

Hello

Do we use "what" or "which" before the word "language" when we ask someone which/what language s/he speaks.

Thank you.
  

Top answer

I would use 'what'-- it offers a greater possibility of the listener's being multilingual-- which would be a more polite assumption coming from the speaker. 'Which' suggests that there is a limited choice; 'what' that the choice is unlimited.

— Mister Micawber

  • I would use 'what'-- it offers a greater possibility of the listener's being multilingual-- which would be a more polite assumption coming from the speaker.
  • 'Which' suggests that there is a limited choice; 'what' that the choice is unlimited.
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4 Answers
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I would use 'what'-- it offers a greater possibility of the listener's being multilingual-- which would be a more polite assumption coming from the speaker.

'Which' suggests that there is a limited choice; 'what' that the choice is unlimited.
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There is not enough difference in the what or which to prefer one over the other, even if English is your native language. The greater difference would be in asking what or which languages (plural) you each understand. If either or both of you are multilingual, then the more pertinent question is if you know and understand a language you both have in common. Proper grammar may help you know yo
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what language do you speak? when is a question.

Which when you don't understand the speaker

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Since you are likely asking someone about the known languages on Earth you would use 'which' because those languages are part of a finite list.

Using 'what' would imply that there are unknown languages that a person may speak. I could see it being used in only limited circumstances. E.g. if you are playing with a child and inventing imaginary languages: In this case, asking

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