http://www.ted.com/talks/patricia_ryan_ideas_in_all_languages_not_just_english.html
very interesting video, the gist is that now we have 6,000 languages, but in the not too distant future it will be down to 600.
However, everyone seems concerned about this/views this as a culture loss thing. However, I think this will bring more benefit than harm, as people from across the world (or indeed inside the same country) will have an easier time communicating, spreading ideas and cooperating. To me this greatly outweighs the sentimental “oh, but noes! culture loss!” mentality that is so deeply ingrained.