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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Lifestyle

Which is the most efficient language for expressing ideas?

Succinct subtitles ... Oskar Werner and Jeanne Moreau in Jules et Jim
Succinct subtitles ... Oskar Werner and Jeanne Moreau in Jules et Jim

Watching films with subtitles, the number of written words often far exceed those spoken by the actor. Can it be claimed that one language is more efficient than another in expressing ideas? If so, which is the world’s most efficient language?

Duncan Lister, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire

• Post your answers – and new questions – below or email them to nq@theguardian.com

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