Languages of the United States Facts for Kids

English is the main language spoken in the United States. About 82% of people in the US say English is their first language. Even more, around 96%, say they speak English "well" or "very well."

However, the US government does not have an official language for the whole country. This means that while English is used most often, it's not legally declared the official language at the federal level. There have been ideas to make English the national language, but these ideas haven't become law.

Still, some states in the US have chosen English as their official language. This means that in those states, English is legally recognized for government business.

Besides English, many other languages are spoken across the United States. People speak them as their first language or as a second language. Some of these languages include Spanish, French, German, Chinese (like Mandarin and Cantonese), Tagalog, Vietnamese, and Korean. There are also many Native American languages, like Navajo. This mix of languages makes the United States a very diverse place!

Languages in the United States
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Languages in the United States

The United States is a melting pot of cultures, and this is clearly seen in the many languages spoken there. While English is the most common, the country has always been home to a variety of languages, from ancient Native American tongues to languages brought by immigrants from all over the world.

English: The Most Common Language

Even though it's not officially declared, English is the de facto (meaning "in practice") national language. This is because most people use it for daily life, business, and government. It's the language of schools, media, and public signs.

Other Major Languages

After English, Spanish is the most widely spoken language in the US. This is due to the large number of people from Spanish-speaking countries who live in the United States. You can hear Spanish spoken in many communities, especially in states close to the US-Mexico border and in large cities.

Other European languages like French and German also have a long history in the US. French is still spoken in parts of Louisiana and New England, while German was once very common in many parts of the Midwest.

Languages from Around the World

People from Asia, Africa, and other parts of the world have brought their languages to the US. These include:

Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)
Tagalog (from the Philippines)
Vietnamese
Korean
Arabic
Hindi and Telugu (from India)

These languages are often spoken in homes and communities, helping people stay connected to their heritage.

Native American Languages

Before Europeans arrived, hundreds of different Native American languages were spoken across the continent. Today, many of these languages are endangered, but efforts are being made to preserve and revive them. Languages like Navajo, Cherokee, and Lakota are still spoken by thousands of people.

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Map showing language families of the US prior to European settlement.
French language distribution in the United States. Counties and parishes marked in yellow are those where 6% to 12% of the population speak French at home; brown, 12% to 18%; red, over 18%. Cajun French and French-based creole languages are not included, even though they are spoken in areas throughout the United States.
Distribution of U.S. households that speak German at home
Raja Kumari at an awards event. She is a native Telugu-speaking American.
The New York City Metropolitan Area, including Central New Jersey as well as Long Island and Staten Island in New York, is home to the largest Tamil American population.