So, how many languages are spoken in Los Angeles?

According to the US CENSUS, residents of Los Angeles speak over 224 different languages, which comes only second to New York City, which has 800 spoken. For this reason, Los Angeles is often thought of as one of the most multicultural cities in the world. A true melting pot where languages from every corner of the globe come together and interact.

If you are a resident of Los Angeles, I’m sure you have experienced being in a neighborhood where English is not being spoken. Spanish, for example, is spoken by approximately 36% of the population. Grab some food in SGV; perhaps 80% of the people around you will speak Mandarin Chinese.

The Role of Spanish in Los Angeles: Spanish is more than just a language, it’s more of a cultural cornerstone of LA. Spanish speakers in LA even have their own slang.

Learning Languages in L.A. Los Angeles is an amazing environment for those interested in learning a new language. Institutions like Strommen Language Services take advantage of LA’s cultural diversity. Whether it’s for personal growth, professional needs, or simply connecting more deeply with the city’s diverse communities, learning a new language in L.A. is accessible and immensely rewarding.

The Most Commonly Spoken Languages in LA:

1. English – The Lingua Franca As expected, English is the most commonly spoken language in Los Angeles. It’s the primary language of business, education, and media. Despite the city’s diversity, English is the lingua franca, facilitating communication across different language groups.

2. Spanish – A Close Second Following closely, Spanish is the second most widely spoken language. With a significant Hispanic and Latino population, an estimated 3.6 million people in Los Angeles County speak Spanish. This prevalence makes the city a hub for Spanish culture and language, offering a near-authentic experience for Spanish language learners.

3. Asian Languages – A Significant Presence Asian languages hold a substantial presence in Los Angeles. Mandarin and Cantonese, spoken by the Chinese community, are prominent, with about 400,000 speakers. Korean is spoken by approximately 300,000 people, reflecting the large Korean population in areas like Koreatown. Tagalog, spoken in the Filipino community, adds another 200,000 speakers to the city’s linguistic diversity.

4. Armenian and Farsi – Reflections of Global Diasporas Armenian and Farsi are also widely spoken due to significant immigrant populations from Armenia and Iran. These languages add to the cultural richness, with tens of thousands of speakers in neighborhoods like Little Armenia and Tehrangeles.

5. Other European Languages While not as prevalent as the above, European languages like Russian, French, Italian, and German are spoken by smaller communities. They contribute to the cultural and linguistic mosaic of Los Angeles, adding depth and variety to the city’s international character.

In conclusion, the linguistic landscape of Los Angeles is as diverse as its population. This diversity not only shapes the city’s cultural identity but also offers fertile ground for language learning and cultural exchange. Strommen Language Services embraces this diversity, providing opportunities for individuals to learn and engage with these languages and their rich cultural contexts