Fact Check: "Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States."
What We Know
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 43.4 million people aged five or older spoke Spanish at home in the United States, which represents approximately 13.7% of the population. This data is part of the American Community Survey (ACS) and reflects the period from 2017 to 2021. The Census Bureau's findings indicate that Spanish is indeed the second most spoken language in the country, following English.
Additionally, a report from Language Testing International confirms that Spanish is the second most common language in the U.S., with about 13% of the population speaking it at home. This aligns with the Census data, reinforcing the claim.
Analysis
The claim that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States is well-supported by reliable sources. The U.S. Census Bureau is a reputable government agency that provides comprehensive data on various demographic aspects, including language use. Their findings are based on extensive surveys and are considered authoritative.
Furthermore, the data from Wikipedia corroborates this information, stating that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S., with over 43 million speakers. This source, while user-generated, is frequently updated and cited, making it a useful reference point.
The report from ICLS also provides context about the global standing of Spanish, noting that it is spoken by 560 million people worldwide, which highlights its significance not just in the U.S. but globally.
The consistency across these sources indicates a strong consensus regarding the status of Spanish in the United States. There is no significant evidence from credible sources that contradicts this claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that Spanish is the second most spoken language in the United States is accurate, supported by multiple reliable sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau and corroborated by other reputable references. The data consistently shows that a significant portion of the U.S. population speaks Spanish at home, confirming its status as the second most spoken language.
