Did you know that there are over 7,000 officially known languages worldwide? Moreover, 90% of these languages are used by fewer than 100,000 people! Language shapes who we are and enables us to connect with other people, so it really is the cornerstone of society – and interpreting services are often at the heart of this. However, with so many languages, which ones need interpreters the most? Read on to find out!
1. English
In the United States, English is clearly the lingua franca (although official at the federal level de facto, this is not legally declared), and in 245.69 million households, it is the only language spoken. However, there are well over 350 languages used nationwide, which means there are also millions of residents who speak another language. Many of these have limited English proficiency (LEP).
This language barrier can present a serious challenge in critical sectors such as healthcare, law, education, and government services. Here, the use of the wrong term can be costly – and potentially even life-threatening. Interpreters play a crucial role in enabling those with limited English proficiency to access the services they need in their native language. Whether in a medical setting, in legal proceedings, or an academic institution, it’s clear to see how interpreting services can be used to foster inclusivity and accessibility.
2. Spanish
It’s widely known that Spanish is the USA’s second most spoken language, with around 42 million native speakers and a further 12 million bilingual individuals. As such, high-quality Spanish interpreting services are highly sought after across the country – particularly among communities that are home to new communities or older generations, whose English tends to be more limited.
Additionally, many English-speaking businesses recognize the opportunities represented by expanding into Hispanic markets. Here, effective communication is essential in order to engage with business partners, clients, and employees.
It’s also worth noting that Spanish is a highly inflected language, which means verbs change based on tense, mood, and subject. Plus, due to the language’s extensive reach, there are also many regional variations. Sometimes, words can have completely different meanings, depending on whether they’re spoken by a Mexican, a Spaniard, or a Chilean. It’s therefore essential to choose a Spanish interpreter with expertise in the particular variant being used.
3. Chinese
As well as being the most spoken language in the world, did you know that there are 3.4 million Chinese speakers (including Mandarin, Cantonese, and other varieties) in the US? As China’s economic influence continues to grow, Chinese interpreting services are invaluable for negotiations, conferences, and diplomacy.
Chinese interpreters not only understand the linguistic complexities involved; they also play a crucial role in navigating the cultural expectations and business etiquette that shape communication.
4. Tagalog
As the fourth most spoken language in the US, the demand for interpreters who speak Tagalog (and other languages of the Philippines) is high. Across the 2,000 inhabited islands in the archipelago, there are some 175 languages widely used, including Tagalog (spoken in Manila), Ilocano (spoken in the northern part of Luzon Island), and Cebuano (most often heard in the southern Philippines).
The number of Filipino Americans has risen considerably over the past few decades and, as of 2022, numbers had climbed in excess of 4 million – up from just 781,894 individuals in 1980! This makes Filipino Americans the third-largest Asian American group in the country. With the help of skilled Tagalog interpreters, miscommunications that might lead to serious errors can be avoided. In addition, skilled interpreters also play a vital role in supporting American companies to collaborate with Tagalog-speaking businesses, particularly in the Philippines, which presents many attractive opportunities.
5. Vietnamese
With over 2 million speakers, Vietnamese ranks fifth in the list of most spoken languages in America. Interpreters are particularly crucial when communicating with Vietnamese speakers because of its various complexities and nuances. For instance, Vietnamese is a tonal language – like Chinese – and has six distinct tones. Using a different tone can completely change the meaning of a word, a feature that interpreters are particularly attuned to. Vietnamese interpreters also understand the complex system of politeness that underpins communication.
6. Arabic
Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, with well over 1 million in the United States. As such, whether for communicating with Arabic-speaking communities at home or with those in the wider world, Arabic interpreters have a vital role to play.
This language has many different dialects, partly due to its extensive geographic distribution. Different interpreters may specialize in particular dialects, particularly when interpreting variants other than Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). For instance, North African Arabic, often referred to as Maghrebi or Darija, is most often used when speaking to communities hailing from Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya or Mauritania.
Meanwhile, Levantine Arabic is commonly spoken in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The Gulf countries around the Arabian Peninsula use Gulf Arabic, while in Iraq, it’s Iraqi Arabic. It’s clear to see Arabic interpreters have a key role to play in overcoming the various difficulties presented by such a multitude of regional variations!
7. French
French has a longstanding relationship with America, not least owing to its proximity to Canada, where it is one of the two official languages. It’s also long been regarded as a language of diplomacy, and its status as one of the official United Nations languages is a testament to this. In addition, there are around 1.2 million French speakers, which makes it the seventh most spoken language in the country.
There are large French-speaking communities in states such as Louisiana, Maine, Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, where French interpreting services are particularly requested. French is also taught in most US high schools, which further cements its status as a language with a strong cultural and historical significance.
Other languages which benefit from an interpreter:
Necessary for business dealings with South Korea, particularly in technology and manufacturing.
Many Italian speakers live in the US, and it’s a frequently used language in both business and tourism.
Swahili is a major language in East Africa is important for trade, tourism, and development work.
- Farsi (Persian)
Farsi interpreters play a crucial role in both diplomatic and business exchanges in Iran, as well as parts of Central Asia.
Finding an experienced and skilled interpreter is essential for overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers. Thanks to their expertise and knowledge, 7,000+ languages of the world can be bridged, ensuring that communication is both accurate and culturally sensitive. Capital Linguists is an ISO 9001-certified provider of world-class interpreting services, both in the US and beyond.
