Puerto Rico Language

Spanish and English are both official languages of Puerto Rico, but the vast majority of islanders prefer to speak Spanish. In San Juan almost everyone speaks English, but it is polite for visitors who speak some Spanish to initiate conversations in that language; many Puerto Ricans will answer in English. English continues to be much less common in rural areas of the island, but because almost everyone in the tourist industry speaks English, non-Spanish speakers are not likely to have problems getting around.

The issue of language plays an important role in Puerto Rico’s relationship with the US, since many Puerto Ricans oppose statehood because they do not want to sacrifice their Hispanic culture. In 1991, when statehood once again dominated the headlines, the Puerto Rican government abolished English as an official language in an attempt to prevent US cultural domination. The legislature revoked this policy two years later, but only after making a strong statement that Spanish is in Puerto Rico to stay.

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