Let’s explore the many languages spoken in America.

78% of Americans, over the age of 5, speak only English.   That means that for 71 million Americans, English is not their first language. 
But these folks, most of whom are probably immigrants, nearly two-thirds speak English very well. 
The US Census Bureau collects information about 42 different languages that are spoken here.  Each language having at least 100,000 native speakers in the US. 
Of those speaking a foreign language it is most likely to be Spanish, which accounts for 60% of all people speaking a foreign language. 
The list of the top ten languages spoken in the US shows just how diverse our culture is.  It includes languages from Latin America, Europea, Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean on it. 

The Top Ten languages spoken in the US are:

For many people who come from foreign countries learning to speak English very well is critical for getting a good job.  Some cultures have large enclaves within a city
making it easier to navigate life if you don’t speak English well.  And some cultures have strong English programs so there is a striking difference in percentages who speak English very well. 

When you look at immigrants who speak a foreign language and their ability to speak English ‘very well’.  12% have less than half the speakers who speak English very well. 
19% have 50-60% of speakers who speak English very well.  The largest group – those cultures with 60-70% who speak English very well account for nearly a third.