Written by: Dustin Khong

Utah is celebrated for its stunning red rock canyons, snow-capped mountains, and tight-knit communities — but just beneath the surface lies another source of richness: language. From heritage tongues passed through generations to newly learned ones bridging cultural divides, Utah is one of the most linguistically vibrant states in the nation!

A History Rooted in Language Variety

The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute reports that more than 130 languages are spoken in Utah homes, making the state a vibrant mosaic of voices. According to the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, about 15% of Utahns aged five and older speak a language other than English at home — with Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, and several Indigenous languages such as Diné (Navajo) and Shoshone among the most common.

Image source: Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

Adding to this rich narrative, Utah’s linguistic story is deeply tied to its people and faith. For decades, missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) have immersed themselves in the study of languages to connect with people across the world. This practice has contributed to Utah’s unique relationship with multilingualism and global outlook. Today, it’s not uncommon to find Utahns fluent in Tagalog, Portuguese, Japanese, or Swahili, having returned from missions with new tools of communication.

A Mosaic of Languages

The variety of languages in Utah aren’t only in urban areas; communities across the state, from the Wasatch Front to the rural expanses, contribute to this rich mosaic. Notably, regions such as Aneth and Navajo Mountain have significant populations speaking Indigenous languages, such as Shoshone and Diné (Navajo), which suggests their deep history in the area.

Image source: BYU Arts Partnership

Image of a woman in military uniform focusing.

Hope and Achievement through Language

The journeys of English Language Learners (ELL) students in Utah are both inspiring and enlightening:

Michelline Montfleury: Facing uncertain conditions in Haiti, Michelline sought refuge in Utah. Through dedication and support from local educational programs, she’s been able to find hope in grasping the essentials of English and creating new opportunities for herself.
Araceli Juarez: Leaving Mexico in 2001 to join her husband in Utah, Araceli faced the challenge of not having completed elementary school and lacking English proficiency. With assistance from adult education programs, she pushed through and acquired her GED and was awarded the Adult Student Learner of the Year Award in 2021! She’s noted that she will be attending Utah Valley University so that she could be an ELL teacher to help those who were in similar situations.

How is Utah Supporting Languages?

Utah’s educational institutions welcome all languages with open arms, implementing programs to support our English Language Learners who want to better their skills or just get started. Take a look at how some of our schools are supporting ELLs:

Utah National Guard: Language in Utah isn’t just studied — it’s celebrated! The Utah National Guard’s “Polyglot Games,” now known as the Annual Best Linguist Competition, honor service members who demonstrate excellence in foreign language fluency. These competitions showcase how language proficiency strengthens community ties and national readiness.
Herriman High School: In collaboration with Herriman City, Salt Lake Community College, and Deloitte Accounting, the school has developed initiatives to assist students who know more than one language. Partnerships like these help students seamlessly learn, achieve academic success, and take pride in their unique backgrounds. (Source: Utah Children)
Granite School District: The district’s Grant Tumaini Process offers comprehensive support to New Americans in our state. This program provides school immersion, family assistance, and home visits with interpreters, ensuring students and their families feel welcomed and supported. (Source: Utah Children)
Edison Elementary School: With 64% of its students being English language learners, Edison Elementary has been recognized as “exemplary” by the Utah State Board of Education. The school’s commitment to innovative teaching techniques and the use of technology has significantly enhanced English proficiency among its students. (Source: ksl.com)

Whether through community festivals, service, education, or religious endeavors, language has always been a bridge in Utah.

Utah has been home to so many languages and as part of the love that comes with supporting our communities, it offers a plethora of resources to support ELL students and their families:

Historic Utah building framed by flowers.

Resources for Utah English Language Learners

Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office: Offers language access services that prioritize taking “reasonable steps” to provide people services regardless of their level of English proficiency and “meaningful access” to city services, programs, staff, and information as English speakers.
Project Read: This initiative focuses on helping adults in Utah achieve self-sufficiency by acquiring literacy, math, and life skills.
Utah Education Network: Provides a comprehensive list of ESL resources, including online courses, tutoring programs, and community classes tailored to varying learning needs.

Utah State Board of Education: Offers guidelines, resources, and support systems for schools and educators to effectively assist ELL students in their academic journeys.

Embracing Utah’s Languages

Utah’s communities are committed to celebrating and supporting its languages through community programs and have seen a range of success. By embracing the languages that are spoken in our communities, Utah not only enriches its cultural fabric but also allows opportunity to thrive.

For more insights and resources on Utah’s languages, consider exploring the following:

Utah Department of Health and Human Services Language Data Report: Provides detailed statistics and analyses on the languages spoken across the state.
Embracing Every Student: The Importance of Supporting Multilingual Learners: An article highlighting the significance of supporting multilingual students in Utah’s educational system.
Project Read Success Stories: Features narratives of individuals who have overcome linguistic barriers to achieve personal and professional success.

Learn more about the communities, places and stories that make up Utah by visiting https://multicultural.utah.gov/magnify/

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