Due to Puerto Rico’s status as an American commonwealth, located in the tropical Caribbean, it is often referred to as a bilingual territory.
Both English and Spanish are spoken and both are official languages.
However, Spanish is undoubtedly the most widely used of the two and is the native language for the majority of the island’s population. Although English is used by about 50% of the island’s residents it’s only spoken in 5% of households.
English Speakers Within Puerto Rico
The above English-speaking map is from a 2010 study that researched “the role of English speakers in the linguistic ecosystem of Puerto Rico.” This data is from the 2000 U.S. Census. While this data has changed over the last 21 years, the actual concentration of English speakers is still an accurate representation (Image Source: Pousada).
Do they speak English in Puerto Rico?
According to U.S Census data and a 2017 Puerto Rican poll, approximately 50% of Puerto Ricans living on the island, either is fluent in English or have a basic level:50% of Puerto Ricans speak English daily, but ONLY 5% speak it at home
1/5 of Puerto Rico’s residents are either native English speakers or fully fluent
While many Puerto Ricans are bilingual, especially in academia, international business, and tourism, English is the second language for the majority of the island residents. Even though 1 out of 2 Puerto Ricans speak conversational English or better, the vast majority of islanders only speak English in business settings or while watching American movies or programs.
Municipalities & percentage of English Speakers
Puerto Rico & English Speakers
Information from the above graph and map highlights the fact that the majority of bilingual Puerto Ricans are concentrated in the San Juan metro area and the tourist hotspots along the coast.
This makes sense, as many of the social, business, and customer interactions are conducted primarily in English in these locations. In these areas, the vast majority of workers and residents speak at least a basic level of English.
San Juan metropolitan area
San Juan at night
In the mountainous interior, outside of San Juan metro, and away from the tourist areas, the number of Puerto Ricans that speak English is a rarity. There are remote areas where less than 1% of residents understand English at even an elementary proficiency.
English as a first Language & Puerto Rico
The use of English as a primary language exists in many small enclaves on the archipelago. Due to unlimited travel between the USA and Puerto Rico, a small number of Americans born in the contiguous states have moved to the islands for various reasons, including to fulfill U.S. military duties, to accept business opportunities, or to pursue the ‘Caribbean life’.
However, they almost exclusively settle in specific neighborhoods within Puerto Rico – ones that are significantly more ‘Americanized’ than the rest of the territory. These are fairly self-contained communities, with amenities that are designed for Americans. Children are often taught in private schools that teach primarily in English.
Thus, in areas where English is only spoken, many speakers tend to be rather ‘fenced off’ from the rest of the island, with the widespread use of the language not being found in many places outside.
Culebra
Flamenco Beach on the Puerto Rican island of Culebra has the most English speakers in Puerto Rico. This island is actually closer to the British Virgin Islands than to the main island and is a former U.S. Naval base. Now, over 20% of this island is a National Wildlife Refuge and is home to the best beaches in Puerto Rico.
Circular Migration
Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. This allows island residents unlimited travel between Puerto Rico and the contiguous states. It’s very common for Puerto Ricans to live on mainland U.S. and return later to the island – these are often people who relocated to the USA for various reasons, most likely for better work opportunities and have since returned.
While in the USA, many spoke and used English daily, thereby learning it to a fluent or near-fluent level. Due to their interaction with both societies, they are significantly more bilingual than those who spend their entire life within Puerto Rico, and American migrants to the island. However, they are far more likely to use Spanish when communicating with other Puerto Ricans.
Valentina is a guide for Pedal Chile and is our resident badass. Valentina was born and raised in La Patagonia, which probably explains her affinity for adventuring. When Valentina isn’t crushing some poor dude’s soul, you can find her shredding down Rucapillán. Favorite season: Austral Summer.
Sources & References for “Do they speak English in Puerto Rico?”
“English Language in Puerto Rico.” Wikipedia, 3 May 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language_in_Puerto_Rico.
NW, 1615 L. St, et al. “Puerto Rican Population Declines on Island, Grows on U.S. Mainland.” Pew Research Center’s Hispanic Trends Project, 11 Aug. 2014, www.pewresearch.org/hispanic/2014/08/11/puerto-rican-population-declines-on-island-grows-on-u-s-mainland/.
Pousada, Alicia. ENGLISH-SPEAKING ENCLAVES in PUERTO RICO 1. , 19 Mar. 2010.
“QuickFacts: Puerto Rico.” Census Bureau QuickFacts, United States Census Bureau, 2018, www.census.gov/quickfacts/pr.
“Speaking English in Puerto Rico | Puerto Rico 51st.” Puerto Rico 51st, www.pr51st.com/speaking-english-in-puerto-rico/.