Is Spanish first language in Puerto Rico?

Both Spanish and English are the official languages of Puerto Rico, but Spanish is without a doubt the dominant language, as the majority of the people in Puerto Rico are not proficient in English. Fewer than 20 percent of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

Why was Puerto Rico important to the United States?

The strategic value of Puerto Rico for the United States at the end of the nineteenth century centered in economic and military interests. The island’s value to US policy makers was as an outlet for excess manufactured goods, as well as a key naval station in the Caribbean.

Why is Puerto Rico not a state but Hawaii is?

Hawaii, Alaska, Wyoming were all Incorporated Territories. Which means they were meant to become eventually states. Hawaiian are a minority in their own island but make up 50\% of the homeless. Puerto Rico, Philippines are Unincorporated Territory Which means they were NEVER meant to become a state.

Is Puerto Rican Spanish different from Mexican Spanish?

Puerto Rican Spanish is closer to the Spanish spoken in parts of Spain than Mexican Spanish which is influenced by their indigenous roots although it is spoken clearer. Mexicans have burritos, enchiladas, and tortillas while Puerto Ricans have arroz con pollo, tostones, ampanadillas, pastilijos, and plaintains.

Can you live in Puerto Rico without speaking Spanish?

Both English and Spanish are the official languages in Puerto Rico because it’s a U.S. territory. Puerto Ricans living on the island have a complicated relationship with the United States.

How did the U.S. treat Puerto Rico?

In 1917, the U.S. Congress passed the Jones Act, which brought Puerto Rico the first significant political changes under U.S. colonial rule. With this law, Congress established a popularly elected legislative branch (a Senate and a House of Representatives) and extended American citizenship to Puerto Rican citizens.

Why isn’t Puerto Rico its own country?

As a territory of the United States, Puerto Rico’s 3.2 million residents are U.S. citizens. However, while subject to U.S. federal laws, island-based Puerto Ricans can’t vote in presidential elections and lack voting representation in Congress. As a U.S. territory, it is neither a state nor an independent country.

What is the most widely spoken language in Puerto Rico?

Spanish is the most popular language spoken in Puerto Rico. English and Spanish are the two most widely spoken languages in Puerto Rico, a country with a literacy rate of 99\%.

Why is English the second language in Puerto Rico?

Institution of English as the language of instruction in schools was challenged in 1930 by ethnic forces. Spanish was subsequently made the language of instruction while English was made the second language. Puerto Ricans are renowned for curating ‘Spanglish’ which is a mixture of Spanish and English.

What is the official name of Puerto Rico in Spanish?

The official name of the entity in Spanish is Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico (“free associated state of Puerto Rico”), while its official English name is Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

What is the difference between Spanish and Puerto Rico?

Puerto Rico has developed a different version of the language. Spanish spoken in Puerto Rico borrowed from elements of African dialects, taino words, and English phrases. The difference with other Spanish dialects is not very pronounced, however, and Puerto Ricans understand other Spanish speakers from other countries.