Languages Spoken in Calgary: A Comprehensive Guide
Calgary, located in the province of Alberta, is one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada. It is a multicultural city with a diverse population, which leads to a variety of languages spoken in the city. In this blog post, we will discuss the various languages spoken in Calgary.
English
English is the official language of Calgary and is the most commonly spoken language in the city. It is also the primary language used in schools, government offices, and businesses. According to the 2016 census, 71.4% of Calgary residents speak English as their mother tongue.
French
French is another official language in Canada and is spoken by a small percentage of Calgary residents. According to the 2016 census, 1.6% of residents in Calgary speak French as their first language. The usage of French language is mainly concentrated in government offices and educational institutions.
Mandarin and Cantonese
Mandarin and Cantonese are two of the most widely spoken languages in the world and are also spoken by a significant number of people in Calgary. These two Chinese dialects are the most commonly spoken languages in Calgary apart from English. According to the census, Mandarin and Cantonese are the mother tongues of 8.2% of Calgary residents, making it the second most spoken language in the city.
Punjabi
Punjabi is an Indo-Aryan language that is widely spoken in India and Pakistan. It is also spoken by a significant number of people in Calgary. According to the census, Punjabi is the mother tongue of about 2% of the Calgary population. Due to the high demand, many schools and institutions in Calgary are now offering Punjabi language classes.
Tagalog
Tagalog, also known as Filipino, is the national language of the Philippines and is also spoken by a significant number of people in Calgary. According to the census, Tagalog is the mother tongue of 1.9% of the Calgary population.
Spanish
Spanish is a widely spoken language in the world and is also spoken by a significant number of people in Calgary. According to the census, Spanish is the mother tongue of about 1.3% of Calgary residents.
Other languages
Apart from the languages mentioned above, Calgary is home to many other languages spoken by a smaller percentage of the population. Some of these languages include German, Hindi, Urdu, Vietnamese, Korean, and Polish.
The Importance of Multilingualism
In a diverse city like Calgary, multilingualism plays a significant role in creating a inclusive and welcoming community. Being able to communicate with individuals from various cultural and language backgrounds helps break down barriers, promote understanding, and improve relationships. Therefore, it is important for individuals and institutions to recognize and support the diversity of languages and cultures in the city of Calgary.
Conclusion
Calgary is a diverse and multicultural city, home to a variety of languages. While English is the most commonly spoken language, there are many other languages spoken by significant portions of the population. Multilingualism is essential in promoting inclusivity and a sense of community among Calgary residents.
