Language Guide to Expats
Los Angeles has a large immigrant population and it is quite usual to never hear English being spoken in its little foreign enclaves such as Koreatown or Chinatown. It is estimated that there are more than 100 languages spoken in the city. But don’t fret, there’s no need to polish up on your language skills just yet.
English is still the dominant language spoken in Los Angeles but due to the city’s history under Spanish and Mexican rule, Spanish is a contender for the crown. The U.S. Census estimates 70% of Los Angeles speaks English as a first or second language, while 44% speak Spanish as first or second language. The restaurant industry and service industry as a whole is predominately populated by Mexican and Hispanics workers so if you are working in these industries, a small vocabulary of Spanish will be helpful.
Other languages spoken in LA include, Japanese, Hindi, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Russian, and Persian. If you would like to sharpen your English skills, or wish to learn another language, there is ample opportunity. The following schools are recommended:
LA Spanish
For those wishing to polish up on their Spanish, LA Spanish give personalized language instruction for individuals and corporations, as well as conduct classes over the phone.
9190 West Olympic Blvd. Suite 154 Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 403-3001
http://www.laspanish.com
Language Door
Language Door has locations all over southern California as well as West Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Malibu. Children and adults can immerse themselves in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, French, Italian, Spanish, and Japanese.
11870 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 202, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 826-4140
http://www.languagedoor.com
AF International College
Af International College is a private adult learning school that teaches English, German, French, Spanish, Russian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, plus a dozen more languages, American Sign Language, and TOFEL, teaching English as a foreign language, courses.
3807 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 600, Los Angeles. CA 90010
(213) 381-6707
http://www.afint.com
