The Languages spoken in United Kingdom
The official language of the country is English and spoken by over 90% of the country’s population. It is also spoken in Australia, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, China, Japan, Norway, Mexico, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, USA, Zimbabwe, and among others. French and German are usually trained as the second languages in Scotland and England. Students are required to learn a second language to some level in England (up to 14 years old) and Scotland (up to 16 years old).
The following are the Celtic languages in use in the country:
- Welsh – Cymraeg is the alternative name and spoken in Canada and Argentina. More than 20% of the populace of Wales can speak Welsh according to census in 2001. Probable over 200,000 Welsh speakers settle in England.
- Gaelic, Scottish – The alternative names are Albannach Gaidhlig, Gàidhlig, Gaelic, Erse and Scots Gaelic and spoken in USA, Canada and Australia. As stated by census in 2001, Scottish Gaelic has around 58,650 speakers.
- Cornish –The alternative names are Kernowek, Kernewek and Curnoack. The former language speakers are individuals below 20 years of age. In 2001 census, the language was publicly known as a native national minority of the country. In 2003, there are around 500 speakers who use Cornish language.
- Gaelic, Irish – alternative names are Erse, Gaeilge and Irish.
Other existing languages in the country include Angloromani (alternative names: English Romani, Posh 'N' Posh, Pogadi Chib and Romanichal and usually spoken in USA, South Africa and Australia), Polari (alternative names: Parlare, Palarie, Palari, Parlary, Parlyaree), Romani, Vlax (Alternative names: Tsigane, Romenes and Rom), Yinglish and British Sign Language.
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