About 11% of the region’s population has a limited understanding of English, and there are at least 26 language groups with more than 1,000 people. This map shows where the most populous groups live:

On the map, each dot represents a Limited English Proficient household. Click for a larger version of the map, and a key that explains which colors correspond to which language (there are 13). All images from WMATA.

The map comes from WMATA’s PlanItMetro blog, where planners used Census data to report that 11.4% of the population within its service area (the cities and counties with Metro rail and bus service) is classified as Limited English Proficient (LEP). Aside from English, the languages spoken most commonly in our region are Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Arabic, and Amharic (in that order).

As you can see, places outside of DC are very diverse. Looking at the Census data geographically also reveals some interesting trends in the distribution of the region’s different languages. The Chinese population in DC’s Chinatown is shrinking, while in Rockville, it is growing. In addition, there is a growing population of African language speakers in Silver Spring and NW DC along Georgia Avenue (they’re most likely Ethiopians).

This map, which was part of the same WMATA report, shows which language is most common among the LEP population near each of the region’s Metro stations:

Click for the full version.

As well as a list of the languages with the most speakers, how many people speak each, and how many of them are LEP:

These visuals are part of an internal effort at Metro to better understand the makeup of the region’s population. WMATA’s efforts come together in a document called the “Language Assistance Plan,” which helps the agency determine its public outreach to LEP populations. WMATA updates this plan every three years and the next update is due to be released in 2017.

Considerations for LEP are mandated by the federal government under Title VI of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. The FTA provides guidelines that require transit agencies to identify LEPs within their service areas and produce an outreach plan accordingly. This outreach can include fairly basic things like translated signs and pamphlets at transit stations to more comprehensive actions like public meetings or even personal interviews. The goal of all these efforts are to make sure different population groups aren’t excluded or negatively discriminated against.

Travis Maiers spent most of his life in South Florida before moving to the Washington region in 2009. He has a degree in International Studies from American University and works at a DC non-profit focused on international economic policy. He currently resides in the Forest Hills neighborhood of DC and enjoys learning about all things related to transportation and urban planning.