Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

English proficiency of Sri Lankan population in the U.S., 2019


% among those ages 5 and older who are English proficient
Chart
Source: Pew Research Center analysis of 2017-2019 American Community Survey (IPUMS).nn
Note: Proficient English speakers are those who speak only English at home, or if they speak a non-English language at home, they indicate they can speak English at least “very well.” Due to data limitations, figures for Sri Lankans based on single-race population only, regardless of Hispanic origin. Figures for all Asians based on mixed-race and mixed-group populations, regardless of Hispanic origin. See methodology for more detail.
PEW RESEARCH CENTER


% among those ages 5 and older who are English proficient

CategoryEnglish proficient
All79%
U.S. born98%
Foreign born75%
Adults77%
All Asians72%

Source: Pew Research Center analysis of 2017-2019 American Community Survey (IPUMS).nn

Note: Proficient English speakers are those who speak only English at home, or if they speak a non-English language at home, they indicate they can speak English at least “very well.” Due to data limitations, figures for Sri Lankans based on single-race population only, regardless of Hispanic origin. Figures for all Asians based on mixed-race and mixed-group populations, regardless of Hispanic origin. See methodology for more detail.

PEW RESEARCH CENTER


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