Every 10 years, a census comes out and asks questions about how many people live in your home.  That is the main part of the census.  But there are several other questions that come along with the census.  They pertain to race, religion, economy, full time or part time work. Kids, education and language are also a focus on the census. Glad we only have to do that once every 10 years.

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While English is the main language that is spoken here in Minnesota, there are a few others that are also very popular.  Especially when speaking only within the home.

Spanish is the second most popular language.  This is both nationwide and in Minnesota. I remember when i was in High School, the foreign language that was offered was German.  That seemed like the logical choice since the German population was so large.  That isn't the case AS MUCH anymore.  Spanish has taken that over, and seems like the language that would be the most popular to learn.  Mexico anyone?

The next most common language that is spoken here in Minnesota is Hmong and Somali.  I know that isn't much of a surprise.  Most of the people who speak either Hmong or Somali at home will speak English very well.

Minnesota is home to more people who speak Hmong or Somali at home than any other state in the country. 71,410 people told the census takers Hmong is the language they speak at home in our state, and 64,480 people said Somali is what they speak at home in Minnesota.

I have heard a lot of people mentioning that everyone should speak English, as we are in America.  I agree that if you live here you should probably know the language.  But let's put this into perspective; if youi were living in another country that wasn't your home country, and you were living with people also from the United States, even though you are living somewhere else say... Germany, wouldn't you also speak English at home?  Why would you speak the secong language when at home with people also from the U.S.?  Or, even when you are out, even though you can speak the other language, when you are with similar folks, your native language would probably be your first choice, right?

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