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For the First Time, the US Census may be offered in Arabic

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Published on: June 7, 2016

With the influx of Muslims from the Middle East into the united States by the Obama administration, it seems likely that for the first time in our history, the US Census may be offered in Arabic.

Pew Research reports:

In 2020, census questionnaires may for the first time be offered in Arabic, now the fastest-growing language in the U.S. However, the Census Bureau faces a challenge not only in translating the language but also in adjusting the appearance of the questionnaire for those accustomed to reading and writing Arabic script.

The Census Bureau has already conducted some research on what it would take to implement the new questionnaire and has made some recommendations. A final decision on these changes – or even whether the questionnaire will definitely be translated into Arabic – hasn’t been made. A new study presented at the American Association for Public Opinion Research annual conference in May detailed the bureau’s cognitive testing and focus groups of Arabic speakers not proficient in English to identify the translation and visual display issues that are unique to Arabic and anticipate the measurement problems that might result. The bureau will use this research to help determine whether a translation of the census form can accurately “translate” symbolic and layout meanings from English to Arabic.


The growth in Arabic language use is tied to continued immigration from the Middle East and North Africa and the growing U.S. Muslim population. The increasing presence of this group is one reason the Census Bureau may add a Middle East/North Africa category to the 2020 census form as part of major changes being considered to questions about race and ethnicity. In 2010, the Census Bureau offered an Arabic language assistance guide to help Arabic speakers fill out an English-language questionnaire.

The bureau identified about 1.9 million people with Arab ancestry living in the United States in 2014, but advocacy groups have suggested that the number may be much higher. Among those who speak Arabic at home, 38% were not proficient in English – that is, they report speaking English less than “very well.” This is comparable to the rate of English proficiency among the 39.3 million U.S. residents who speak Spanish at home. Some 42% of this group does not speak English very well, according to census data.

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“Even if the questions are translated accurately, the visual elements of the survey may not necessarily transmit the same meaning as in English,” Pew reports. “For example, symbols such as an “X” to mark a response carry different connotations in different cultures.”

This is a huge problem. Why are those who are being immigrated here not learning the common language so that they can assimilate into society? I’ll tell you why. The Bible is clear about the judgment of God. If the people turn from Him, then He will send foreigners into the midst and instead of the people being the head and not the tail (Deut. 28:13), the reverse will occur.

The stranger that is within thee shall get up above thee very high; and thou shalt come down very low. He shall lend to thee, and thou shalt not lend to him: he shall be the head, and thou shalt be the tail. –Deuteronomy 28:43-44

Those who do not believe that the true and living God doesn’t mean what He says, it’s happening right in front of your eyes.

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