Vast majority of Puerto Ricans want English taught in public schools.

Globalization and the rapid growth of the Internet are but two of the reasons why English continues to be one of the most spoken languages, particularly in the business world.

Despite decades-long controversy, mostly created by politicians, regarding whether English should be taught in Puerto Rico’s public schools, an overwhelming majority of Puerto Ricans agree it should. In fact, 94% of respondents in this week’s CARIBBEAN BUSINESS/WOSO Radio/Gaither International poll agreed it is important that English be taught in public schools. Moreover, 72% think it is extremely important. 

The survey, which consisted of 1,000 face-to-face interviews during March 2011, has a statistical margin of error of +/-3.0%. As the election season kicks into gear, the ongoing language debate is expected to resurface yet again.

Gaither survey respondents were asked how important they thought it was that “English was taught at the Puerto Rico public-school system.” 
“Results were undoubtedly in favor of the teaching of English in schools,” said Beatriz Castro, director of syndicated research for Gaither International, who added that only 4% claimed to be neutral on the matter, while 2% said it was of little or no importance. 

English demographics

Respondents from higher socioeconomic backgrounds were most likely to agree on the importance of English being taught in public schools. A significant 77% of respondents from high socioeconomic backgrounds indicated it was “extremely important,” compared with 70% of those from medium socioeconomic backgrounds and 69% of those from low socioeconomic backgrounds that agreed.

The higher the education level achieved, the likelier respondents were to agree it was extremely important that English be taught in the public- school system on the island. 

Over three-fourths (76%) of college-educated respondents agreed that it was extremely important, compared with seven out of 10 (70%) of high-school graduates, and two-thirds (66%) of those who didn’t finish high school.

“While three-fourths of those age 34  or younger concur that teaching English is extremely important, the same is true for 71% of those between ages 35-54, and 69% of those age 55 or older,” she said. 

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