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Posted on24 August 2025

Top Languages in England and Wales

Do you know which are the most commonly spoken languages currently used in the UK? As a translation agency, we are sometimes asked this question. Thanks to the recent release of 2021 Census data regarding language use in England and Wales, we can now answer it with a bit more certainty.

Polish Is Still the Most Spoken Foreign Language in the UK

Of course, the language most commonly used in the UK is English. According to the 2021 Census, which took place in England and Wales, English was the main language for 91.1% of residents. In Wales, it was English or Welsh.

When it comes to the most commonly spoken foreign language, the top spot hasn’t changed since the previous census in 2011. As the first language for 1.1% of the population, Polish remains the most widely spoken foreign language in England and Wales.

If you need a Polish interpreter, please don’t hesitate to call us.

Can you guess which is the second most widely spoken foreign language in England? This is probably the most significant shift that has occurred in the last decade. In 2021, Romanian held the second spot, up 17 places from the previous census in 2011. Sure enough, as a translation agency, we’ve observed a rise in demand for Romanian translation.

Punjabi and Urdu remain in the top 5 most popular languages, while Bengali and Gujarati have dropped a few places. On the other hand, Portuguese has seen an increase and is now sitting at number 5.

Top 10 Languages Spoken in England and Wales

According to the 2021 Census, these are the top 10 most spoken foreign languages in England and Wales:

  1. Polish
  2. Romanian
  3. Punjabi
  4. Urdu
  5. Portuguese
  6. Spanish
  7. Arabic
  8. Bengali
  9. Gujarati
  10. Italian

In the image below, you can see the language shifts that have occurred over the 10-year period:

Growing and Supporting Your Audience With Translation Services

In multicultural places like the UK, being aware of other cultures and their linguistic background can be useful for both service providers and businesses. Even if most immigrants to the UK can communicate in English, being able to provide materials and support in their native language can add a layer of assurance, understanding, and confidence, aiding communication and higher engagement.

Let’s say you want to translate your material or website to appeal to those in the UK whose first language is not English. Perhaps you have a limited budget or want to do it gradually. Which languages will you prioritise? It makes sense to start with the ones that are used most and have the largest number of speakers. Of course, you shouldn’t blindly follow a general list, and it’s valid to note that census data may not always give the most accurate picture. However, it can be a handy guide if you’re unsure where to start. Ultimately, it’s essential to consider your target audience and goals.

Providing materials in minority languages is especially important in health care. When it comes to health and medical procedures, people have to be well-informed. As a member of the Patient Information Forum, we recognise the importance of providing clear and accessible health information. Atlas Translations strives to provide high-quality Medical Translations and support people in need of medical attention by removing the linguistic barrier.

Translation and Interpreting Services in the Most Common Languages in England

Want to communicate with your non-native audience in England? At Atlas Translations, we can help to get your message across in all the languages spoken in the UK. If you’d like to chat or get a quote, just give us a call at 01727 812725, email team@atlas-translations.co.uk, or contact us through our website.

Published January 10, 2023

Reviewed and updated August 24, 2025

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