<Tr> <Td> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> </Td> </Tr> <Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> Many languages are used, or historically have been used in the United States . Over 500 languages are spoken at various levels by the U.S. population . The most commonly used language is English (specifically American English), which is the de facto national language of the United States and the primary language used for legislation, regulations, executive orders, treaties, federal court rulings, and all other official pronouncements . Nonetheless, laws require documents such as ballots to be printed in multiple languages when there are large numbers of non-English speakers in an area . American schools, public as well as private, require English classes at every grade level, even in bilingual or dual - language learning . Semesters of English composition are compulsory in virtually all U.S. colleges and universities to satisfy associate's and bachelor's degree requirements . </P> <P> There are also many languages indigenous to North America or to U.S. states or holdings in the Pacific region . Languages brought to the country by colonists or immigrants from Europe, Asia, or other parts of the world make up a large portion of the languages currently used; several languages, including creoles and sign languages, have also developed in the United States . Approximately 430 languages are spoken or signed by the population, of which 176 are indigenous to the area . Fifty - two languages formerly spoken in the country's territory are now extinct . </P>

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