Arizona’s Linguistic Diversity: Multilingualism is an Asset

Arizona has designated English as its official language, but the state’s linguistic history and identity extend far beyond English. Indigenous languages have been spoken in this region for generations, Spanish has deep historical roots in Arizona, and languages brought by immigrant and refugee communities continue to enrich our schools and communities.

AZTESOL recognizes this linguistic diversity as an asset. We affirm the value of the languages, cultures, knowledge, and experiences multilingual learners and their families bring to Arizona.

Supporting English language development and valuing multilingualism are not competing goals. Educators can help learners develop strong English proficiency while also recognizing the academic, cultural, and community benefits of maintaining and developing additional languages.

AZTESOL supports educational policies and practices that expand opportunities for multilingual learners, promote equitable access to education, and recognize the value of multilingualism throughout Arizona.