Language and Culture

The purpose of the demographic profiles is to provide a brief overview of the different racial and ethnic populations across the state of Utah. These profiles contain a snapshot of population-level and sociodemographic indicators. While these profiles provide valuable information, the data should be interpreted with sensitivity as they do not provide a full picture of the lived experiences of individuals within Utah’s diverse communities. The full picture may include social, economic, and cultural dynamics happening within Utah. These profiles are a starting point for understanding characteristics of people residing in Utah. A full understanding of these populations requires consideration of additional factors, including stories and interpretations from the communities themselves.

Latest Demographic Profiles

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Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released the enhanced CLAS standards to systematically advance health equity and ensure the delivery of culturally respectful and linguistically responsive health care and services. There are 15 CLAS standards. They are intended to address cultural and linguistic considerations within three broad, inter-related themes: Governance, Leadership and Workforce; Communication and Language Assistance; and Engagement, Continuous Improvement, and Accountability.

Translation and Interpretation Resources

Definition of translation vs interpretation.

  • Translation is the written transfer of text information from one language to another.
  • Interpretation is the verbal transfer of spoken information from one language to another.

Utah Language Data

is a report of the most common languages spoken in Utah created to help guide state, county and local public health and health care professionals plan and provide services for Limited English Proficient patients and clients.

Language Services Guides for Utah Public Health Agencies

If you are a current Utah Department of Health employee, you may use this guide to find a current state of Utah language services contractor.

This Interpretation Toolkit (new version forthcoming) provides guidance to state and local health department personnel through step-by-step procedures to promote accurate and effective verbal interpretation processes. The Translation Toolkit (new version forthcoming) and Manual (new version forthcoming) provides detailed explanation of how programs can achieve high quality written translations.

Language Identification Booklet and Poster

have been developed to help you identify what language a person may understand. The booklet (new version forthcoming) contains 35 of the most likely encountered languages spoken in Utah. The poster, Language Identification for Interpreter Services, contains the top 20 languages spoken in Utah and is intended to help public health insurance recipients receive interpreter services.

Audio Resources

OHD has created resources for the visually impaired or low literacy patient populations. Audio resources are accessed on the EthnoMed website.