THRESHOLD LANGUAGES
The three threshold languages are currently Spanish , Chinese , and Filipino .
Under the LAO , a “ threshold language ” in San Francisco is a language population that has at least 10,000 or more Limited English Proficient ( LEP ) persons . 4
EMERGING LANGUAGES
Departments are also encouraged to translate information for Emerging Language Populations .
The LAO defines “ Emerging Language Populations ” as language populations that comprise at least 2.5 % but less than 5 % of San Francisco ’ s population and use a Department ’ s services , or at least 5,000 but fewer than 10,000 city residents , who speak a shared language other than English . 5
Department Compliance Process
Departments must engage in language access activities throughout the year to comply with the LAO .
The annual compliance cycle begins in the late spring / summer , when Departments are required to send their language access liaisons to OCEIA ’ s LAO compliance training . This training provides an overview of Departments ’ obligations under the LAO , recommendations for data collection and reporting , and links to language access tools and resources that Departments can use during their day-to-day operations . This training is also an opportunity to highlight current language access needs in the City and promote collaboration on language access strategies across Departments .
4 5
San Francisco Administrative Code , Sec . 91.1 ( b )( 7 ). San Francisco Administrative Code , Sec . 91.2 .
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