Frequently Used Language Access Terms
LAO The Language Access Ordinance, San Francisco Administrative Code,
Section 91, places certain requirements upon City agencies to ensure
that public services are accessible to all people, regardless of
language ability.
LEP Limited English Proficient is used to refer to people who do not
speak English as a primary language and who have limited ability to
read, write, speak, or understand English.
San
Francisco’s
Threshold
Languages The LAO requires City departments to provide language access
services in Chinese, Spanish, and Filipino. Languages are certified by
OCEIA once they reach a population threshold of 10,000 LEP
residents.
Filipino
vs.
Tagalog Filipino is the official language of the Philippines, which is based on
the Tagalog language and uses terminology from other Philippine
languages. Tagalog is widely spoken and is the predominant
language spoken in the National Capital Region of Manila.
Interpretation
vs.
Translation Interpretation is spoken. Translation is written.
These two terms are not interchangeable, but reflect two different
types of language services.