When Puerto Rico was ceded to the United States in 1898 at the end ofthe Spanish American War, both political and linguistic changes occurred.
Today the Island which is a Commonwealth associated with the United States has two official languages, Spanish and English. Census data 1910 to 1990 indicate t hat there has been a significant increase in the number of Puerto Ricans reporting they can speak English. This study analyzes data collected in 1976, 1987-88, and 1996 about the changing functions of English on the island äs well äs more detailed Information about the English-language reading, writing, speahing and comprehension skills of Puerto Ricans.