Joan M. Fayer
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.