Nashville Launches Multilingual 'Language Access Study' to Improve Services

The city will poll residents in 10 languages, including Somali and three Kurdish dialects, to identify barriers for non-English speakers.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:28pm

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A vibrant, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and waves of color in shades of blue, purple, and orange, conceptually representing the diverse languages and cultures of Nashville.Nashville's multilingual survey aims to strengthen language equity and digital inclusion across city services.Today in Nashville

Metro Nashville has launched a 'language access survey' to examine how the city's government agencies interact with non-English speaking residents. The study will poll residents in a total of 10 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Somali, Tagalog, Burmese, Chinese, Nepali, Vietnamese, and three Kurdish dialects.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to identify gaps and barriers in service access for non-English speakers, and develop strategies to improve language equity and digital inclusion in accessing Metro services. It builds on a 2017 study that found most Nashville departments encounter residents who speak foreign languages.

The details

The 2025 Language Access Study is being conducted by the Metro Human Relations Commission (MHRC) to learn how different Metro agencies currently handle engagement with non-English speakers, identify gaps and barriers, and find practical improvements for compliance and interdepartmental coordination. The survey is available in 10 languages beyond English, reflecting the most common foreign languages encountered by Metro departments based on the 2017 study.

  • The language access survey launched this week in April 2026.
  • A 2017 study found 73% of Metro departments report encountering residents who speak at least one foreign language.

The players

Metro Human Relations Commission (MHRC)

The MHRC was created to protect and promote the personal safety, health, security, peace, and general welfare of all people in Nashville and Davidson County, and educates the public to promote understanding between different groups, cultures, and ideologies.

Mayor Freddie O'Connell

The mayor successfully obtained funding for the language access initiative in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

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What’s next

The results of the language access survey will be used to develop 'actionable strategies for equitable access to Metro services' and strengthen 'interdepartmental coordination and digital inclusion'.

The takeaway

This initiative reflects Nashville's commitment to improving language equity and accessibility for its diverse, multilingual population. By identifying barriers and gaps in service access, the city aims to ensure all residents can fully engage with and benefit from local government resources and programs.