According to the most recent United States Census statistics, Yoruba was one of the most widely spoken non-English languages in the state. As a result, it was added to the list of official languages.
This indicates that beginning in September, Yoruba learners’ permits will be available for Maryland residents.
The announcement is a component of a number of fresh efforts being implemented all throughout the state to mirror its escalating and diversified population.
To obtain a driver’s licence in the state, a learner’s permit must first be obtained.
In keeping with Gov. Wes Moore’s emphasis on equity and access, the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration says it is increasing accessibility services. Baltimore – The learner’s permit knowledge test and study guides for Maryland will soon be available in nine more languages, increasing the total for each to 17 languages.
Utilising information from the US Census, the new language options were chosen.
To better serve Maryland’s linguistically diverse population, Chrissy Nizer, the motor vehicle administrator, said that the driver’s knowledge test and study materials must be made more accessible.
“Improving accessibility for the driver’s knowledge test and study materials is critical to serve Maryland’s linguistically diverse population,” he said.
Currently, English, Spanish, French, Nepali, Korean, traditional Chinese, and Vietnamese are among the languages that are available.
Below are the newly introduced languages:
- Yoruba (West Africa)
- Tagalog
- Amharic (Afro-Asiatic language)
- Arabic
- Russian
- Urdu
- Hindi
- Farsi
- Portuguese
- American Sign Language
