Somali Populations in the US

ALS Staff

Columbus, Ohio is home to more than 75,000 Somali residents. Why such a high concentration? Somalis first began settling in Virginia, but due to the high cost of living and issues with finding work, they began to look elsewhere. Columbus, Ohio had a low cost of living and lots of factory jobs, so the Somalis began moving to Ohio. Somalis are known for tight-knit families and word eventually spread. The Somali population started coming to Ohio in the mid-90s and one of the largest challenges they still face today is the language barrier.

Affordable Language Services is a leading provider of Somali translations and Somali interpretation. While Somali is certainly not an uncommon language in Columbus, Ohio, it’s uncommon to find a qualified and trained Somali speaker.

One of the most common Somali-related services we provide are to schools in the Columbus-area providing Somali translation of school forms and documents. According to the Columbus City Schools website, nearly every school in Columbus has an ESL class just for its Somali students.

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Even though Ohio has such a large Somali population, it’s not the largest by any means. Minnesota has the most Somalis nationwide.

Here are some Somali customs:

+ Somali greet each other with handshakes, but never with the opposite sex.

+ It’s rude to point the sole of your foot or shoe at someone else.

+ The American ‘thumbs up’ is considered obscene.

+ Lunch is often the biggest meal of the day.

+ Weddings are traditionally spread over a three-day period.

Were you aware of the huge Somali population in Ohio? Have any questions about the Somali language? Please share your thoughts!

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