Web developer Jill Hubley’s latest census map (h/t Gothamist) looks like a decorative art piece or collage. (You might remember her previous project documenting New York City’s tree distribution.) It’s perfectly representative of New York City – a metropolis known for its diversity and overall eclecticism.
Originally created for a GISMO exhibit, “Map Mosaic: From Queens to the World,” at the Queens Museum, Languages of NYC sources data from the 2014 United States Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (used by the federal government to determine how to print voting materials and public notices) to paint a picture of what languages are spoken at home in different NYC neighborhoods.
Clicking on the “All Languages” tab presents the most accurate portrayal of New York City’s linguistic culture. However, an option allows you to exclude English and Spanish – the two most predominant languages – which results in a colorful kaleidoscope of shapes. From Russian in Brighton Beach and Chinese in Flushing, to lesser known languages like “Mon Khmer Cambodian,” Hubley’s dazzling map is a visual reminder of New York City’s various enclaves.
