1. First Language Spoken by Europeans in the US:
* Spanish: The first European explorers to reach the mainland of what is now the US were Spanish. They established settlements in Florida and the Southwest in the 16th century.
* Portuguese: The first European presence in what is now the US was in the early 16th century when Portuguese explorers reached the east coast. However, their exploration was short-lived and had minimal lasting impact.
2. First Language Spoken by Europeans in Areas that Became the US:
* Spanish: Again, Spanish was spoken in Florida and the Southwest long before the arrival of the British.
* French: The French established settlements in what is now the US in the 17th century, primarily in the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Valley.
3. First Language of the Dominant European Power:
* English: The British colonies on the Atlantic coast eventually became the dominant power, and English became the primary language of the newly formed United States.
Therefore, there's no single definitive answer. It depends on which criteria you prioritize:
* First European settlement: Spanish
* First European language spoken widely: Spanish and French, depending on the region
* Official language of the US: English
It's also worth noting that many Native American languages were spoken in what is now the US before the arrival of Europeans.