What is the language in Tunisia? What languages are spoken in this country?

Going on a trip to Tunisia, domestic tourists often wonder about what language they speak in this country. Let's find out what language is in Tunisia. Is it possible to communicate here in English? Perhaps enough knowledge of only one Russian language?

Official language in Tunisia

So, you are going to Tunisia. What language is in the country? The state here is officially recognized as Arabic. Naturally, it will be rather difficult for a Russian tourist to learn it a few weeks before the trip. However, to learn the most common phrases is still useful. This skill is especially useful when communicating with traders who, if they know and understand the keywords of the Arabic speech, can get a small but pleasant discount.

Speaking about the language spoken in Tunisia, it should be noted that in literary Arabic, literary works are produced here, all television programs are published, and radio broadcasting is also running. In addition, it provides training for children in local schools and universities, laws are issued.

The native speakers of the literary Arabic language from Tunisia are able to understand the resident of another Arab state without any problems, but with tribal dialects, such people may have problems.

Berber dialects

Now it is clear which language in Tunisia is state. But in addition to Arabic, the population here also uses Berber tribal dialects. However, they are spoken by a smaller part of the population. Mainly, this speech can be heard in remote southeastern regions of the country.

The main Berber dialect is darizh. The presented language is characterized by the borrowing of a whole mass of words from French and Spanish. Apply this dialect to predominantly rural residents and only in colloquial speech. In writing, the population relies on literary Arabic.

French in Tunisia

And what other language is spoken in Tunisia besides Arabic? Until 1957, the country was under the French protectorate. This language was introduced everywhere, in particular, through government and educational institutions. Thus, during the period of colonization of the country, state institutions became the main tool in the dissemination of the French language in Tunisia. With the receipt of the status of an independent country, the state began to shift to the use of Arabic. Although in the management structures the system remained bilingual.

At one time, the Tunisian authorities had to try hard to return the high language in the state to the Arabic language. In particular, decisions were adopted that forced the use of this language for teaching in educational institutions.

It is worth noting that the French language is still the second in the country. It is studied by schoolchildren. Therefore, in ordinary conversation, any person can easily turn to him. Thus, tourists who speak French will not experience any problems when traveling to the described country.

What language is spoken in Tunisia in tourist areas?

As we have already explained, there are two languages in the country - Arabic and French. But what language can you hear in Tunisia in the zones intended for tourist accommodation? It is interesting that hotel staff, numerous waiters in cafes and restaurants, as well as merchants around hotels are real polyglots. Some of them speak not only English, but they know German and Spanish.

A significant influx of tourists from Eastern European countries, which is observed in Tunisia in recent years, led to the fact that the service personnel of tourist zones began to actively study Russian. Therefore, when traveling to a resort, a domestic traveler will not have to worry about not being understood.

Finally

So we found out which language in Tunisia is the most common. As you can see, they communicate here not only in Arabic. Most of the inhabitants of the country are fluent in French. You can go to the country without unnecessary fear, knowing and English at a conversational level. However, Russian travelers who intend to go to one of the tourist zones will have enough Russian, as the hotel staff gradually comes to grasp it.