When you are considering traveling, or just want to expand your knowledge of languages or the world around you, knowing which languages are spoken in which countries can be beneficial. It makes it easier to travel but also to have conversations about the world, about the specific area, and it can help bring understanding between people from different cultures.
The Many Languages of Saudi Arabia
Within Saudi Arabia there are a few different languages that can be expected, and the county has two main official languages that are taught in schools and used widely throughout. The main language of the over 20 million people who reside there is Arabic, with several also speaking English, and others Faifi and others speaking Saudi Sign Language.
English is taught in all schools throughout Saudi Arabia in order to ensure that students will be able to communicate easily around the world and with any who are visiting or moved to the area. Having a second language can be highly beneficial both in basic communication as well as obtaining employment. Travel is another consideration were having a second language, especially one as widely known and understood as English, can make things easier and more efficient.
Within the Arabic language there are many different styles and dialects, several of which are used regularly within Saudi Arabi by residents, expats, and visitors. Classical Arabic is often found in poetry, religion, the Quaran, and other classical works. Modern Standard Arabic is the most common and is found in schools, used in media and reporting, and published works.
Najdi Arabic is the first language throughout the central regions of Saudi Arabia, with subdialects within that region. Hejazi Arabic is spoken most frequently in the wester regions, with two smaller subdialects in specific rural areas. Gulf Arabic, also known as Khaliji Arabic is found along the Persian Gulf and is very similar in dialect to the other local Gulf Arabic dialects that are common in other countries.
As for languages that are most spoken by those who have immigrated to the area, they are based upon the country of origin and can vary in some locations. There are a few different areas of population from specific countries including Philippines, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Egypt. As they form pockets of residents locally, they will speak their home language comfortably, and many will also learn English or Arabic to ease their communication with others.
As there is such a large area with people speaking relatively the same language, as often occurs there are many forms of slang, or short cuts to words, added meanings, and other adaptations which other may not understand even if they are both speaking the same root language. This is a common occurrence everywhere but can be easily seen in the Middle East as they mingle together and there are so many different dialects of Arabic. When you are around people long enough though, you will also pick up their slang and the extra meanings that are assigned to words, both written and spoken.
Which Language to Learn Before a Trip to Saudi Arabia
If you are travelling to Saudi Arabia, it is necessary to speak at least the basics of one of the official languages. The two main official languages are Modern Standard Arabic and English. Both are taught in schools and used in business and homes, with Modern Standard Arabic being the choice among most media outlets.
With a working knowledge or comfort with English you will be able to navigate all tourist areas, communicate at most hotels and stores, and can order food at most restaurants. Learning Arabic will expand your ability to have relaxed conversations and ensure that you are able to speak to the majority of people that you come in contact with. You will also be able to read signs and menus, read newspapers and magazines, and will be able to listen to the news while you are there.
While these are the best languages to learn before going to Saudi Arabia whether for work or rest, there are many different dialects of Arabic to choose from and this may depend on what areas of the country you will be going. If you are able to learn the local dialect, North, Western, or others, then you will be better able to communicate with those who will be in the area that you are staying, providing a more fulfilling experience.
Best Ways to Learn the Languages of Saudi Arabia
There are several ways to learn a new language, and as each person learns differently it may take a few tries to find a method that works best for you. In person classes, online classes, phone or tablet apps, books, audiobooks, and workbooks are all available as ways to learn a new language. If it is difficult to find a class near you there may be some online that can be accessed from anywhere.
Practicing is also important, and many will find great benefit if they are able to find someone e who speaks the language that they are able to have conversations with. This assists in learning the local dialects and the correct accents on words. Conversing with someone who is familiar with the language is key to the flow of sentences and relaxed speaking, including slang, that will make it easier to have easily flowing conversations upon arrival in the country. This is even more beneficial for those who will be traveling for work purposes as they will be less likely to offend someone by selecting the wrong word or phrase.
Apps can often provide feedback that is useful on pronunciation rather than just reading or writing. This is a great way to ensure that you are saying words correctly and will be able to communicate effectively. When conversation in person or online is not possible, then listening to the way that the words are sounded out and repeating them for feedback is the next best method. It is important to find ways to hear the words in order to get pronunciation correctly, so a mix of audiobooks and apps may work best for some people.
Some may find that they pick up language from watching television shows in that language and reading the captions. This provides a guide for how to pronounce the words by native speakers as well as the translation to determine what the meaning of the words are. This can be a low pressure way to learn a language, though it will not provide any feedback on how you are saying the words or how you are building sentences. Most languages are not fully translatable so the nuance may be missed by using tv shows and movies.
It is most likely that for a majority of people using more than one method will have the best results. Choosing one method that offers reading and writing, a method that allows you to hear the words, and a tool that assists in correcting your pronunciation is a great combination to learn a new language quickly.
There are many languages of Saudi Arabia, but some are much more prevalent than others. Before traveling to the area for either business or relaxation it is best to know at least one of the main languages that is spoken in airports, restaurants, hotels, and workplaces. The main two languages which can be used throughout the country are Modern Standard Arabic and English, allowing for many to travel easily and speak English, while requiring others to learn one of the two languages. It is most common to see written signs and communications in Arabic, as well as radio and news programs, while many of the students are taught English in school and this makes it easy to speak to a large portion of the population but will limit written words.
