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. Can I communicate here in English? Perhaps knowledge of the Russian language alone is sufficient?
The official language in Tunisia
So, you are going to Tunisia. What language is in the country? The state is officially recognized as Arabic. Naturally, it will be quite difficult for a Russian tourist to learn it a few weeks before the trip. However, learning the most common phrases is still useful. This skill is especially useful when communicating with merchants, who, with knowledge and understanding of the keywords of Arabic speech, can get a small but pleasant discount.
Speaking about the language spoken in Tunisia, it is worth noting that literary works are published in literary Arabic, all television programs are broadcast, and radio broadcasting also works. In addition, it provides training for children in local schools and universities, laws are enacted.
Natives of literary Arabic from Tunisia can easily understand a resident of another Arab state, but tribal dialects of such people may have problems.
Berber dialects
Now it’s clear what language is Tunisian state. But besides Arabic, the population here also uses the Berber tribal dialects. However, they are spoken by a smaller part of the population. Mostly, such a speech can be heard in the remote southeastern regions of the country.
The main Berber dialect is Daria. The language represented is characterized by borrowing a whole mass of words from French and Spanish. This dialect is used mainly by rural residents and only in colloquial speech. In writing, the population relies on literary Arabic.
French in Tunisia
And what language is spoken in Tunisia besides Arabic? Until 1957, the country was under a French protectorate. This language was introduced everywhere, in particular, through government and educational institutions. Thus, during the period of the country's colonization, state institutions became the main tool in the spread of the French language in Tunisia. With the status of an independent country, the state began to switch to using Arabic. Although in management structures, the system remained bilingual.
At one time, the Tunisian authorities had to work hard to restore the high status of the state to the Arabic language. In particular, resolutions were adopted that forced the use of this language for teaching in educational institutions.
It is worth noting that the French language to this day remains the second in the country. It is studied by schoolchildren. Therefore, in a normal conversation, any person can easily switch to it. Thus, tourists who speak French will have absolutely no problems traveling to the country described.
What language is spoken in Tunisia in tourist areas?
As we have already found out, the country has two languages - Arabic and French. But what language in Tunisia can be heard in areas designed to accommodate tourists? Interestingly, hotel staff, numerous waiters in cafes and restaurants, as well as merchants nearby hotels are real polyglot. Some of them speak not only English, but they also know German and Spanish.
The significant influx of holidaymakers from Eastern European countries, which has been observed in Tunisia in recent years, has led to the fact that attendants in tourist areas have begun to actively study Russian. Therefore, when traveling to a resort, a domestic traveler will not have to worry about the fact that he will not be understood.
