I speak beg-int arabic, and am looking forward to using it as much as possible in syria this summer...
question is, how prevelant is english outside of damascus? To be honest, I'd like to immerse myself in the arabic language, so I'm wondering what others impressions are.
Thanks,
Mike
Edited by: sf_travels
There are quite a lot of people who speak English, at least in the bigger cities like Hama, Aleppo and certainly Latakia. If I have to guess (from my own experience travelling a few weeks ago) around 10 to 20% speaks fluent English, maybe around the same percentage just a bit of English.
But you will have no problem trying your Arabic. Just get out of the touristy areas, that's your best bet. And even when speaking to someone who speaks English you can always try a few words of Arabic. The people are friendly and will be delighted to help you with the language.
hi
you will have no problem in using your arabic! It all depends on you. In busier areas like the Old City in Damascus you will find lots of traders etc who speeak english but if you insist on "stumbling" in arabic they will respond and appreciate it. Outside of major tourist areas you will find little english and your arabic will serve you well.......i wish you luck and a happy time in a great, intresting and historic laden land.
Jason
PS the Syrian people are so warm, frienly and hospitable, with a little arabic you will gain entree that you never get without the language.
If you get out of the tourist areas, you'll find a lot less English speakers. In the Christian areas of Damascus and Aleppo, a lot of people can speak English (and some speak other European languages as well), so avoid these areas if you want to immerse yourself in Arabic.
I can speak and write some Arabic and I never had any problems using it in Syria. People always responded in Arabic. If you befriend some locals, you'll probably be invited to visit their family (you are a man, so you'll mostly meet the male relatives) and you'll get a good opportunity to practise. Don't refuse an invitation for a coffee or a tea. Syrians are really warm-hearted and will want to know all about you.
The first time I went to Syria, I could barely speak Arabic (only the numbers and basic greetings). I was invited by the Syrian family of my best friend and I spent a whole month in the country. After three weeks, I could understand quite a lot of things because EVERYBODY kept on talking to me even though I could not understand anything at first. It was Arabic 24/24, 7/7, and I had no opportunity to use my mother tongue or English because no-one knew another language than Arabic (my best friend was in another village with other family). It was quite frustrating the first few days but it gradually became fun as I became the one whom everyone could rely on to keep their secrets :-)))
I'm still pretty crap when it comes to using the language myself but I can now get on in any Arabic-speaking country... and like #2 said : knowing Arabic REALLY opens doors!!!
So GET OUT of the tourist areas and go to the villages, and meet locals... It's a really rewarding experience!