The importance of local language in Saudi Arabia

Last activity 31 May 2023 by 0scorpion0

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CherylModerator24 May 2023 07:32:27

12354

Hey everyone,

As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We’re curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Saudi Arabia.

Here are some questions to get started:

What is the local language spoken in Saudi Arabia? Did you learn and use it? How difficult was it to learn?

Are there any resources or services available to help expats learn the local language? What are your tips?

What is the dominant language in the business environment? Have you had to conduct business meetings in the local language?

How does language proficiency contribute to understanding the local culture? Are there any specific cultural nuances or expressions that expats should be aware of?

How important is the local language for daily tasks such as shopping, transport, health and other services in Saudi Arabia?

Let's share tips and advice on how to improve language skills and integrate into a new environment.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

Yasmin AlazemMember24 May 2023 09:53:17

I lived in saudi for 20 years.

I can tell you english is more spoken than arabic there.

Anywhere you go , you will find that everyone speaks perfect english.

all the restaurants, shops, malls, hospitals, travel agencies, salons, offices, and etc..

are all in english.

CherylModerator24 May 2023 10:53:00

12354

Hey Yasmin Alazem,

Thank you for your response.

Do you believe that it varies depending on the region where you reside, or is it a common situation throughout Saudi Arabia?

Cheers,

Cheryl

ph9966483670New member24 May 2023 11:13:48

In business are mostly use english and the expats more from asia countries speak Hindi. For any local and general Arab speak more. But mostly people respond in english.

dataserveContributor24 May 2023 11:30:50

180

It's very important to know Arabic, at least some basic arabic from my personal experience as I am working with almost all nationalities since 20 years.

Charles C. MiltonNew member24 May 2023 12:45:17

Understanding the local language is crucial when obtaining a driving license in Saudi Arabia. Knowledge of Arabic enables expatriates to comprehend road signs, communicate with traffic authorities, and navigate local driving regulations, ultimately facilitating the process of acquiring a valid license in KSA.

BhavnaTeam24 May 2023 16:17:55

40223

Hello everyone.

Thank you for the feedback !

Do you recommend learning before coming to Saudi Arabia or one could find a tutor or class there and find his way ?

All the best

Bhavna

nasratwallBanned25 May 2023 18:28:05

@Yasmin Alazem

Sorry to say but I disagree with you.

Regards,

kashnetMember30 May 2023 11:35:53

@Bhavna yea better

Afaq AnwarMember30 May 2023 12:01:15

#10

Hi Everyone,

as per my opinion, in my field of construction every one is speaking local language, in that case very important to quick serve local language to control everything's.

Regards and Thanks

Afaq Anwar

0scorpion0New member31 May 2023 07:10:03

#11

Hi all,

Further to what most others stated here, fluency in Arabic isn't essential --- but one should nonetheless have a basic working knowledge of it. (Multiple factors may also affect this, including your location.)

Having been based in the province of Al-Jouf for few years now, I've observed that most residents tend to use Arabic as a first choice --- from locals to expats!

For example, when I go to the hair-dresser, a Pakistani, he'll start conversing in Arabic. Alas, my flair for languages is terrible, & I usually manage with / try to manage with English. At this point, I may blurt out something in broken Hindi, & he'll then switch to the same, after which we'll exchange a few words...

(But I'll usually just signal that I want a trim --- thank God for sign-language!)

Cheers!

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