If you are traveling to Jordan for the first time, you must get worried about the language barrier. Do people speak English in Jordan? Yes, they do.
Most times, you will be fine by just speaking English. Yet there are several factors to consider. Let us discuss them.
Do People Speak English In Jordan? – 9 Important Factors
It is important to note that Jordan is a bilingual country. Arabic is the official language, and English is widely spoken as a second language.
However, the level of English proficiency can vary greatly from person to person.
Some Jordanians can converse in English without difficulties. Others may only be able to understand basic phrases.
So, when it comes to speaking English in Jordan, it depends on who you are talking to.
If you speak to someone fluent in English, you will likely have no problem communicating.
While speaking to someone with limited English skills, use some simple phrases and sentences.
In general, though, most people in Jordan will be able to understand and speak at least some English.
So, if you are planning a trip to Jordan, there is no need to worry about being unable to communicate with the locals!
1. How Widely Spoken Is English In Jordan?
The number of people who speak English in Jordan is low compared to other countries in the region.
Many Jordanians need the opportunity to practice their English skills daily.
Additionally, some Jordanians feel more comfortable using their native language, Arabic.
Despite these challenges, English is still widely used throughout the country. That is because it is the language of instruction in many schools and universities.
As a result of these factors, English gets used extensively in Jordan.
It is also commonly used in business and government. In addition, English is often used as a lingua franca.
2. What Percentage Of Jordanians Speak English?
Although many Jordanians are proficient in English, only some speak the language.
Jordan has ranked 4th in the Arab region and 63rd worldwide in the English Proficiency Index.
According to a recent survey, only about 35% of Jordanians claim to be able to speak English.
This number is relatively low when compared to other countries in the region.
Even though not everyone in Jordan speaks English, it is still widely used. That is because English is the language of instruction in many schools.
3. Languages Spoken In Jordan:
The official language of Jordan is Arabic. However, English is also widely spoken throughout the country.
As a result, most Jordanians can communicate in English, even if they are not fluent.
In addition to Arabic, English is the most commonly spoken language in Jordan. However, some people also speak French and German in the country.
Other languages spoken in Jordan are French, German, and Italian.
Several dialects get spoken throughout the country, such as Bedouin Arabic and Circassian.
Jordan is very welcoming, so you should not have trouble communicating.
Learning some basic Arabic phrases is wise if you are planning to visit Jordan. That will help you to communicate with locals and make your trip more enjoyable.
However, it would help if you did not worry about not being able to speak English. In most cases, you will be able to get by just fine.
4. Use Of English In The Education System:
One of the main reasons that English is so widely spoken in Jordan is that it gets used in the education system.
Students learn English as a second language, starting from elementary school.
That means that by the time they finish high school, most students have a good level of English.
As a result, even if they don’t use it daily, they can still converse in English.
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend. Most parents send their children to private schools that teach English.
These schools are becoming more and more popular. They prepare students for university and work in an increasingly globalized economy.
5. Traveling Has Made English Famous:
Many natives from Jordan have traveled around the world. And when they come back home, they often share their experiences with friends and family.
That has made English famous in Jordan. Hence, people get interested in learning the language.
Most learn English, so it is easy to travel abroad. That way, they can communicate with people from different countries.
That is another reason why most people in Jordan can speak English
6. Importance Of English In The Business World:
Another reason English is so important in Jordan is that it is the language of business.
Many multinational companies have a presence in Jordan. English is the common language used in the workplace.
Most employees are not required to use English daily. They still need to be able to understand and communicate in the language.
English is mostly used for meetings, reports, and other work-related tasks.
So, while English may not be the first language spoken at home or on the street, Jordanians need to know.
English is still used mostly in the business world. For that reason, English is widely spoken in Jordan, especially in the bigger cities.
7. Historical Impact Of English In Jordan:
The English language first came to Jordan in the early 19th century during Ottoman rule.
At that time, English was mainly seen as a valuable tool for business and commerce.
Hence it quickly became a popular second language among Jordan’s educated elite.
English became even more widely used during the British Mandate period (1918-1946). That was mainly because it was the language of the ruling authorities.
After Jordan gained independence in 1946, Arabic became the official language. English continued to be widely used in business and other areas of society.
Today, English is the language of business in Jordan. Plus, it is the language of instruction in schools and universities.
8. Globalization Is An Important Factor:
Globalization has had a major impact on the use of English in Jordan.
In recent years, there has been an increase in Jordanians learning and using English in their daily lives.
That is due to the increasing globalization of business and trade.
That makes English an essential skill for anyone looking to succeed in these fields.
In addition, the rise of social media and the internet has also made English more important.
That is because popular websites and platforms are only available in this language.
Especially among the youth, English is the language used in media. They watch Hollywood movies and shows that give them exposure to English.
This is the main reason why English is becoming famous worldwide.
9. Tourism Industry Is Thriving:
The tourism industry is one of the most important industries in Jordan. It is one of the country’s main income sources.
Tourism businesses need to be able to communicate with their customers in English.
There are many reasons why tourists choose to visit Jordan. The country has a rich history and culture, beautiful scenery, and friendly people.
Additionally, Jordan is a safe place to visit. That is another big reason why it is such a popular tourist destination.
Most tourists are from English-speaking countries. So, businesses in Jordan need to be able to communicate with them in their native language.
That said, there are still some areas where English is less commonly spoken than others. That is usually in more rural parts of the country.
However, even in these areas, you should be able to find someone who speaks English if you need help.
Communicating in English should be fine when visiting Jordan.
However, it is always helpful to learn some basic phrases in Arabic before you go.
That will show locals that you show interest in their culture and make your trip more enjoyable.
Can You Visit Jordan By Speaking English Only?
Yes, you can visit Jordan by speaking English only. Some linguistic factors can affect communication.
For the most part, most people in Jordan speak at least some English.
That means that you can get by during your visit without speaking Arabic.
However, it is always polite to try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
Additionally, learning more Arabic if your visit is longer would be beneficial.
Can You Live In Jordan By Only Speaking English?
Yes, you can live in Jordan by speaking English only. As discussed before, most people in Jordan speak at least some English.
That means that you can get by during your stay without speaking Arabic.
However, it is always polite to try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language. That way, you would be able to settle in the community.
Conclusion:
To conclude, do people speak English in Jordan? Th answer is yes. Though, for the most part, it depends on where you are.
That means that visitors should be able to get by without speaking Arabic.
However, it is always polite to try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
If you plan to stay in Jordan for an extended period, it would be beneficial to learn more Arabic.
FAQs
Q1. Do I Need To Know Arabic To Get By In Jordan?
No, you need not know Arabic to get by in Jordan. However, it is always polite to try to learn a few basic phrases in the local language.
If you plan to stay in Jordan for an extended period, it would be beneficial to learn more Arabic.
That will help you navigate daily life and build a deeper relationship in the community.
Q2. How Can I Improve My Chances Of Speaking English In Jordan?
You can do a few things to improve your chances of speaking English in Jordan.
Do some research before you go. Find out which areas of the country are more likely to have English speakers.
Make an effort to learn some basic Arabic phrases. That will show locals that you take an interest in their culture.
Also that you are willing to make an effort to communicate with them
Seek out opportunities to practice your English. Many language exchange meetups and classes are available in major cities like Amman.
Q3. What Cities In Jordan Have Most English Speakers?
There is no one answer to this question, as English usage varies throughout Jordan.
Some cities with the highest number of English speakers are Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa.
You will likely find many people who can speak English fluently in these cities.
Additionally, language exchange groups and meetups are often happening in these cities. That provides great opportunities to practice your English skills.
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