When you commute to a new country, most travelers’ first concern is their inability to communicate. Going to any country without prior research and assuming they would know the language you speak can be a significant risk! From language barriers to miscommunication, you will be met with various language issues!

To ensure a smooth trip, it’s essential to understand what languages the locals communicate in. Learning key phrases can help you navigate your trip easily. So, if you’re planning a trip to Israel, here are the most common languages spoken throughout the country.

English

If you’re a native English speaker, the chances are that you can get by without having too much trouble. British colonization pushed for English to be an official language in Israel until 1948, so you will find English influences throughout the city.

Apart from colonization, most locals, especially the younger generation, can easily communicate in English. It’s also a common language spoken in the foreign exchange and relations arena due to the need to communicate with members of different countries.

However, if you’re looking to go to older parts of Israel, especially the markets, you might struggle to find individuals who speak English fluently.

Russian

A somewhat surprising discovery for many, Russian is one of the few non-official languages that is spoken by a surprisingly high number of Israeli citizens.

With the mass immigration of Russian Jews from the USSR, the language stuck around and is spoken by nearly 20% of the population! The proficiency lies anywhere from fluent to moderate, and you can often run into someone who would be able to give you directions in Russian. Israel even has a dedicated Russian tv channel to cater to the population.

Hebrew

If you’re thinking about settling in Israel, then learning Hebrew should be a top priority. Not only is it the official language of the country, but nearly the entire population communicates in Hebrew.

The communication is not limited to social interaction. Hebrew is also used for official purposes such as government establishments, schools, and legal proceedings. You’ll even encounter Hebrew menu cards and street signs! So learning the language would be a great way to navigate the country without confusion.

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