Languages spoken in Israel
The population of Israel is a culturally and linguistically diverse society. There are over 32 languages and dialects spoken in Israel by the local communities.
Official Languages
Currently, Israel has two official languages: Hebrew and Arabic. The Hebrew language became extinct for centuries but was revived in the late 19th century by Jewish Zionist Immigrants. Lately, several regulations and language policies have been adopted to give the Hebrew language the prime status among the languages and dialects of Israel. Now, Hebrew is the official language used in government announcements, court sessions, schools and universities. Arabic, along with Hebrew is the other official language of Israel. Arabic is extensively spoken by Arab citizens, Israeli Druze, and also by Yemenite and Mizrahi Jews. The government of Israel was always reluctant to use Arabic but the Supreme Court ruling in November 2000 made the language to be extensively used just as the Hebrew language. Arabic is now taught as a mandatory subject even in Hebrew speaking schools.
English
In practice the use of the English language decreased dramatically after Israel gained independence from British Mandate rule. Today, the English language is used for foreign exchange and international relations because of its world wide acceptance. English is also used as a second language in learning institutions, for both Arabic and Hebrew speaking students. In spite of long relations with Britain, written English in Israel uses American grammar and spelling. English language is not used in the Knesset debate and judiciary system. It’s a semi-official language in Israel.
Other Non- Official Languages
Due to the huge influx of immigrants from the former Soviet Union and Ethiopia, several languages and dialects have been introduced in Israel. Big bulks of these immigrants speak their native languages. Some of the main non-official languages spoken after English include:
Russian
It’s the second most widely spoken non- official language after English. Around 20% of Israelis speak Russian fluently, due to the influence of immigrants from the USSR. The Russian language is semi-official in some areas and the authorities of Israel and businesses frequently provide information in the Russian language.
Romanian
This language was introduced to Israel by the Romanian immigrants. It is estimated that there are more than a half a million Romanian-speakers in Israel.
Yiddish
Yiddish is a Germanic language and is the second most widely spoken Jewish language. It is the language of the Ashkenazi Jews. However, the use of Yiddish language has been on the decline due the ban introduced during Israeli’s early statehood.
German
The language was primarily used during the mandate period and also during the early statehood. The language is still spoken by hundreds of Israelis.
Amharic
Amharic language is spoken by Ethiopian Jews. Ethiopian immigrants arrived in Israel in 1984 and in 1990. Amharic is frequently used in publications and announcements by the Israeli government.
Ladino
It’s the third most widely spoken Jewish language. Ladino is a language heavily borrowed from medieval Spanish and Hebrew. The main speakers of Ladino are Sephardi Jews. The state of Israel has established several initiatives to preserve Ladino culture.
Polish
Polish is spoken by immigrants from Poland. Its common in workers’ settlements created in the 1940s.
Spanish
This language is spoken by immigrants from Spain and other Spanish speaking countries. Spanish is only taught in learning institutions as a foreign language.
French
French is spoken by Maghrebi Jews and immigrants from France and other French speaking countries. For a long time the French language has been used as the diplomatic language of the state of Israel. The French language is still taught in many learning institutions.
Other languages spoken and used in the state of Israel include Italian, Persian, Chinese, Thai, Marathi, Bukhori, Ukrainian, Syriac, Kayla, Qwara and Israeli sign languages.
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