Khartoum - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A fair amount of people speak some English, but knowing a little Arabic is extremely helpful. The embassy employs a language instructor and you are free to sign up for classes. - Feb 2018
You can get by with English, but learn a few words of Arabic. It is greatly appreciated and you won't feel as frustrated when trying to communicate with the locals. The embassy has an instructor at the embassy (very good and highly recommended) and also offers evening lessons with a different instructor at the villa compound. - May 2017
Very little. All the Sudanese you're likely to encounter speak very good English. Other diplomats speak English. Security restrictions make it difficult to get out and about, so the likelihood of meeting locals that don't speak English are low. - Nov 2016
Non-diplomats need a fair amount of Arabic for daily living. Local classes and tutors are available and affordable. - Oct 2016
Most Sudanese know very limited English. You can get around easily enough without Arabic. - Mar 2016
The more Arabic you speak, the easier a time you are likely to have here. However, most restaurants and other places that you are likely to visit have at least some staff who speak English. - Jun 2015
You should know some Arabic, but most Sudanese speak very basic English so you can get along okay in most places. - Mar 2015
Minimal, most people speak English but learning how to say "hello," "how are you," "please," and "thank you" go a long way. - Apr 2014
You can get by without Arabic. - Jun 2011
You can get by without Arabic, but you will have a much richer experience if you have it. - Apr 2010
A little Arabic always helps. - May 2009
Numbers for haggling with street vendors and taxi drivers; directions for taxis. - Sep 2008
