Manama - 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?
Arabic, none really. The Arabs will think it's cute if you try to speak Arabic, so it may help in making friends - but most, even those with a bad education can speak some English. All the wait staff at restaurants and hotels are Indians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and other third country nationals that don't speak Arabic. Even the Bahrainis must communicate with them in English, so you'll be fine speaking English and never learning Arabic. There are local classes available, but some of them can be rather pricey. The embassy offers classes, but they are centered around more formal conversations and less relevant to day-to-day life. - Apr 2017
English is everywhere. - Sep 2016
None- everyone speaks english mostly. - Nov 2015
None. Everyone speaks English. - Aug 2014
None. Post language program offers Arabic lessons to those who are interested. - Sep 2012
Absolutely none. English is the common language here. In fact, if you TRY to use Arabic, 7 times out of 10 you'll get blank stares since most of the working population are expats! - Apr 2010
I get by fine with no Arabic. Everyone speaks English. - Jun 2009
None, English is widely spoken - the country got its independance from Britain in 1972. - Dec 2008
NONE - Aug 2008
