In both the West Bank and Gaza, the predominant spoken language is Palestinian Arabic, a dialect of Standard Modern Arabic deeply rooted in Classical Arabic. Notably, the linguistic differences between the dialects of Gaza and the West Bank are relatively minor. Palestinian Arabic falls under the subgroup of Levantine Arabic, a common language spoken by Arabs in the Levant region, which includes countries such as Israel, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. The spoken language of Palestinians, Palestinian Arabic, reflects a rich linguistic heritage with ties to both classical and modern Arabic.
The Significance of Classical Arabic (Fusha)
While Palestinian Arabic is the everyday-spoken language, Classical Arabic, known as Fusha, holds official status in government affairs. It is employed in critical areas such as courts, parliamentary proceedings, administrative agencies, legal contexts, and notably, in religious scriptures like the Koran. Fusha serves as a unifying linguistic thread in the administrative agencies of the Palestinian Authority within Palestine.
Linguistic Influences: The Role of Hebrew
With the presence of around six hundred thousand Jewish settlers in Palestinian territories, Hebrew has gained prominence, particularly in economic sectors. However, only a minority of Palestinians are proficient in Hebrew. This linguistic proficiency may be attributed to employment opportunities in Israeli economic markets, including companies and factories.
English as the Second Language
Despite the prevalence of Palestinian Arabic, English holds the position of the second language in Palestine. However, the proficiency in English varies across locales. Urban centers like Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem witness a higher prevalence of English speakers, while in other areas, individuals may possess only basic English skills acquired during their school years.
Educational Embrace of English
English is a focal point in Palestinian education. It is taught in local schools from the first grade through high school. Moreover, many university curriculums, particularly in scientific disciplines such as Medicine and Engineering, are formulated and taught in English. Private institutions like the British Council and Amideast contribute to English language education in Palestine.
Embracing Linguistic Diversity
Palestine’s status as a destination for international travelers fosters the learning of various languages. Private language schools and organizations teach languages like Hebrew, Turkish, German, French, Russian, Italian, and more. This linguistic diversity reflects the cultural richness and openness to global interactions within Palestine.
