The AFC Asian Cup 2023 is about to get underway.
The tournament — which runs from January 12th to February 10th — will bring together the continent's best sides, to do battle for the coveted trophy.
The action has been delayed to early 2024 due to the high summer temperatures in the host nation, and also Qatar's participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup 2023.
Fans will still flock to the tournament once it begins, but what language will they converse in with the locals?
MORE: Read everything you need to know about the AFC Asian Cup
What language do they speak in Qatar — is English used in Asian Cup host nation?
The 2022 FIFA World Cup was a historic moment for the Arab world, as Qatar became the first country from the region to host the tournament, as well as only the second time the tournament has been staged in Asia.
The decision to take the global football showpiece to the Middle East saw the event pushed back to November and December, due to the hot weather in Qatar. But the soaring temperatures were not the only logistical challenge that faced fans.
For those supporters travelling from outside of the Arab world, there was also a language challenge to consider.
What language do they speak in Qatar?
As a Middle Eastern country, Arabic is the official language of Qatar and is spoken most by locals.
Qataris speak their own distinct Arabic dialect, commonly also heard in nearby Gulf countries like Kuwait, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.
Arabic is the sixth-most spoken language in the world, with over 360 million native speakers.
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Do they speak English in Qatar?
While Arabic is Qatar's official language, many people in the country also speak English. In fact, English is seen as the second language and is embraced as a way to connect the country to the broader Western world.
Most children in Qatar are taught some English growing up, with the language now used predominantly in state schools.
Qatar is also home to many expats, who often arrive in the country only knowing how to speak English fluently.
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Key Arabic words and phrases for Asian Cup fans in Qatar
While visiting football fans should be able to get around in Qatar with just English, learning a bit of Arabic will not hurt, and will also be seen as a sign of respect by the locals.
Below are a few Arabic phrases that may come in handy for visiting Asian Cup fans:
- Hala = Hello; Hi
- Sabah al khair = Good morning
- Naam = Yes
- Laa = No
- Wain…? = Where is..?
- Abee musa'ada = I need help
- Min fadhlik (for male)/ Min fadhlch (for female) = Please
- Shukran (jazeelan) = Thank you (very much)
- Ana asif = I'm sorry
- Ib kam = How much is this?
- Mabrouk! = Congratulations!
- Mataar = Airport
- Mustashfa = Hospital
- Funduq = Hotel
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