Language for Lebanon


"What language will you need when travelling in Lebanon?" you’re probably asking yourself. Short answer is that the Lebanese people are extremely accommodating in breaking the linguistic barrier, much more so than in many countries in the world, so a few words in English, maybe a word of French or Arabic and some hand gestures will mean you can communicate with most people.


What language do they speak in Lebanon?

The official language of Lebanon is Arabic. French is also an officially recognised language and is spoken by roughly 20% of the population.


What kind of Arabic do they speak in Lebanon?

Believe it or not they speak Lebanese Arabic, which is a variant of Levantine Arabic.

Lebanon is in a unique situation, in that despite being in the Middle East with a predominately Arab population, they are linguistically quite diverse. With so many families speaking French and English, it is becoming increasingly common for parents to speak to their children in these European languages, hoping it will give them the advantage in higher education and in finding employment abroad. Teachers are reporting that when they ask their students questions in Arabic, the students are responding in French or English.

Modern standard Arabic is used in publications but speaking it will usually mean you’ll fall on deaf ears.


French in Lebanon

At least 70% of the Lebanese population knows some amount of French with at least 30% of people being fluent. With that being said, there is a general move towards English like most of the world, as it is generally considered more useful.


English in Lebanon

English is also widely spoken and roughly 30% of the population are fluent in it. On top of this many people, especially younger generations, will know at least a small amount to help you get by. This makes Lebanon a relatively easy country to travel in linguistically.





Example Tours

Middle East Extravanganza Tour
This is our take on the three wonderful countries of Iran, Lebanon and Syria. From Roman ruins, to breath-taking nature, from vibrant cities to destruction and heart break, and everything in between.

May 11, 2025
28 days
US$3995.00
Middle East Extravanganza Tour
Paris of the East Day Tour
Architecture, urbex, a Mediterranean breeze and mountain views, spend the day exploring this unique city with us.

May 25, 2025
1 day
US$30.00
Paris of the East Day Tour
Unique Lebanon
Whatever you want from Lebanon, you'll find it on this tour. Whether it's culture, history, politics, something weird or even some nice wine.

May 26, 2025
4 days
US$695.00
Unique Lebanon
Summer in the Levant Budget Tour
The best of the Levant, in 8 fun-filled days, going to some of the least visited parts of Lebanon, followed by the must-sees of Syria.

May 26, 2025
8 days
US$1490.00
Summer in the Levant Budget Tour
Summer in the Levant
Syria and Lebanon are two countries rife with turmoil, but this doesn't stop them from being wonderful travel destinations, and if you want a fascinating holiday, this is the trip for you.

May 26, 2025
13 days
US$2290.00
Summer in the Levant
Middle East Extravanganza Tour
Three countries with so much in common, and yet so much variety, Iran, Lebanon and Syria certainly all have a story to tell.

May 13, 2024
28 days
US$3995.00
Middle East Extravanganza Tour
Completed
Paris of the East Day Tour
The heart of this wonderful country, Beirut is a city you could spend weeks exploring - but here's our day worth of highlights.

May 27, 2024
1 day
US$30.00
Paris of the East Day Tour
Completed
Unique Lebanon
Named Unique Lebanon for a reason, this tour shows you a very different side to this fascinating country.

May 28, 2024
4 days
US$695.00
Unique Lebanon
Completed
Summer in the Levant Budget Tour
The best of the Levant, in 8 fun-filled days, going to some of the least visited parts of Lebanon, followed by the must-sees of Syria.

May 28, 2024
8 days
US$1490.00
Summer in the Levant Budget Tour
Completed
Summer in the Levant
Syria and Lebanon are two countries rife with turmoil, but this doesn't stop them from being wonderful travel destinations, and if you want a fascinating holiday, this is the trip for you.

May 28, 2024
13 days
US$2290.00
Summer in the Levant
Completed

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