Language for communication

kh_hu2006 New member

Member since 20 November 2010

kh_hu2006New member20 November 2010 15:37:34

Hi,
I speak English and Arabic and i will live in Addis Ababa for 2 years. Will it be easy for me to communicate in English with Ethiopian People in the Market, Street, and Hospital.

Please tell me what is considered a second language in Addis: English or French?

Do I have to learn Amharic, please tell me NO! I don;t have time to learn a very new language.

thanks,

threk456 Guest

threk456Guest21 November 2010 02:00:37

Don't worry much for this. I have been to Addis Ababa for sometime in 2009 and travel all around Addis. most of the people understand English. the only thing you need to consider is while you speak English, speak slowly. and while listening, pay your 100% attention on person because their speaking English is not as per standard (basically use of verb, punctuation etc is just mixed and they just pick any word and put in to make sentence, still no worry you will understand) but they speak because they know every foreigner won't be able to speak Amharic. Very Friendly People.