What's the language most often spoken in the Panama City, Panama area of Marbella? Can I get by if I just speak English?
Arleen Barragán
Good morning,
The main and official language in Panama City and the rest of the country of Panama is Spanish. English is spoken in most areas of Panama City (such as Marbella); however, it is difficult to find English speakers as you travel further from the city.
Greetings!
Good morning,
The main and official language in Panama City and the rest of the country of Panama is Spanish. English is spoken in most areas of Panama City (such as Marbella); however, it is difficult to find English speakers as you travel further from the city.
Greetings!
Posted May 12, 2014
Lourdes Townshend
Language Spoken in Panamá and In the City of Panamá (for example, in Marbella, a district in Panamá City)
The official language in Panamá is Spanish. That doesn´t mean that an English-speaking visitor will get frustrated, especially if that visitor has an open mind, and is willing to learn new things.
Of course, all public signs and documents will be in Spanish, but as far as day-to-day conversations, most...
Of course, all public signs and documents will be in Spanish, but as far as day-to-day conversations, most...
Language Spoken in Panamá and In the City of Panamá (for example, in Marbella, a district in Panamá City)
The official language in Panamá is Spanish. That doesn´t mean that an English-speaking visitor will get frustrated, especially if that visitor has an open mind, and is willing to learn new things.
Of course, all public signs and documents will be in Spanish, but as far as day-to-day conversations, most professionals are able to speak at least one second language. Many of them choose to speak English.
Panamanians seek secondary educational opportunities, and a great deal of them go abroad to complete their careers, mainly in Europe or the United States, and when they return, they do so with the most advanced technological proficiencies, including perfect English.
This is all not to mention that Panamá offers bilingual education from K through 12. So, when a high school graduate graduates from 12th grade, they already speak a second language. The most popular second languages taught in school are English, Chinese and Italian, among others. Also, hundreds of private English-speaking foreign schools are represented in Panamá, as well as in Panamanian universities.
On the other hand, Panamanians are very accommodating, and will go above and beyond their way to please or assist a visitor. They will help them in any way they can, sometimes, even if the Panamanian doesn’t speak a world of English.
At upper class hotels, restaurants, law offices or similar places, almost everybody speaks English. Others make a great effort. Now, more than ever, the educational board is extremely interested in teaching other languages, as Panamá has been designated by international organizations as a top destination for business and tourism.
It is not a bad idea to bring a good Spanish/English dictionary on your trip, and make a sincere effort to learn the basics to be able to understand the language, the same as people do when they visit the United States or Europe.
Also, expats are doing a great job volunteering their time with underprivileged children, and participating in all kinds of cultural events, most of them for the benefit of local foundations.
Finally, the answer is YES, you will get along very well if you only speak English, especially in the city of Panamá, Marbella included. Probably in the "interior" (or country / beaches area), it will be a little more difficult, but usually you will get along fine. It can be a whole new experience for people who want to enjoy a bicultural life.
Of course, all public signs and documents will be in Spanish, but as far as day-to-day conversations, most professionals are able to speak at least one second language. Many of them choose to speak English.
Panamanians seek secondary educational opportunities, and a great deal of them go abroad to complete their careers, mainly in Europe or the United States, and when they return, they do so with the most advanced technological proficiencies, including perfect English.
This is all not to mention that Panamá offers bilingual education from K through 12. So, when a high school graduate graduates from 12th grade, they already speak a second language. The most popular second languages taught in school are English, Chinese and Italian, among others. Also, hundreds of private English-speaking foreign schools are represented in Panamá, as well as in Panamanian universities.
On the other hand, Panamanians are very accommodating, and will go above and beyond their way to please or assist a visitor. They will help them in any way they can, sometimes, even if the Panamanian doesn’t speak a world of English.
At upper class hotels, restaurants, law offices or similar places, almost everybody speaks English. Others make a great effort. Now, more than ever, the educational board is extremely interested in teaching other languages, as Panamá has been designated by international organizations as a top destination for business and tourism.
It is not a bad idea to bring a good Spanish/English dictionary on your trip, and make a sincere effort to learn the basics to be able to understand the language, the same as people do when they visit the United States or Europe.
Also, expats are doing a great job volunteering their time with underprivileged children, and participating in all kinds of cultural events, most of them for the benefit of local foundations.
Finally, the answer is YES, you will get along very well if you only speak English, especially in the city of Panamá, Marbella included. Probably in the "interior" (or country / beaches area), it will be a little more difficult, but usually you will get along fine. It can be a whole new experience for people who want to enjoy a bicultural life.
Posted May 12, 2014