What is the main language spoken in Tunisia?
Arabic is the official language of Tunisia. French is widely spoken by the population due to colonial heritage. Berber (Tamazight) is also present in certain regions.
Official and common languages
Arabic is the official language of the country. Most Tunisians speak Tunisian dialectal Arabic (derja) in their daily lives, which is different from literary Arabic used in administration and media.
French holds a predominant place in Tunisia. A legacy of the protectorate period (1881-1956), it remains very present in education, business and administration. A large part of the population speaks it fluently.
Other languages present
- Berber (tamazight): spoken by Berber communities, particularly in southern Tunisia
- English: increasingly taught and used in the tourism sector
- Italian: present on the east coast due to geographical proximity
For the traveler
French greatly facilitates exchanges with Tunisians. In tourist areas, English is often understood. A few words of Tunisian dialect are always appreciated by locals.