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Index / Languages
  Lebanon /
Languages
Arabic is the dominant language, here represented with the North Levantine dialect, which also is the dominant one of Syria. There are several named sub-dialects to it in Lebanon: North Lebanese; South Lebanese (Shi'i, Metuali); North-Central Lebanese, also called Mount Lebanon Arabic; South-Central Lebanese, also called Druze Arabic; Standard Lebanese; Beqaa; Sunni Beiruti; Saida Sunni; Iqlim al-Kharrub Sunni; and Jdaideh Arabic. All sub-dialects are easily understood.
Armenian is the language of Armenians, who came to Lebanon especially in the beginning of the 20th century.
The presence of Aramaic here is derived from Ethnologue, but detailed information, like where the Aramaic speakers live, is not available. Hence, this part of information about languages in Lebanon should be judged with care.
After the French period of the French mandate in the 20th century, there are still people using French as their first language, but this group is dominated by older people.
English has emerged as the preferred foreign language in Lebanon, the group speaking English as first language are largely foreigners living in Lebanon.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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