Thread: The Panamian Language?

Is there a thing as such or they just use Spanish Language? I am a little bit aware of Spanish terms but can't really speak the language fluently. I think I can speak the English langauge there too. Do they speak any other languages?

Most of the Panamanian people are bilingual. Spanish is the national or official language of Panama with 87% to 88% literacy rate. While english is considered the second language. Some people can also speak different dialects like Eastern Yiddish, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, Arabic and many others.

That's very cool to know that they do know a lot of languages than speaking only spanish. Maybe their dialects or language improved when they are visited by a lot of foreigners taking a vacation on their place. Hope I could learn those languages too, it's very helpful.

The Panamanians are basically just like the filipinos. Most filipinos are bilingual and some know different local dialects too. Same thing with the Panamanian people. They speak their language (Spanish) fluently and they are also competitive speakers of the American language. This is probably one of the reasons why investing in this country has flourished overtime.

I think it is important for every country out there to be able to learn an International language. It is for their progress because communicating with investors would be easy.

I agree to that. They should not forget to speak their own language even if they learn new ones as it is their birthright. Communication works great in every transaction they involve especially when it comes to businesses.

How many people speak English? I mean, what percentage of the population?

I'm sure the tourist areas will have more English speaking people, and businesses will of course cater to English speakers in tourist areas.

Rule #1 of a Spanish-speaking country = Speak Spanish. Of course you will find those that are bilingual, but it's never a certainty, and if you are a native English speaker, then Spanish will be a snap to pick up. It is easier grammatically, and is both spelled and read phoenetically--unlike English, French, and German. You only need to learn a couple of accents and the ~, you're home free! When I go to temple in P.C., I expect to hear Hebrew, English and Spanish; when I go to the market, I expect to speak Spanish--I do not expect my butcher to speak English; when I'm @ home I expect to answer my phone in English--but speak Spanish after that! Many ppl will want to practice speaking English with you, but will be grateful if you speak Spanish. Know your numbers and how to pronounce things, food and colors as well...If you plan to live there, you should speak the language, right? Isn't that what millions of Americans, immigrants and otherwise have been saying for 400 years?

Cheers.

I agree with Lalaguayaba. It isn't that hard to learn Spanish. If you know Spanish you will get better deals in Panama, because English areas are driven towards tourists and such.

Nice to know English is widely spoken there, it makes my life easy if I travel there and communicate with the people.

hiya,

I'm considering a move to Panama within the next 6-8 month.
Of course, the business will be dealt within english areas/customers, etc. but I'd like to get spanish language skills as well. I'm austrian, therefor I speak austrian (german :-) ), I try to speak a good english.
Recently, I've downloaded some of these spanish audio tapes and I'm willing to store it onto my mp3 player this weekend. I'm working here in Dublin in an international company where we've some native spanish speakers as well. I'm considering to spend a bit of money and ask one of these guys to show me some tricks and ways to learn easily spanish.

By the way, in Ireland not many people speaks Gaelic, which is the national language. I haven't ever heard any word of Gaelic, even Ireland TV is in english and most of the citicen (irish as well) considering not to let their kids study gaelic in school, because they don't need it. In someways, this is sad to let the own language get died.

Cheers,
Stefan

Originally Posted by nuaeman

Nice to know English is widely spoken there, it makes my life easy if I travel there and communicate with the people.

English is not widely spoken in Panama; just in Panama City and the other big cities (which are not big by U.S./Asian/European standards.) If you do any traveling outside the cities, which I hope you will, either learn some Spanish, or take a guide.

Cheers.