During the French Mandate (1918–1942), French became the dominant language of education and governance in Lebanon and was compulsory in school. Since the end of the Mandate, the primary language once again became Arabic.
The official written language used in newspapers, schools and official documents is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which differs significantly from spoken Arabic. The Levantine dialect is spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and by Palestinians.
Nowadays, French and English are both widely spoken due to cultural influence and the Lebanese education system. If you have no sense of Arabic, French and English is often understood in Beirut and most tourist places. In other areas, some knowledge of Arabic is most welcome.
Nowadays, French and English are both widely spoken due to cultural influence and the Lebanese education system. If you have no sense of Arabic, French and English is often understood in Beirut and most tourist places. In other areas, some knowledge of Arabic is most welcome.
Check Arabic language courses offered in Lebanon at this link.