Official language of Dominican Republic

Some English speaking expats survive without learning the language, as long as they have someone to help them with any dealings with organisations such as phone, electricity etc. However life can be difficult if no Spanish at all is spoken. In order to live in the Dominican Republic it is certainly easier if one can speak even basic Spanish and the Dominicans appreciate those expats who try and converse with them in their language. There are various on line programmes and CDs to helping with learning, and there are a few languages schools throughout the country. In addition some expats who speak Spanish will provide one to one tuition as do some Dominicans who speak English. In order to work it is necessary to be pretty fluent unless working for a foreign company with no need to communicate with Dominicans.

The daily newspapers are all in Spanish although there are a few on line newspapers who translate the news into English. Dominican television is all in Spanish with English programmes dubbed into Spanish. Cable and satellite television is available and these provide channels in English and Spanish, with Spanish subtitles for the English programmes. Several expats teach in the International Schools or the Language Institutes and some will also work in English speaking call centres. A few work in translating and interpreting.

Useful Resources

Spanish Language Schools

Santo Domingo

Dominicano-Americano