If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, you might be wondering what language is spoken there. While the official language of Croatia is Croatian, you’ll find that many people also speak English, especially in tourist areas. So don’t worry about not being able to communicate with locals – you’ll be able to get by just fine!
What other languages are spoken in Croatia?
Aside from Croatian, which is the official language of Croatia, there are a number of other languages spoken in the country. These include Serbian, Bosnian, Hungarian, and Slovenian. You will also find that a significant number of people in Croatia also speak English, German, and Italian.
The history of the Croatian language
The Croatian language is a Slavic language that is spoken by Croats, primarily in Croatia. It is also spoken by Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as by minorities in other countries, such as Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, and Slovenia.
The Croatian language has roots in the Proto-Slavic language, which was spoken during the Migration Period by Slavic tribes that settled in the Balkans. The first written records of the Croatian language date back to the 9th century AD. By the end of the 10th century, Croatian had evolved into a distinct language from other Slavic languages. In the 12th century, the first Croatian kingdom emerged, and Croatian became the official language of the Kingdom of Croatia-Dalmatia.
During the Ottoman Empire rule over Croatia from the 15th to 19th centuries, many Croats converted to Islam and spoke Turkish or Arabic as their primary language. As a result, Croatian underwent significant changes and additions from these languages. However, after Croatia regained its independence in 1991, Croatian once again became the predominant language spoken throughout the country.
The importance of learning Croatian
If you’re planning a trip to Croatia, it’s important to learn at least a few phrases in Croatian. The vast majority of Croatians speak English, but being able to speak their language will definitely make your trip more enjoyable. Plus, it’s a great way to show respect for the local culture.
There are a number of reasons why learning Croatian is important. For one, it will help you communicate with locals more effectively. You’ll be able to ask for directions, order food, and even make small talk with the people you meet.
In addition, speaking Croatian shows that you’re interested in the local culture and willing to make an effort to connect with the people. This can go a long way in making your trip more enjoyable and memorable.
So if you’re headed to Croatia, make sure to spend some time learning Croatian before you go. It will definitely make your trip more enjoyable and rewarding!
To wrap it up
Croatia is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. The people of Croatia are proud of their heritage and language is an important part of that. While you might not need to know this language to visit Croatia, it’s always helpful to know a few words in the local language.