Speaking English in Dominican Republic
To live in DR, do you have to speak fluent Spanish? Could you get by with a bilingual friend(s) assisting? Contrary to belief, there are many English speakers here, a small yet, growing population.
When having someone always present that speaks Spanish and you're still in the learning stages, it can make everything much easier, but on the other hand it could also slow your learning progress. Dominican people are social butterflies and will look to add you in the conversation, even if you weren't part of it to begin with lol. Now if your local Dominican friend is speaking Spanish for you all of the time, you can become complacent, whereas you feel no need to work on your Spanish. The local friend could do all the talking for you when attending the restaurants, or a business function, or any other type of situations that may occur. This happens a lot with couples whereas one speaks Spanish and the other doesn't at all. Or in other cases, foreigners make local friends that can translate the Spanish for them.
Awhile back, I told a friend this story of the time I was at a fast-food spot and I was ordering some fried chicken. At that time, I was just learning Spanish, and I didn't know the word for chicken breast. The cashier asked me which pieces of chicken would I like with my order. With a long lineup of waiting customers behind me, and me not having any idea how to say chicken breast in Spanish. After multiple unsuccessful attempts of trying to say chicken breast in Spanish, the cashier smiled and laughed slightly as she said “Pechuga.” After hearing that story, my friend in so many words said he would be embarrassed and felt discouraged. Me on the other hand, I saw that moment completely opposite. I smiled with the cashier; I knew she wasn't by no means looking down on me. Most of all, because of that experience I never forgot that word since that very moment. I personally preferred to learn Spanish being in situations like that, being alone with no help, sink or swim I would refer to it as. Remembering those experiences will help you remember the new words. Nobody is going to make fun of you for learning their language, in fact the locals are proud of you for taking the time to learn Spanish.
From my experience, I would not tell someone that they couldn't live in Dominican Republic without knowing Spanish. I also would strongly suggest to learn some basic Spanish to better your living situation here. Being in a rural area or on the countryside would require one to know more than basic Spanish, in comparison to the capital city or other expat populated areas of the country where English is more spoken. Below are a few links where I highlighted some great recommendations for where to live in Dominican Republic. Many of these options are suited for those who are not fluent in Spanish.
Don't allow yourself to become discouraged while learning, learn Spanish at your own pace. It’s not that you have to speak fluent Spanish in order to live in Dominican Republic. Be open to make mistakes, and surely in no time you’ll see progress. It can be nerve racking to be out on your own trying to communicate in a completely different language, but you're never alone. In many cases some local Dominicans may jump to the opportunity to talk with an English speaking person, where so they can practice their English. Dominicans are taught English as early as grade school, and some choose to study beyond. Talking with random people helps to improve your understanding and speaking of Spanish. So, when interacting with random people, see it as a free Spanish lesson.
Speaking English in Dominican Republic has no disadvantages and is not frowned upon. In the Dominican work force, Speaking English has its advantages. As for the day-to-day life, it would be much more challenging. Dominican Republic is a Spanish speaking country, but be that as it may, there are many bilingual Dominican people. It can be very useful to make friends with a bilingual Dominican, but at the same time don't just rely on them. Explore on your own, and learn from your own experiences. Go shopping, stores, bars, restaurants etc... alone to practice your Spanish with locals. Start conversations or wait until your randomly put in one lol, socialize and use the opportunity to improve your Spanish. Before you know it, you'll be in full conversations without much help, not feeling overwhelmed, and most of all enjoying your time in Dominican Republic.
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I think it's wonderful people from other parts of the world (mostly) embrace our attempt at learning and communicating in their native language when we are eatery traveling or thinking of relocating.
It's too bad we don't do the same here in the US. I can't tell you how many times I see people from other parts of the world trying to communicate with us here in the US and are shunned, shamed, and many times ignored to even try. It makes me sick. I go out of my way to try to help, if I can. That's the hospitality part of me that comes through.
I'm relieved to learn the kindness and and embracing our trying stretches to the DR. Great article.