What Language Do They Speak in Belarus?
Belarus
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Known for its vast forests and natural landscapes, it has a rich cultural heritage that reflects both its Slavic roots and historical ties with Russia and Poland. Since gaining independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Belarus has maintained a largely centralized government under the leadership of Alexander Lukashenko.
Languages Spoken
Belarus is a linguistically diverse country with two widely spoken languages: Belarusian and Russian. Belarusian, an East Slavic language close in its linguistic roots to Russian and Ukrainian, is spoken by 23.4% of the population. Despite its cultural significance as the official language, Russian is predominantly used across the nation, spoken by 70.2% of Belarusians. This dominance of Russian has historical roots, as it gained prominence during the Soviet era, deeply embedding itself in the educational, governmental, and media sectors of Belarusian society. Today, both languages coexist, with Russian playing a major role in everyday communication, while Belarusian maintains its presence in cultural and formal contexts.
Different Languages Spoken in Belarus
Language data last updated 2024 est. from Wikipedia - Belarus
| Language | Usage |
|---|---|
| Belarusian | 23.4% |
| Russian | 70.2% |
Useful Belarusian Phrases
добры дзень
hello (good day)
A common greeting used during the day.
як справы?
how are you?
Used to inquire about someone's well-being.
сколькі гэта каштуе?
how much does it cost?
Useful for asking prices at markets and shops.
дзе знаходзіцца...?
where is...?
Helpful for asking directions to a specific place.
дзякуй
thank you
Used to show gratitude or politeness.
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