What Language Do They Speak in Dominican Republic?

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Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a vibrant Caribbean nation known for its stunning beaches, lush landscapes, and rich culture imbued with a mix of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. As the second-largest island in the Caribbean, it offers a diverse array of attractions, from the historic sites of Santo Domingo, the oldest city in the New World, to the ecotourism adventures in its mountainous regions. The local cuisine, music, and festivals, including quintessential merengue and bachata, highlight its dynamic spirit and welcoming lifestyle.

Languages Spoken

The Dominican Republic predominantly speaks Spanish, with 98.85% of the population using it as their primary language. This widespread usage reflects the country's historical influence by Spain, as Spanish has been deeply integrated into its culture, education, and daily communication. In addition to Spanish, a smaller percentage of the population, around 1.12%, speak Haitian Creole. This is primarily due to the presence of Haitian communities within the Dominican Republic, as well as the proximity and historical interactions between the two neighboring countries on the island of Hispaniola.

Different Languages Spoken in Dominican Republic

Language data last updated 2024 est. from World Population Review - Dominican Republic

LanguageUsage
Spanish98.85%
Haitian Creole1.12%
Note: The total may add up to more than 100% as people may speak multiple languages

Useful Spanish Phrases

Learn these phrases if you're planning on traveling to Dominican Republic

Hola, ¿cómo estás?

Hello, how are you?

A basic greeting to say hello and check on someone's well-being.

¿Cuánto cuesta?

How much does it cost?

Useful when shopping or asking about prices in markets or stores.

¿Dónde está el baño?

Where is the bathroom?

Very handy for finding restrooms in public places.

No entiendo

I don't understand

Helps communicate when you are having trouble understanding Spanish.

Por favor y gracias

Please and thank you

Basic polite expressions to use in any interaction to show courtesy.

Learn to speak Spanish

Interested in speaking Spanish in Dominican Republic? Using Lingocat you can learn the basics of the language and start speaking in no time with the help of our AI Language Tutors.

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