Israel

Language and Literacy

Hebrew and Arabic are the two official languages of Israel. Hebrew is the main spoken language and is widely used in business, government, academia, and media. Other languages associated with recent waves of immigration, such as Russian and Amharic, also are spoken.

In Jewish sector schools, Hebrew is the language of instruction, and English is studied as a second language, usually starting in Grade 3 or 4. Arabic is studied in lower secondary school as a third language and is an elective in high school. In Arab sector schools, Arabic is the language of instruction, Hebrew is studied as a second language, and English is studied as a foreign language, usually starting in Grade 3 or 4.