Do most Israelis speak advanced English?

Question

I get the impression that most speak basic, enough to run a cash register or give directions. But beyond that, do most speak enough to have complex conversations in English?

Answer 1

The short version of the answer would be yes, on the average the level of knowledge of English is pretty high in Israel.



The longer version: It really varies based on many factors: geographically - say in Jerusalem, Raanana, Efrat, Ramat Beit Shemesh and some other places you have a chance that a person you just stop on the street will speak perfect English. On the other hand in places like Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ofakim, Tel-Aviv your chances are much slimmer, and you might run into many people that almost don't speak any English at all. Also it varies on person's origins, religious orientation, age social status, professional field etc... However, an average Israeli speaks good enough English to carry deep meaningful conversation

Answer 2

Most Israelis are inbetween very complex conversation and very basic, I'd say.



Not all are perfect, but a very high percentage do speak English with some fluency. Most can at least hold conversations beyond the basic level, but fluency might go away with that. But, at the very least, it's hard to find someone who can't speak a word of English without going into certain areas: General Israel is very Anglophonic.

Answer 3

trick question ...

do most Americans speak proper English ?



Bear in mind it's a second/third/forth language for most Israelis.

I know schools start teaching English in second grade (well, most schools. I don't know about the ultra-orthodox).

you should also consider demographics and social-economic status, but all in all I'd say most Israelis speak decent English.

Answer 4

Yes, we English the speak.

Answer 5

Yep many of us speaking English fine even that its mostly our 2-4 language for me its my third.

Answer 6

I know an Arab Christian from Israel and his English was perfect. I assumed he was a Latino immigrant until he told me he was Israeli.

Answer 7

Not really.



Most white collar workers and well educated people under 30 do, but many others don't.

Answer 8

Some do, some don't. Really varies.