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Index / Languages
  United Arab Emirates /
Languages
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Languages
Figures in 1000. |
Arabic
|
2,400 |
51.0% |
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Gulf
|
1,900 |
40.0% |
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Egyptian
|
260 |
5.5% |
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Omani
|
210 |
4.5% |
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Shihi
|
13 |
0.3% |
Malayalam
|
630 |
13.0% |
Pashto
|
400 |
8.5% |
Balochi
|
310 |
6.6% |
Persian
|
230 |
4.9% |
Tagalog
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230 |
4.9% |
Bengali
|
220 |
4.7% |
Somali
|
85 |
1.8% |
Socotri
|
10 |
0.2% |
Japanese
|
3 |
0.1% |
Other languages
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180 |
4.0% |
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Arabic is the only native language of the Emirates, but in the dialect of Shihi, strong influences from Persian can be seen. Gulf is the main language for the dominant urban regions along the Persian Gulf, Omani Arabic is spoken in the mountains close to Oman and along the coast to the Gulf of Oman (on the outside of the Persian Gulf).
The remainder of languages in the Emirates are not simply just spoken in between individuals of specific groups, but in many respects they function as daily language. This due to the different groups forming viable communities.
English is the main language spoken between different groups, some immigrants who have lived here long, also use Arabic, but Arabic is of less importance than one would expect.
Foreigners have no chance of obtaining citizenship, it is expected that foreigners at some point leave for their home countries. The strong presence of other languages must therefore not be seen as permanent changes to the society.
© Copyright 1996-2009 LookLex Ltd. All rights reserved
By: Tore Kjeilen
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