What Languages Are Spoken In Cyprus? (Revealed!)

The Official languages spoken in Cyprus are Greek and Turkish. In Northern Cyprus, the government made Turkish the primary language in 1983. The everyday language for Greek Cypriots is Cypriot Greek. Similarly, the Turkish Cypriots language is Cypriot Turkish. Cypriots use the standard version of Turkish and Greek for official matters.

Cyprus is a stunning Island in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. It has been known for its delicious wine, mineral wealth, and natural beauty.

Cyprus is famous for its halloumi cheese, wreck diving, and Limassol Carnival.

The Cypriot culture is the oldest in the Mediterranean, it is still such a popular place to travel to.

The picturesque island has become a hotspot for languages, notably Greek and Turkish.

This article looks at the languages spoken in Cyprus.

In This Article

Are there any other languages in Cyprus?

Whilst Turkish and Greek are the main languages of Cyprus; there are minority dialects spoken in the country.

Armenian- Cyprus recognizes Armenian as a minority language; they have done so since December 2002. There are 3,500 Armenian people in Cyprus out of a population of 1.2 million.

The Armenian and Cyprus connection goes as far back as 578 AD. Cyprus also became a safe haven for Armenians fleeing genocide. Many Armenians in Cyprus are now Cypriot born.

They are a recognized minority with their language, schools and churches.

Cypriot Arabic- this is the language of the Maronites. When Invaders came to Cyprus, the Maronite Cypriots fled south.

In 2000, academics estimated that the only Cypriot Arabic speakers were over the age of thirty.

More recently, a 2011 census showed that there were 3,656 Maronites- none of whom chose Cypriot Arabic as their first language.

Hardly anyone speaks Cypriot Arabic.

It is not a major language and it even looks Cypriot Arabic is on its last legs.

The lack of Cypriot Arabic speakers may be because the Maronite people had to accept Turkish or Greek as their main language.

This rule was in the 1960 constitution, Armenians had to do the same.

Despite most of the population speaking Greek, they try to preserve their language.

What is Cypriot Greek?

Greek Cypriots have a distinct dialect whilst using modern Greek for official business.

Cypriot Greek is the primary language of South Cyprus.

Specifically, Paphos is a city with Cypriot Greek speakers.

The coastal city is home to the Cypriot language in its purest form. The locals have a heavy accent and speak it daily.

The difference between the two forms of Greek is a matter of words, accents and grammar.

Greek Cypriot uses words and idioms from other languages. Greek Cypriots have passed down these linguistic differences from generation to generation.

There are elements of Ancient Greek, modern Greek, Turkish and Latin. A real combination of influences!

It is spoken all over Cyprus and by Cypriots abroad. Whilst the language is a different dialect, the written language in Cyprus is standard Greek.

Cypriot Greek has survived because Cyprus was disconnected to mainland Greece during the middle ages. During these hundreds of years, Cypriot’s could put their mark on the language and make it their own.

What is Cypriot Turkish?

Cypriot Turkish is a dialect of Turkish.

Unlike Cypriot Greek, it is much similar to the standard form of Turkish.

The language of Turkish Cypriots is a blend of Ottoman Turkish and the Yoruk dialect.

The people of the Tauras mountains speak the latter.

English, Greek and Italian are also influences on Cypriot Turkish.

You can find over 300,000 native Turkish speakers in Cyprus.

The majority of Turkish speakers live in the northern areas of Cyprus.

Can Greek people understand Cypriot Greek?

Absolutely. Cypriot Greeks speak precisely the same language.

Cypriot Greek language is a dialect of the contemporary Greek language.

Of course, some local words/idioms will emerge here and there, and there may be some funny moments of misunderstanding.

But, in the end, both sides will be able to understand each other- it might need a moment for the Greek speakers to get used to the dialect.

It’s like asking whether a native English speaker from California can understand English in Maine.

Foreign languages in Cyprus

The most popular foreign language in Cyprus is English.

Cypriots report a high proficiency in English.

The Eurobarometer found that 73% of the Cypriot population can speak English.

You will see English on street signs, advertisements, and public notices.

Cyprus was under British rule, meaning English was the official language (or lingua franca) till 1960.

The courts used English until 1989 and in the law until 1996.

There are also other popular foreign languages in Cyprus, such as French and German.

These European languages are less spoken compared to English.

For example, French is spoken by 12% of the population, whereas German is only spoken by 5%.

Cyprus is a clash of cultures.

On the one hand, you have Turkish Cypriots, and on the other Greek Cypriots.

A mix of cultures is evident in the different languages spoken.

Furthermore, Cyprus stands as a top place to visit.

What can beat loads of sun, stunning views and delicious food?

To make things even better, you can rest assured that there will be English speakers nearby in times of need.

Along with the scenic beauty, the languages of Cyprus are diverse, and it is impressive that many people in the country speak English.

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Founder - @PollyWebster

Polly Webster is the founder of Foreign Lingo and a seasoned traveler with a decade of exploration under her belt.

Over the past 10 years, she has journeyed to numerous countries around the globe, immersing herself in diverse cultures, traditions, and languages.

Drawing from her rich experiences, Polly now writes insightful articles about travel, languages, traditions, and cultures, sharing her unique perspectives and invaluable tips with her readers.

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