Do People Speak English in Tabriz: A Comprehensive Guide

If you are planning to visit Tabriz, one of the largest cities in Iran, you may be wondering whether people there speak English. This article aims to provide you with a detailed answer to this question by analyzing various factors, including the history of English in Iran and Tabriz, contemporary language policy and practices, and the local attitudes and skills towards the English language.

The History of English in Iran and Tabriz

English has been present in Iran since the late 19th century when it was introduced as a foreign language in some schools and universities, mostly by British and American missionaries and diplomats. However, the use and status of English remained limited until the mid-20th century when it became more widespread and popular, especially among the educated elite and the younger generation who saw it as a symbol of modernity, cosmopolitanism, and access to global knowledge and culture.Tabriz has a long history of multilingualism and cultural exchange due to its strategic location on the Silk Road and its role as a political, commercial, and intellectual center of various empires, including the Safavids, Qajars, Ottomans, and Russians. Persian, Turkish, Arabic, and Armenian have traditionally been the dominant languages in Tabriz, but other languages such as Russian, French, and German have also been studied and used by some groups.During the Pahlavi era (1925-1979), English became a prominent language in Iran’s education, media, and diplomacy sectors, as part of the government’s modernization and westernization policies. Many Iranians, including Tabrizis, went to the UK or the US to study, work, or live, and thus acquired proficiency in English. However, the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the subsequent Islamic Republic regime brought significant changes to the status and use of English in Iran, as well as its relations with the West and the English-speaking world.

Contemporary Language Policy and Practices in Tabriz

The Iranian Constitution recognizes Persian as the official language and the main symbol of national identity and culture. It also acknowledges other languages and dialects spoken in Iran, particularly Kurdish, Azeri, Arabic, Balochi, and Turkmen, as integral parts of Iranian heritage and diversity. However, the Constitution does not mention English explicitly, nor does it prescribe any official policy on English education or use, leaving it to the discretion of the government, the schools, and the society.In Tabriz, like in other Iranian cities, there are various types of schools that offer different levels of English education, ranging from primary to higher education, and from public to private institutions. Some of these schools follow the national curriculum and teaching standards, while others adopt international programs and materials, such as Cambridge or TOEFL. Many students in Tabriz, especially those who aspire to study abroad or work in multinational companies or organizations, feel motivated to learn English and invest time and money in private tutoring, online courses, or language schools.In terms of English use, Tabriz witnesses a growing presence of English in various domains, such as tourism, trade, science, and technology. Tabriz hosts many international events, such as the Tabriz International Book Fair or the Tabriz International Carpet Exhibition, which attract visitors and exhibitors from different countries and require a certain level of English proficiency for communication and negotiation. Tabriz also has a few English-language media outlets, such as the Iran Daily or the Tehran Times, which cover national and international news and provide a platform for Iranian and foreign journalists and writers.

The Attitudes and Skills of Tabrizis towards English

The attitudes of Tabrizis towards English vary depending on their age, education background, social status, and cultural values. Generally, the younger and more educated Tabrizis tend to have a more positive attitude towards English and see it as a valuable and functional skill that can enhance their academic, professional, and personal growth. They may also appreciate the cultural and intellectual richness that English offers, such as literature, music, cinema, and social media.On the other hand, some Tabrizis may have a more critical or skeptical attitude towards English, especially if it is seen as a threat to Persian or Islamic values, or as a tool of cultural imperialism or hegemony by the West. They may also face practical and psychological barriers in learning or using English, such as lack of resources or opportunities, low confidence or motivation, or negative stereotypes about their proficiency or accent.In terms of skills, it is hard to generalize about the English proficiency of Tabrizis, as it varies widely depending on various factors, such as the level of education, exposure, and practice, as well as the quality and type of English education. However, according to some sources, including the EF English Proficiency Index and the TOEFL scores, Iran, in general, ranks low compared to other countries in terms of English proficiency, with some regional variations.

Conclusion

To sum up, do people speak English in Tabriz? The answer is yes and no. Yes, because there are many Tabrizis, especially the younger and more educated ones, who can speak, read, and write English to some extent, and who may even prefer English over other languages in some situations. No, because English is not a native or official language in Iran or Tabriz, and because not all Tabrizis may have the same level of English proficiency, interest, or exposure.If you are planning to visit or work in Tabriz and need to communicate in English, it is advisable to prepare yourself by learning some basic or advanced English phrases, practicing your listening and speaking skills, and being aware of the cultural and social norms of Tabriz and Iran. You can also seek help from local English teachers, language partners, or online resources, such as blogs, podcasts, or social media groups, which can provide you with useful tips and insights on how to improve your English and connect with Tabrizis.