Tashkent - Post Report Question and Answers
How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
If you want a super enjoyable tour, Russian is HIGHHHLLLYYYY recommended. You can survive with google translate, pointing, and grunting but knowing Russian GREATLY Improves your quality of life. Uzbek is spoken mostly outside of Tashkent, but growing in popularity in the city. - Aug 2022
You can get by without any knowledge of Russian, although it will be difficult. Many locals under the age of 30 try to learn and speak English, and area willing to help out. Google Translate app is also extremely helpful. I arrived with a pretty good grasp of the alphabet, and that has proved to be very beneficial. Learning some pleasantries (Hello, good bye, please, thank you) and giving an honest effort will go a long way with the locals. - Sep 2018
Locals speak Uzbek to one another. Russian is widely understood in the city, especially by older Uzbeks (over age 35), locals are very kind and helpful about English, but there will be little true communication. Plenty of Russian language classes available and affordable through the U.S. Embassy language program, Tashkent International School parent classes, or private in-home tutors. - Aug 2018
There isn't that much English, so knowing Russian is really helpful. - Jul 2015
Everybody here speaks Uzbek and Russian. I use my Russian, but find it useful to study Uzbek to fully understand what is happening around me and read signs. There is much more English here now - the government is encouraging the study of the language. Teenagers are keen to interact with expats who speak English. - Aug 2014
