Do I need to speak the language while traveling in Tbilisi ?

In many countries, the local people can speak at least some English. However, you should not rely on this as fact, when you travel. Especially, when you are going to visit the former USSR countries, like Georgia. One may say, that nowadays, everyone knows international language, but it’s partly true. Almost every second adult, the new generation of Georgia knows speaking English fluently, but the older ones- not a single word.

For so many years Georgia has been under the influence of Russia, there was a time, when it was even shameful to speak in another language, besides Russian, schools were taught in Russian, every sign in the street was in Russian, the generation was grown up in the Russian books, movies, songs, everything. Also, a very big part of Tbilisi residents are Armenian, and of course, they know Russian. To sum up, if you are going to visit Tbilisi, you should know at least some of the useful words in Russian. It will be much better, if you learn some easy words of the native language, Georgian, because, this way, you will show, that you respect our culture, and as you know, Georgian language is among the 10 oldest languages still spoken in the world today. It is one of the oldest languages in the whole world. It was created earlier, as-yet in the 5th century. It is also just good etiquette to speak to people in their own language whenever possible, even if you are not good at it. Now, go back to the travel, if you are in a street and want to know ask someone about something, first of all, try to ask it to the younger one, so he or she will bill able to understand you and explain what to do, or where to go. Most of them, I mean, adolescents know English, they may even be eager to go along with you and show you the place you are interested in. But if there are only middle-aged people, then all you have to do is to say something in Russian, or, otherwise, point out something, but that won’t be easy. So if you want to visit Georgia, just write down in your diary some words in Russian, or Georgian and get ready for the journey.