Arabic and Kurdish are Iraq's two official languages. For everyday conversation, most Iraqis use Iraqi Arabic, also called Mesopotamian Arabic. Official language status does not mean everyone speaks both languages.
In the Kurdistan Region, Kurdish varieties differ by governorate:
- Sorani is spoken in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah governorates.
- Kurmanji is spoken in Duhok governorate and parts of Erbil governorate.
Turkmen, Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, and Chaldean Neo-Aramaic are spoken by their respective communities.
For your trip, learn a few Arabic and Kurdish phrases suited to your itinerary. Ask your hotel or guide which language is used locally. If you need English, confirm language skills with your guide or accommodation before booking. Do not assume staff speak English everywhere.
Sources: Iraqi Constitution, Article 4, KRG language guide, archived, WorldAtlas language overview.
Checked on 2026-10-26.