What Language do They Speak in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz is Kyrgyzstan's official language, yet Russian is likely to be more widely spoken. Kyrgyz is a Turkic language that is related to other regional languages such as Kazakh but not to Turkish. Although becoming fluent in the language would be difficult, it would be worthwhile to learn a few phrases; the locals will appreciate this and be more receptive.

To begin, you should be familiar with the Kyrgyz word rahmat, which means "thank you." Because of the former Soviet influence, Russian is Kyrgyzstan's unofficial language, and it is widely used for business and by foreigners. If you know a little Russian, it will come in handy when you visit Kyrgyzstan.

It should be noted that English is not widely spoken in Kyrgyzstan, which could be the most frustrating aspect of visiting the country. Consider hiring a local guide or attending an organized trip if you are concerned about interacting well with the locals.