Ashgabat - 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?
You can get by with pretty basic vocabulary, especially if you have a housekeeper do your shopping. You'll be fine most of the time if you speak Russian, but Turkmen is increasingly necessary. You'll encounter people who only speak Turkmen even in places you wouldn't expect it, e.g., restaurants and bazaars. Tutors are available and affordable, including through the embassy. - Jan 2024
Very few people speak English. Turkmen is becoming more and more necessary, but Russian is still prevelant too. - Dec 2020
Tutors are available. A little is nice to have if you go to the green markets, but can get along without. - Mar 2019
You should be able to get around comfortably if you are able to use polite greetings/phrases, shop, take a taxi, and order food. There are several language schools and costs are very inexpensive for classes. - Jun 2018
You must speak Russian or Turkmen for all activities of daily living. There are very few people here who speak English (or are willing to admit they speak English). - Feb 2016
Almost no one speaks English in Turkmenistan. Though interactions with locals wasn't common, many found their happiness at post tied to their ability to speak and/or at least read a menu in Russian. Those who couldn't too often self-isolated themselves at home and soured quickly on the experience. - Jul 2014
If you dont speak Russian or Turkmen, forget about it. - Oct 2012
Working knowledge of Russian is best, but most folks get around just fine with English. - Mar 2012
