Languages spoken in Jersey
Traditionally Jersey had two official languages: English and French. The island also has its own dialect Jèrriais, although this isn’t widely spoken.
Jersey is predominantly English speaking. It’s the language used for government services and by all businesses in the island. You’ll find the majority of signs are written in English too. Improving your English will help you in your day-to-day life on the island.
Due to the high number of Portuguese and Polish migrants now living in Jersey, the use of Portuguese and Polish is becoming more common in the island.
English classes
Highlands College is one of the key adult learning centres in the island. It runs a variety of English courses throughout the year for people with all levels of English who live and work in Jersey including:
- beginner courses
- English for life courses
- writing workshops
- speaking courses
- advanced English
- business English
St Brelade’s College is an English Language School near St Aubin. English lessons are offered with a choice of an additional social programme to continue learning English outside the classroom.
Learning English outside the classroom
If you’d prefer not to attend English lessons in a classroom, there are other ways you can still improve your English.
There are a variety of online courses available. Some websites offer free courses, whilst others charge a fee. By doing your research into a few different options. Some may have online tutors available to you, whilst others may have computer programmes.
There’s also the option of private tuition in Jersey. Private tutors will often come to your home at a time that suits you, lessons can be given one-on-one or include the whole family. You can search online to find a suitable tutor. It’s a good idea to ask in public forums, such as various local Facebook groups, for recommendations from other islanders.
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