Israel's official languages are Hebrew and Arabic. However, the incredible variety of countries and cultures from which people emigrated is reflected in the many languages heard spoken on the street. These include English, Yiddish, Ladino, Russian, Polish, Rumanian, Hungarian, Spanish, French, Italian, Farsi, and German, to name just a few. Many groups want to maintain the connection to their mother tongues and publish newspapers and magazines, and sponsor theatrical performances and radio programs in their language.

American popular culture pervades Israel in areas ranging from music to food. English, which is a mandatory subject in school, as is Arabic, is spoken throughout the country. However, it is spoken well only among Israel's well-educated and urban upper and middle classes and in places frequented by tourists. Outside these circles, many people do not speak English, and knowledge of Hebrew or Russian is useful. It is sometimes difficult to improve one's Hebrew, since those who do speak some English love to practice it.

In mixed Arab-Jewish cities such as Haifa and Acre, street signs often use Hebrew, Arabic, and English, while elsewhere, just Hebrew and either English or Arabic are used. Street signs can sometimes be confusing as English spellings vary, and some streets change names every few kilometers. The ability to recognize Hebrew letters and read phonetically is helpful.

The names of most food items are usually, but not always, translated into English. The same holds true for ingredients. Help in deciphering labels is usually available in big supermarkets.  Supermarket workers tend to be new immigrants who speak little English, but many will go out of their way to get you the assistance you need.

Most intended immigrants study Hebrew at an ulpan or Hebrew learning center. One can attend for a few hours per week or be immersed in the language and culture for several hours a day over a period of four to six months. The program consists mainly of reading and writing conversational Hebrew, along with learning about the country.

Ulpanim (the Hebrew plural of ulpan) can be found in cities and on Kibbutzim (collective settlements) as well as at most universities and colleges.