Do People Speak English in Albania? Language, Italian and the 'Reverse Nod'

Is English widely spoken in Albania?

In Tirana and tourist towns, yes — especially under 35s. In villages and with older people, much less.

Menus in tourist areas are usually in English. Bus drivers and market sellers may speak little English.

Do Albanians speak Italian or Greek?

Many Albanians understand Italian from TV and work abroad; Greek is common in the south near Gjirokastër and Sarandë.

What is the Albanian head nod?

Traditionally, a side-to-side head shake can mean 'yes' and a nod can mean 'no'. Younger people often use the Western way.

When in doubt, listen for 'po' (yes) and 'jo' (no).

Which Albanian words should I learn?

Start with faleminderit (thank you), po / jo (yes / no), sa kushton? (how much?) and ku është? (where is?).