Arabic Toolkit

1. Arabic Toolkit The Arabic Language and Culture Program HRSL0

2. There are two main types of written Arabic • Classical Arabic - the language of the Qur'an and classical literature. • All Muslims are expected to recite the Qur'an in the original language; however, many rely on translations in order to understand the text. • Modern Standard Arabic - the universal language of the Arabic-speaking world which is understood by all Arabic speakers i.e., Newspapers, business, formal TV shows, lectures.

3. The Arabic language • Arabic is the language of the Qur’an. Spoken by people from Egypt, North Africa, Iraq, Syria, and Arabia, this language belongs to the Semitic group [like Hebrew]. It seems to be complex and unique compared to European languages. • Arabic is a consonant based language [absence of written vowels beyond 12th grade in general]. • Its structure is fairly easy to understand.

4. Greetings Arabic is more formal than English, especially with greetings. Even the simplest of greetings, such as 'hello', varies according to how and when they are used. In addition, each greeting requires a certain response that varies according to whether it is being said to a male, female or group.Hello, assalam ‘aleykum', literally means 'peace upon you in the plural, thus accounting for the Angels surrounding you]'. This can be responded to by “waaleykumassalam', which means 'and peace upon you'.

5. Language and culture • Language is important in Arab culture because it refers to sayings, poetry, proverbs and famous writings. • Thus, the speaker’s ability to quickly and skillfully combine these forms of speech show the intellectual level. The capacity of the person to convey a crafted message without raising the suspicion of others is an indication of their • The use of witticisms, sayings, fables, and allegories( as a filter of high importance for preventing shame, and consequently, for evading frictions and conflict.) • The student who does not speak this way should at least try to see how these forms of speech influence the debate.

6. Speech and cultural trait • Speech is indirect. It is like" talking in circles.” During and before negotiations, expect to be asked many questions about your personal life, family, and background. • Warm and hospitable people; like to get to know you, your background before committing to a deal.

7. If you misunderstand the language… • ‘afwan! (I amsorry) • aasef/aasfa (fem.)! ( I regret, I amsorry… for a mistake) • La moshkela!/ mushmoshkela (no problem!) • A’ed/a’eedi men fadlek/fadleki! (Couldyoupleaserepeatit! • La afham! ( I don’tunderstand!) • La a’ref! ( I don’t know!) • La adri! ( I have no idea) • Ma hada bel alrabiya?/kaifataqul bel arabia?( how do yousayit in Arabic?) • Kaifataqulukalimat « I amsorry » bel arabia? (how do yousay « I amsorry » in Arabic? • Ma hada? ( Whatisthis?) • Lughati al arabialaisatkamayajeeb (MyArabicisbad)

8. The fear of communicating the wrong message • Sometimes Arabs find it difficult to admit that they are wrong or might not know something. • Many deals are lost out of fear of communicating the wrong message or being mistaken. One can wait several months before receiving a reply to an e-mail or fax regarding an inquiry.

9. Non-verbal communication etiquette. • When engaged in conversation, Arabs tend to stand much closer to one another than Americans, North Europeans, and East Asians do. • Their conversational distance is more similar to that of Latin Americans and Southern Europeans. • Arabs will also employ some body contact to emphasize a point or confirm that they have your attention. It is important not to move back, however. This may be interpreted as a rebuff or rejection of what is being said. • Respect is a value that is held very highly by the Arab people, and this shows in both business and social settings.

10. nonverbal communication • Use hands a lot when talking, invading one’s personal space, or being touchy-feely; • Arab men greet each other and kiss on the cheek, hold hands while walking in the street, dance together; • Arab women are affectionate, use extended greetings and kisses to display respect toward family members; no contact with outsiders to their immediate family; • Nod consistently to show interest in the discussion and/or their agreement; they keep listening by interjecting saying “sahiih = true; Tab’an = naturally; mash ma’quul = not possible; ayb = it’s bad • If they disagree with you, they move their heads left to right to show disapproval

11. Cultural customs you might misinterpret • The Arab “yes,” really means “I am listening, proceed” or "it’s a possibility.” Westerners interpret "yes" as "okay” or “please carry on.” The Arab feedback comes upon the conclusion of the discussion. • Negotiating a deal can take a very long time, as the notion of punctuality holds little meaning. The substance or end-product is the aim. You will hear the following phrases: • InShallah and Bukra respectively mean "God willing" and "tomorrow. In America, the deal has to take place on the spot because “Time is money.”. This is considered pushy and pretentious because the deal will only be closed if God decides so. • Thus, avoid the stereotype that Arabs like to postpone deals. Arabs pay attention to reliability and to long term relationships not to single deals.

12. What is considered insulting • Don't interrupt, or pass in front of, a Muslim who may be praying in a public place. • Don't openly consume food, beverages, or cigarettes in public places during the holy month of Ramadan. • Do not be surprised when you see men holding hands. It’s a sign of family affection/friendship. • Don't dress provocatively when walking outdoors. • Don't panic if an acquaintance "pecks" you on the cheeks when greeting you, as Arabs have traditionally kissed each other on both cheeks as a warm gesture of welcome and affection. • Don't feel uncomfortable if your host insists on "overfeeding" you during a meal because they are happy that you like the meal and enjoy it, as Arabs traditionally view food as an important symbol of hospitality, generosity, and good will – the more the better!

13. Body positions you should avoid. • In public, Arabs behave conservatively. Display of affection in front of outsiders and even family members between spouses is not encouraged • No touching allowed between husband and wife in front of parents as this is considered disrespectful • Displaying of one’s feelings is a sign of weakness • Vulgar laughter and joking in public are toned down, which is not the case in private gatherings and among acquaintances

14. Admiring objects and gift giving • When you explicitly admire a possession in your host house, he might feel obligated to offer it to you even if it is of special value to him; • Admiring something should not be prolonged. When Arabs receive gifts, it is a custom not to open it in front of the giver. The same is expected when they give someone else a gift.

15. Doing business during the Holy month of Ramadan. • If one is doing business during Ramadan, it is best to refrain from drinking and eating when in the company of someone observing the fast. Take it more as a sign of sophistication and education on your part rather than as an obligation. This knowledge about Islam brings you a lot of respect from your counterparts. “I do not care attitude” is a sign you are ending all dealings.

16. Scheduling an appointment • Business executives and officials may be reluctant to schedule an appointment. Business visitors should inform their hosts of their travel plans and agenda, but may have better success scheduling a specific meeting once they are in the country. • The religious holidays of Ramadan and Hajj and the daily prayer breaks should also be taken into consideration when scheduling business meetings

17. The Arabic Alphabet

18. GREETINGS • Greetings are somehow ritualized. When entering a meeting full of people, an Arab will greet each person individually with a handshake while standing. The same is expected of visitors. Learning some appropriate Arabic phrases for such occasions is appreciated. • If the meeting is underway, just say “assalaam ‘aleykum” and go to your seat. You shake hands during the break or after the meeting. • In Arabic, an individual is addressed by his or her first name, and any title they possess. A "Dr. Ahmed Bin Al-Rahman" would be addressed as "Dr. Ahmed." The word "bin" or "ibn" means "son of" and may be present a number of times in a person’s name. Some names start with “Abu = father of” as in abu hassan = father of Hassan. Other names begin with “umm = mother of” as in umm khelthuum = mother of kelthuum. Another common name structure has "Abd" followed by one of God’s 99 attributes with the definite article “”abd al-Hakim = the servant of the wisest." Notice that names are not used without abd for they sound in the superlative form depicting irreverence toward Allah. Arab ministers and Ambassadors are always addressed as “Hadrat [or siyyaadat] assafiir = Your Excellency"

19. Greetings • Marhabaمرحبا hello! •  sabah al-khayrصباح الخيرgood morning • kayfa haluk?كيف حالك How are you?

20. Dialogues/Greeting

21. Useful expressions ( greeting) • bihayrبخير fine! • minfadlikمن فضلك Please • shukran!شكرا Thank you • ‘afwan! عفوا You are welcome

22. What is your name? • ma ismuk?ما اسمك؟What is your name?  • ismiiاسمي فريدة My name is  • Tasharrafnaتشّرفنا Nice to meet you • ma'assalamaمع السلامة Goodbye!

23. How to reply to greetings? • As-salaam ‘aleykum (peace be with you) • Wa ‘aleykum as-salaam ( and peace be with you) • Sabaah el-khair (good morning) • Sabaah ennour (reply to Sabaah el-khair) • kayf Haaluk?( How are you?- to a man) • Kayf Haaluki? (to a woman) • Anaa bi khair, shukran ( I am fine thank you) • Bikhair, al-Hamdu-lillah (I am fine, thanks to Allah) • Wa anta?( and you? - to a man) • Wa anti( to a woman)

24. Greeting women • When you are visiting your Arab host's office or home and you are introduced to a female worker or a female relative of your host, in all cases you should not greet her with a kiss. If the woman extends her hand to greet you, you may shake her hand; otherwise only greeting with words is appropriate. • Remember: don't compliment your Arab host on the beauty of his wife or sister or daughter (it is viewed as a transgression not as a compliment!).

25. GREETING: NIGHT -Masaa el kheer Omar ! Kayfa haloka? - Ana bikhair, shokran! Wa anta? - Jayed - Tosbeho ‘ala khair!

26. HOW TO ASK QUESTIONS? • Where [is/ are] --- feyn (ayna)? • What? --- maa dhaa? • What's that? --- maa haadhaa? • When? --- mataa? • Why? --- limaadhaa? • Why not? --- lima laa? • How? --- keyf? • Who? --- man? • How many? --- kam?

27. Asking for help • Min fadlek/min fadleki (to a woman) Excuse me! (to ask for something) • Ayna ajedu al merhad?(Where is the bathroom?) • Hal tatakallamu allogha alengleziya? ( do you speak English?) • Ada’tu tareeki! (I am lost/ « I lost my road »

28. Looking for someone/Giving directions • Abhatu ‘an Assayeda Roberta? Hal hiya mawjuda? (I am looking for Mrs Roberta, is she here? • Maa huwa rakmu lmiktab? (what is the number of the office?) • Rakm mi’a (number 100) • Imshee ala tuul, thumma ‘arrij yaminan/shemaalan ( go straight! Then turn right!/left!) • Ta’ala/ta’alee (woman) ma’ee! (come with me!) • Shukran jazeel! (thank you very much!)

29. Most common questions and replies • Hal tureed musa’ada? (Do you need help?) • Na’am/ Laa (yes/ no) • Ma esmouk? (what is your name?) • Esmee…( my name is…) • Men ayna anta (man) /anti?(woman) (where are you from?) • Anaa men Washington/ men el bank adawli (I am from Washington, from the World Bank. • Ayna taskun? (where do you live?) • A’eeshu fel welayat almotaheda ( I live in the US) • Ma mehnatuk? Mehnatuki(woman)? (What do you do for a living?) • A’mal ka khabiir fil-iqtisaad (I work as an economist)

30. At the end of a stay, what to say? • Hal istamta’ata bewaktika/bewaktiki (fem.) huna?(did you enjoy/like it here?) • Al yemen baladun jameel jidan! (Yemen is a beautiful country!) • Shukran ‘ala kul lmusa’ada! (thank you for all the help!) • Sallem ‘ala assayed ‘ali men ajlee (Say hello to Mr Ali for me) • Yajebu an adhaba al aan! ( I have to go now) • Sa arje’o shahr alkaadam Insh Allah (I will come back next month God’s willing) • Ma’a salama wa fursa sae’eda (Good bye and nice meeting you)

31. Special Wishes • Bettawfeeq! ( Good luck!) • Eid meelad sa’eed! (Happy birthday!) • Sana sa’eeda! ( Happy New Year!) • A’yaad meelad sa’eeda (Merry Christmas!) • Eid mobarak! ( Happy Eid!) • Ramadan kareem ( Happy Ramadan!) • Mabruuk! (Congratulations!) • Shahia tayeba! ( Enjoy your meal!) • Rahimaka Allah! ( when sneezing, Bless you!)

32. Other handy words you might need • Jayed (good) • Saye’ (bad) • ‘Adee ( so so, simple) • Kabeer (big) • Sagheer (small) • Alyawm/ al aan (today/now) • Albareha/Ghadan (yesterday/ tomorrow) • Khud/khudee (f)! ( when giving something) • Hal a’jabak/a’jabaki? ( do you like it?) • A’jabani haqqan! ( I really like it!)

33. Important places • Mustashfaa (Hospital) • Saydaliyyah (Pharmacy) • suuk (Market) • maT'am (Restaurant) • shaari' (Street) • Naas (People) • Masbaghah (Laundry) • Maktabah (Library)

34. COMMON EXPRESSIONS [House] sataa'ir (curtains) miftaah (key) Sariir (bed) shorfa (balcony) shubbaak (window) Baab (door) suufa (Sofa) al merhaad /Hammam or beit erahaa ( bathroom or restroom)

35. Useful words (job related) • Economist Khabiir fil-Iqtisaad • Financial analyst muHallil maalii • President of the bank Raiis al bank • Vice-president nae’b arraiis • Attorney muHaamii • Minister Waziir • Director Mudiir • Ambassador Saffir

36. Useful words (job related) • Region minTaqah • Department idaarah • Division qism • Unit wiHdah • Ministry wizaarah • Engineer muhandis • Khabiir Expert • Student Taalib • Professor ustaadh • Teacher mu’allim • Guard Haaris • Translator mutarjim

37. Useful words (occupation) • Poet shaa'ir • Judge kaadii • pharmacist saydaliyy • Musician muussiqaar • Singer mughannin • Pilot mallah • Fisherman sammaak • Actor mumaththil • Carpenter najjaar • Dancer raaqis

38. Numbers 1-10

39. Numbers 20-1000

40. The days of the week • السَّبْتAs-Sabt - from Shabat , To rest • الأحَدAl-Ahad - Day Onefrom the Arabic 'one' - wahid • الإثْنَيْنAl- 'ithnayn - Day Twofrom the Arabic 'two' - ithnayn • الثُّلاثَاءAth-Thulatha - Day Threefrom the Arabic 'three' – thalatha • الأرْبِعَاءAl-'Arba'aa - Day Fourfrom the Arabic 'four' - arba'aa • الْخَمِيسAl-Khamees - Day Fivefrom the Arabic 'five' - khamsah • الْجُمْعَةAl-Jum'ah - Day of Gathering

41. colors

42. Food • Apricots  mashmash • Pomegranate rummaan • Onion bassal • Mint na'naa' • Bananas mauz • Dry Dates balah • Soft dates deglat nuur • Tomato banadoora • Cucumber khiyaar • Honey ‘asal • Rice ruzz • Pepper felfel • Beans luubyah • Potatoes baTaaTaa • Bread khubz • Salt malH • Sugar sukkar • Meat laHm • Apples tuffaaH • Oranges burtuqaal • Soup chorbah

43. Drinks chai (tea) haliib (milk) ‘aSiir (juice) kahwa (coffee) maa (water)