As the national language of nearly 20 countries in Africa and Asia, including Egypt, Iraq and Saudi Arabia, Arabic is the lingua franca of the Middle East.
• 4,000 total entries • Uses a standard Arabic recognized throughout the Middle East • Incorporates the Arabic script and its Romanized transliteration • Basic Arabic grammar • Practical cultural information • Perfect for travelers, businesspersons, and Foreign aid workers
Mahmoud Gaafar and Jane Wightwick are experienced writes, publishers and educators specializing in accessible language guides and learning materials. Together they have authored numerous titles including Mastering Arabic and Emergency Arabic.
You probably already know to except different gestures, sights, small, customs, body, language, and of course, different sounds. When you first hear people speaking Arabic, you may notice a few sounds that appear to be coming from a mysterious part of their throats. Don’t worry because you are not expected to reproduce these sounds as you read out some phrases to impress yours hosts. Do go ahead and try to say some phrases out loud. Remember that meeting a foreigner who is trying to speak Arabic remains pleasantly fascinating to most Arabs, and is usually reason enough for a minor celebration: tea perhaps, or sodas all round.
Spoken Arabic will sound different from one area to the next. At school, however all Arab children learn the same “ Modern Standard Arabic” (MSA). We have tried to use a simplified and functional form of MSA in this book. After all, you just want to get by on your trip and be understood in as many areas as possible. In most Arab countries, if you follow the track already beaten by generations of tourists before you, you can expect to come across English quite often. Once you leave it, however, the real excitement begins, and this book will come into its own.
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