A Beginners Guide to ArabicA-Z | Adhan | Arabic | Bookstores | Clothing | Etiquette | Food | Glossary | History | Islam | Living | Newspapers | Pearls | Ramadan | Ruling Family | Sadhew Also see: Learning How to Speak Qatari Arabic | Qatari Arabic versus Standard Arabic | Qatar Vocabulary and Phrases IntroductionArabic is treasured by Muslims as the language God spoke to Mohammed in, although it has evolved since this time. There are a number of different dialects, with some differences, although normally Arabic speakers find themselves mutually intelligible. This can lead to frustrations when learning Arabic, especially in Qatar where there is such a variety of people and therefore dialects. I sometimes find myself being given different Arabic words for the same things by different nationalities, and sometimes if you ask a group of people a word they will end up arguing over which is the correct one. You may also be given the classical Arabic version which, while undoubtedly correct, may not be the Arabic used in everyday speech. (There's also a sort of pidgin-Arabic used for foreigner workers with a tenuous grasp of Arabic.)
It is worth noting that you absolutely don't need to speak Arabic to function in Qatar. However, not everyone speaks English and there are times when it will be an advantage. Arabs will also be pleased at the interest in their language, and are always eager to help you learn. Arabic WritingArabic is written from right to left, although numbers are written from left to right. The system of numbers we use in the West are sometimes known as Hindu-Arabic as they are based on Arabic numbers, which are in turn based on Hindu numerals. These were introduced by Arabic scholars. 0ne of these scholar's Latin name was Algorismus, from which originated the word algorithm. One word you must know... Khalas, meaning finished - used all the time, and even by people with a good knowledge of English. You will probably also hear: Yani - I mean.
Common Arabic Religious PhrasesReligion in Qatar is a part of everyday life, and this is reflected in the language. For instance, if you ask someone in Qatar how they are, they will reply "Fine, thanks be to God, or more commonly just "Thanks be to God. It's worth knowing these phrases, as you will be sure to hear at least some of them. Alhumdullelah - Probably closest to "Thanks be to God", although used a lot more frequently than in the West. It is often mis-translated as "Thank God" or "Thank goodness". Assa-lum-alaikum - standard greeting lit meaning "peace be with you brother, to which you should reply Wa-alaikum-salam. Inshau' Allahh - God willing (or, sometimes, "you haven't got a chance mate!) Bismillaah (short for Bismilaah Al Rahman Al Rahim) - Bismillaah means the name of and Al Rahman And Al Rahim are the two names of God. This is normally expressed before beginning something, whether food, a journey or an exam. Mashaoulaah! - this literally means "What God wants". It may be said to you when you report something good has happened to you, and is meant to avoid envy. Other Basic Arabic Words And PhrasesHow are you: To a man: Keif Halek Answer: Bikhair, Alhumdullelah: fine, thanks be to god or more informally Zane (fine) What is your name? - Ma Ismoka? Note: Men should be careful before asking other men about the female members of their family in Qatar. Try using the Keif Al Hal, or how's your family) If you please - Min fad lak
UnderstandingDo you speak English?- Hal tatakalam Al Englesia? Shops/RestaurantsHow much? - Kam? DirectionsWhere is...? .... Min wein? (informal) Min Aina? (formal) Numbers in Arabicone - wahed Related Arabic ArticlesStudying Arabic and Other Languages in Qatar Other Language GuidesThe Online Indonesian Phrasebook
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