It started long time ago when I saw the Arabic language calligraphy decorating the mosque in Abu Dhabi in 2012. It looked like a secret code that takes you in time machine to ancient times. I would never have believed that alphabets can be a tool in interior designs, before I saw how beautiful they are on Abu dhabi mosque. This beautiful art was in my unconsciousness till my next visit to Dubai in 2015. I only had 5 days to stay there. However, I found a spoken Arabic language instructor. Finally, I started to put my first step in discovering this treasure. I studied with my teacher for 3 days in a row despite my busy schedule. The teacher advised me not to stop. Then I continued learning Arabic online courses. I am learning Arabic language for 5 years now. When I feel demotivated, an Arabic movie of Ahmed Helmy on Netflix which I can understand, or beautiful Arabic song for Shreen or Amr Diab, I can sing some lines with, get me back on track of learning Arabic again.
I never imagined that learning Arabic can be an advantage in my resume in Hong Kong. As when my company started a project in Dubai, I was chosen to go to Dubai and live there for almost one and half year, when I continued learning Arabic and practice it every day.
My experience in learning Arabic was enhanced more with my increasing passion to Arabic food, specially Kunefe.
I was a well-known customer in many Arabic restaurants and Arabic pastry shops.
Even my tour in Petra in Jordan, was so much fun. My tour guide was surprised with me speaking in Arabic, and he started to teach me more of his local words. When I started learning Arabic, every Arab was my teacher as a way of welcoming me and encouraging me to keep learning.
In 2020, I got a set of online Arabic calligraphy sessions as my birthday gift. I can now understand the different Arabic fonts, used in calligraphy. However, Kufi is my favourite, as it looks like Willow tree.
By studying Arabic language, I got the chance to travel, enjoyed my tours more in Arabic countries, explored cuisines and got addicted to it, made many Arab friends in UAE, Jordan, and North Africa, and explored Arabic shows, became a fan of many Arabic celebrities.
That day in Abu Dhabi museum, and those secret codes took that girl from Canda in a tour from ancient times to present to future.
In this article, you are going to explore and learn most important expressions for greetings in Spoken Arabic. You might have heard them already at an Arabic coffee shop or restaurant. The funny fact is an Arabic beginner learner might reply for all with (Shukran), which means ‘Thank you” in Arabic language.
- How to say “welcome” inSpoken Arabic?
Ahlan wa sahlan
You might hear this phrase whenever you entre an Arabic shop or restaurant. Also, you will find it written on every door. The beautiful thing about Arabic language is that most of phrases have deep meaning. Like in (ahlan wa sahlan) case, it means we are family and feel free like your house. While the reply should come (ahlean wa sahlean) to mean ( we are two families)
- How to say “Hello” in Spoken Arabic?
MarHabaa
This is another Arabic spoken expression that you might read on doors. Moreover, It is a well-known service in Dubai airport to welcome passengers. To answer “marHabaa”, you need to put in your mind the Arabic traditions of being more generous and reply with a double hello by saying “marHabtean”
- How to say “nice to meet you”in spoken Arabic?
taSHar-rafnaa
It is one of very uncommon Arabic expressions when you can use regardless to the gender of the receiver. You can say TaSHArrafnaa to a man, woman or even for many people. The beautiful meaning beyond that phrase is (we are honoured).
- EtfaD-Dal= come in/ have a seat/ here you are
This Spoken Arabic expression will usually be combined with a physical action. For instance, a person who is opening the door to receive guests will say it. Or a person who is serving food or drinks will say it. Or with pointing to a chair to offer a guest to sit down. The beautiful meaning beyond is: make me honoured by accepting…)
- How to say “goodbye” in Spoken Arabic?
Ma3 es-salaama
Many of Arabic greeting expressions carry the meaning of praying. In ma3 es-salaama case, the speaker is praying that you will go or reach your destination with safety. The reply for “ma3 essalaam”is “salaam”.
