Books and Articles by David F. DiMeo

When traveling in Arabic-speaking countries, you'll find that the words and phrases you use most frequently will be the common Arabic greetings. These Arabic words and phrases will quickly become second nature to you because you use them day in and day out with everyone you come across. Saying hello and good-bye Polite greetings are just as important in Arabic-speaking countries as they are in America.

Traveling in Arabic-speaking countries can be confusing especially if you can't read the signs or understand the instructions you're given. Learning a few useful Arabic travel-related words and phrases before you begin traveling can save you time and reduce your frustration level. Here are a few general travel-related terms that everyone should know before making the big trip.

Knowing how to order food in Arabic is essential, whether you're on a short visit to the Middle East or planning to live there. Put some some basic Arabic restaurant (maT'am) vocabulary into your head to make the experience of eating out in a Middle Eastern restaurant a lot more fun. faatuura (check) iiSaal (receipt) naadil/naadila [M/F] (waiter/waitress) In the Middle East, as in most of the rest of the world, there are three main meals of the day: faTuur (breakfast), ghadaa' (lunch), and 'ashaa' (dinner).

Exploring Arabic-speaking countries can be quite an adventure, but you need to know how to ask for directions in Arabic and to understand what you're told. After all, if you don't understand the directions, you might miss the very things you hoped to see. The first thing you need to know is how to ask for directions.

To be understood in Arabic, you need to recognize and know how to pronounce some distinct sounds that differ from English, or don't exist in English at all. The Arabic sound system isn't as different from English as you may think. In fact, the Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters, most of which have English equivalents.

By mastering the basics of polite conversation in Arabic, you put yourself and the person you're talking to at ease. Everyone should learn essential Arabic conversational words and phrases before traveling to an Arabic-speaking country. These words and expressions are sure to come up in most everyday conversations.

Speaking Arabic at work and school doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're looking for a job in an Arabic-speaking country or just need to talk with your coworkers or classmates there, you'll need to know some key words and phrases to help ease your way. Using Arabic at work The following are some common words that you'll hear at work on a daily basis.

Making small talk in Arabic is just the same as in English. Touch on familiar topics like jobs, sports, children — just say it in Arabic! Small talk describes the brief conversations that you have with people you don't know well. Small talk is where friendships are made. If you know how to make small talk in Arabic you'll be able to "break the ice" and get to know some of the people you meet during your trip.

Learning the proper way to make introductions in Arabic can help you get off to the right start. The Arabic language tends to be a bit more formal than American English. Consequently, introductions in Arabic follow more of a pattern than they sometimes do in the United States. Don't worry, it’s not complicated — just good manners.