Getting to Use Arabic
One of the great things about our trip to Dubai was that I finally got to really use some Arabic. So far, most everywhere we’ve gone has had some non-native person working there who is more excited about getting to use their English with me than I am to use Arabic with them. And, even if I did use it, often they understand it as little as they do English.
Today, however, was different. Starting with the riverfront souq I got a chance to speak to quite a few people… asking how much things cost, what things were, etc.
Then we went to the Dubai Outlet mall where I bought a pair of shoes from the Aldo outlet. I told the guy the shoes were a little snug in Arabic. He asked where I was from and I answered, in Arabic, “We live in America.” He said, “But you speak Arabic.” I told him a “little” and said I was learning (all in Arabic). He asked me where I was studying and I told him on my own… that impressed him somewhat. I was happy.
The best was on the way home afterwards. We stopped a rest area for Colleen to feed Ole a bit and I ran into the little shop to get some waters and Nescafe´. I spoke in Arabic the entire time, which was fun… but the great thing was the guy replied to me in Arabic the entire time. He didn’t act any differently than if I knew the language fluently… which obviously I don’t yet.
I got my waters, then asked him if he had any Nescafe´. He said yes, but I had to get it next door. Then yelled the order for a Nescafe´ through the little window. I told him “two”… he yelled “two”. He told me how much it all was, and I paid him. I then walked next door, got our Nescafe´, thanked that man, and walked out. It was a short conversation, but for someone like me, who’s learning their first new language, it was a very exciting moment.