Collins Arabic Phrasebook and Dictionary Gem Edition

By Collins Dictionaries

Sound and speak like a native. Your ideal companion for practising pronunciation, listening and becoming more confident, not just in speaking but in understanding others when in Arabic-speaking countries.

In all of the most common travel situations, you need the reassurance that you can communicate with ease. A reliable, portable and easy-to-use phrasebook is a travel essential, and with Collins Gem Arabic phrasebook, the right word will always be at your fingertips.

This indispensable language guide covers the topics and phrases that crop up everyday on holiday, from finding a hotel to going shopping.

Includes:
o Fully updated travel information
o Travel tips
o 3000 word dictionary
o Comprehensive menu decoder
o Grammar and pronunciation sections
o "Face to face" sections

With the help of Gem Arabic you will never be lost for words again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK
• Release date: Apr 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9780007476138

Book preview

Pronouncing Arabic

The Arabic alphabet is written and read from right to left and horizontally. There are 28 letters in the Arabic alphabet:

The table below shows the letters that are similar to those in English, and that you should therefore have no problem learning or pronouncing.

Unfamiliar sounds

The Arabic letters below are the ones that are either hard to pronounce or are pronounced a little bit differently.

Top ten tips

There are some social conventions and local customs that visitors should be aware of when travelling in Arab countries. Many traditional customs and beliefs are tied up with religion, and Islam (the main religion in most Arab countries) has a clear influence on how people live and behave.

1  A handshake is the customary form of greeting.

2  Many of the manners and social customs are similar to French manners, particularly amongst the middle classes.

3  Visitors may find, in some social situations, that being patient and firm pays dividends.

4  Often, visitors may find themselves the centre of unsolicited attention. In towns, young boys after money will be eager to point out directions, sell goods or simply charge for a photograph, while unofficial guides will offer advice or services. Visitors should be courteous, but wary of the latter.

5  Women travelling alone, and/or wearing clothes regarded as provocative (e.g. revealing tops, short skirts, etc.) may attract unwanted attention.

6  Sexual relations outside marriage, and homosexual conduct are punishable by law.

7  Smoking is widespread and it is customary to offer cigarettes. In most cases it is obvious where not to smoke, except during Ramadan when it is illegal to eat, drink or smoke in public.

8  Dress should be conservative and women should not wear revealing clothes, particularly when in religious buildings and in towns. Western style clothing is, however, accepted in modern nightclubs, restaurants, hotels and bars in tourist destinations.

9  In Egypt tourists have to pay a fee to take photographs inside pyramids, tombs and museums.

10  Alcohol is tolerated, with non-Muslims allowed to drink alcohol in the city bars, restaurants, clubs and hotels.

Talking to people

Hello/goodbye, yes/no

Body language is very important when dealing with Arabs. You will see that when they talk, they often use their hands to describe what they are saying.

Key phrases

Signs and notices

Polite expressions

As in every culture, good manners are very important to Arabs. You may experience excessive politeness when people meet each other. Hugging and kissing on both cheeks is very normal. People often kiss the hand

Reviews for Collins Arabic Phrasebook and Dictionary Gem Edition

[fgdfywr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Good jod! Thank you very mach! Well done! Good lack!