Learning Basic Emirati Arabic

When engaging in a conversation, especially in a different language and cultural context like Arabic in the UAE, there are several useful things to keep in mind:

Useful Phrases

• Asking for Clarification:
  • “Can you repeat that, please?” – هل يمكنك تكرار ذلك من فضلك؟ (Hal yumkinuk takrar thalika min fadlik?)
  • “What does [word] mean?” – ما معنى [word]؟ (Ma ma’na [word]?)
• Expressing Opinions and Preferences:
  • “I think…” – أعتقد… (A’taqid…)
  • “I prefer…” – أفضل… (Ufaddil…)
• Agreeing and Disagreeing:
  • “I agree” – أوافق (Uwaafiq)
  • “I disagree” – لا أوافق (La uwaafiq)
• Asking for Suggestions:
  • “What do you recommend?” – ماذا تنصح؟ (Maza tansah?)

Titles and Respect

• Use of Titles: Addressing someone with their proper title is important. For instance, “Mr.” and “Mrs.” are translated as “سيد” (Sayyid) for men and “سيدة” (Sayyidah) for women. For someone with a professional or academic title, like a doctor, use “دكتور” (Duktur) for a man and “دكتورة” (Dukturah) for a woman.
• Respecting Elders: Elders are highly respected in Arabic culture. Always use polite language and formal titles when addressing someone older.

Hospitality and Gestures

• Hospitality: Hospitality is a cornerstone of Arabic culture. Accepting food and drink when offered is seen as polite and respectful.
• Gestures: Be mindful of gestures. For example, using the right hand for eating and greeting is important, as the left hand is considered impure.

Conversation Topics

• Avoid Sensitive Topics: Topics like politics, religion, and personal matters are often avoided in initial meetings. Stick to general topics like the weather, food, or culture.
• Praising and Compliments: Giving compliments on things like hospitality or food is appreciated, but avoid personal compliments in a formal setting or with the opposite gender.

Indirect Communication

• Avoiding Direct Refusal: In many Arabic cultures, people avoid saying ‘no’ directly. Instead, they might use phrases like “إن شاء الله” (Insha’Allah – God willing) to mean something might not happen.
• Reading Between the Lines: Communication can often be indirect. Pay attention to non-verbal cues and implications.

Time and Punctuality

• Flexible Time Concept: Time can be more flexible in Arabic culture. Appointments may not always start exactly on time, and social visits can last longer than expected.
• Punctuality Variance: In business settings, punctuality is respected. However, in social settings, being slightly late is often acceptable.

Dress and Appearance

• Conservative Dress: Dressing conservatively is important, especially for women. It’s respectful to cover shoulders and knees.
• Grooming: Being well-groomed and presentable is highly valued in social and professional settings.

These tips reflect general tendencies, but individual experiences may vary. Being observant and adaptable to specific social cues during your interactions will also be very helpful.

Relationship Building

• Personal Relationships: Business and social life in the Arab world often rely heavily on personal relationships and trust. Taking time to build rapport and showing interest in your counterpart’s well-being is important.
• Invitations and Visits: If you’re invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a small gift, like sweets or pastries. Remember to remove your shoes if you see shoes at the entrance.

Communication Style

• Indirectness: In many Arab cultures, communication tends to be more indirect. People often use storytelling or roundabout ways to convey their message, especially in sensitive situations.
• High-Context Communication: Much is communicated through context, tone, and body language, rather than just words. Pay attention to these non-verbal cues.

Dining Etiquette

• Eating with Hands: It’s common to eat with the right hand, especially when traditional food is served. The left hand is generally considered impure.
• Generosity and Hospitality: Arabs are known for their hospitality. It’s common to be offered more food; refusing immediately might be considered rude. It’s polite to accept at least a small amount.

Religion and Practices

• Islamic Practices: Understanding and respecting Islamic practices, such as prayer times and fasting during Ramadan, is crucial. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours in Ramadan.
• Dress Code During Religious Times: Be extra mindful of the dress code during religious periods. Dressing conservatively is appreciated.

Business Etiquette

• Formality in Business: Initial meetings are usually formal. It’s important to address people by their full title and last name until invited to do otherwise.
• Decision Making: Decisions may take longer, as they often involve consultation with many people. Patience is key in business dealings.

Social Norms and Public Behavior

• Public Displays of Affection: These are generally frowned upon, especially in more traditional areas.
• Photography: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, particularly women and children.

Understanding of Time

• Flexible Approach to Time: Time can be perceived more fluidly, and schedules may not be as rigid as in Western cultures.

Gender Interactions

• Gender Dynamics: In more traditional settings, there are norms regarding interactions between men and women. Wait for a woman to extend her hand for a handshake first.

Language

• Learning Basic Arabic: Even learning a few basic phrases in Arabic can go a long way in showing respect and can greatly enhance your interactions.

Greetings

• Hello: مرحبا (Marhaba)
• Good morning: صباح الخير (Sabah al-khayr)
• Good evening: مساء الخير (Masa’ al-khayr)
• Goodbye: مع السلامة (Ma’a as-salamah)

Politeness

• Please: من فضلك (Min fadlik)
• Thank you: شكراً (Shukran)
• You’re welcome: عفواً (Afwan)
• Excuse me / Sorry: عفواً (Afwan)

Basic Questions

• How are you?: كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa halak? – male) / كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa halik? – female)
• What’s your name?: ما اسمك؟ (Ma ismuka? – male) / ما اسمك؟ (Ma ismuki? – female)
• Where is the bathroom?: أين الحمام؟ (Ayna al-hammam?)

Making Requests

• Can you help me?: هل يمكنك مساعدتي؟ (Hal yumkinuka musa’adati?)
• How much is this?: بكم هذا؟ (Bikam hadha?)

Travel

• Where is…?: أين…؟ (Ayna…?)
• I want to go to…: أريد الذهاب إلى… (Uridu an adhhab ila…)

Dining Out

• I would like…: أود… (Urid…)
• The bill, please: الفاتورة، من فضلك (Al-fatura, min fadlik)

In Case of Emergency

• Help!: النجدة! (Al-najda!)
• I need a doctor: أحتاج إلى طبيب (Ahtaju ila tabib)

Expressing Basic Needs

• I don’t understand: لا أفهم (La afham)
• Do you speak English?: هل تتكلم الإنجليزية؟ (Hal tatakallam al-ingliziyya?)