The best way to understand a country and its people is to speak their language. People from all over the world have made Dubai their home. If you speak English well, you’ll get by in everyday life. But if you’re fluent in Arabic, you’ll take it a step further. They can converse with locals on an equal footing and gain a deeper understanding of the emirate’s culture and traditions. Basic Arabic vocabulary isn’t just helpful for people who want to live and work in Dubai in the future—it’s also a great asset for vacationers.
What is the official language in Dubai?
Anyone who wants to master the official language in Dubai must learn Arabic. Standard Arabic is used in official texts and regulations, as well as in daily newspapers and books. Everyday speech can differ significantly from this. As in German, there are various dialects. In Dubai, the Arabic of the Gulf states is predominantly spoken. These forms of the language are also known as Khaliji. Masri is also common. Egyptian Arabic has been spread in Dubai by immigrants from Sudan and the Maghreb.
Do people in Dubai speak English?
English is the most widely spoken foreign language in Dubai. Numerous expats have settled in the city who are native English speakers or have learned and perfected English as a second language. If you speak English, you’ll have no trouble getting around the city. Street signs and phone books are also available in English. Staff at hotels, restaurants, and stores generally speak English, so English-speaking travelers can mostly find their way around the city and make themselves understood. Of course, anyone who wants to learn Standard Arabic will have a much easier time in Dubai. They’ll be able to connect with locals and communicate in any situation.
Dubai slang: a language all its own
People from all over the world have moved to Dubai to build a new life here. They have brought their cultures, traditions, and, of course, their languages with them. Over time, a unique slang has taken root in Dubai. The vernacular combines Arabic, Tagalog, and Hindi.
Here are some common phrases you’ll come across in Dubai:
- “Ma’am-sir” = If you’re addressed this way in hotels or restaurants, the person speaking to you is trying to be polite. It obviously doesn’t matter whether you’re a woman or a man.
- Habibi = Men often use this term of endearment for their wives. In Germany, it would be “Liebling.”
- Can I get your name? = This allows service staff to ask for your name.
- Maffi mushkil = Anyone who uses this expression is taking it in stride and assuring others that they have no problem with the situation at hand.
- Inshallah = This expression means something like “God willing.”
Learning Arabic as a Foreign Language
Learning Arabic is an exciting challenge. It is one of the oldest languages in the world. Arabic was already being taught at schools for translators as early as the 12th century. Beginning in the late Middle Ages, the subject was also taught at European universities. Arabic dictionaries have been in use since the late 18th century.
Historically, interest in the Arabic language grew significantly in the 1950s and 1960s. At that time, several Arab states gained independence and began to place greater emphasis on their language and culture and to make them accessible to a wider audience. More recently, the refugee crisis in 2015 and 2016, as well as the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, led to increased interest in learning Arabic for free in order to follow the news and stay fully informed.
At German universities, Arabic is not a separate field of study. The language is taught only as a subfield of Arabic studies.
Learning Arabic: Here Are Your Options
Learning to speak Arabic and German can open many doors for you. You’ll be able to make yourself understood anywhere during a trip to Dubai or quickly find your footing in your job. There are various approaches to learning the language.
Attend language schools
Learning Arabic letters can be a major challenge for Germans. At first glance, the letters seem completely unfamiliar because they’re based on a different alphabet. The language is easier to learn when you spend time with people who speak Arabic. At language schools, small classes of students with the same goal come together. Various practical exercises help students quickly develop an understanding of the language.
Private Lessons
Private lessons also ensure the interaction that is so important for learning a foreign language. Ideally, the lessons are taught by a native speaker. The teacher can tailor the instruction to each student’s individual needs and quickly assess the student’s language proficiency level and identify areas that require further work. One-on-one lessons have the advantage of being completely personalized. For example, if someone needs more time to learn to read Arabic, the focus can be directed toward that skill.
Learn Arabic with an app
If you prefer to teach yourself a language and have no trouble motivating yourself to learn, you can learn Arabic online. Everyone can learn at their own pace. This requires a high degree of self-discipline. If you use apps and books as aids, you’ll have to forgo direct interaction with others. If you’ve never had any exposure to the Arabic language before, you may find it difficult to pronounce or read the words correctly.
Is Arabic hard to learn?
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is spoken by 370 million people worldwide. German schools often offer Turkish or Chinese. However, Arabic is rarely taught, so you’ll have to choose one of the options mentioned above.
For a native German speaker, Arabic is difficult to learn. In Germany, the Latin alphabet is used, and it’s easy to recognize the ABCs in other languages as well, which makes it a good starting point. Anyone who wants to learn Arabic, on the other hand, has to learn a whole new alphabet.
The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters that bear absolutely no resemblance to those of the German language. This alphabet not only forms the basis of Arabic, but is also used in Persia and for the Afghan language Pashto and the Pakistani language Urdu. To form words, with a few exceptions, the letters are always written from right to left—the opposite of the German language. This is a major adjustment for a German language learner, as they must also get used to reading words from right to left.
Like all Semitic languages, the Arabic alphabet consists solely of consonants. Even “alif,” the first letter of the alphabet, is a consonant. It is usually represented by the “hamza” symbol. Writing it without “hamza” is considered an exception. In general, vowel marking in Arabic is done using diacritical marks. These marks are placed above or below the letters.
Learning Arabic: Which Language Should You Choose?
If you want to learn Arabic, you first have to choose a language:
Classical Arabic
Classical Arabic is a very ancient language based on the dialects spoken about 1,500 years ago. Modern Standard Arabic and the dialects derived from it evolved from this form of the language. The language is used in the Quran and is taught today primarily in a religious context. Anyone who wants to understand classical Islamic literature will choose this variant.
Standard Arabic
Modern Standard Arabic is the standard form of the Arabic language. It is used as the written language throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Although native speakers understand Standard Arabic, they rarely speak it in its pure form.
Dialect
Arabic is an official language in 26 countries. Different dialects are spoken throughout these countries. These dialects can differ so much from one another that even the locals cannot understand each other. In Dubai, Gulf Arabic is commonly spoken. Modern Standard Arabic is also spoken on formal occasions.
Anyone who learns Modern Standard Arabic will be able to get by throughout the Arab world and will be understood by any local in Dubai. Anyone who wants to learn a dialect should first master Modern Standard Arabic.
Learning Arabic—Here’s How to Make It Easier
Learning a foreign language is never easy. You have to learn vocabulary and master the grammar. When learning Arabic, the alphabet poses an additional challenge, since the letters are completely unfamiliar to us Europeans. We have a few tips to help you learn Arabic.
- Arabic is one of the most difficult foreign languages in the world. But you shouldn’t put undue stress on yourself or feel pressured because of that. Don’t let preconceptions get in the way—just start learning.
- The Arabic language sounds very foreign to our ears. This makes the learning process more difficult. It’s much easier once your brain gets used to the language. That’s why watching Arabic movies or listening to podcasts can help.
- In the Arabic-speaking world, people read from right to left. This is a major adjustment for Europeans. It will take some practice, but anyone who writes Arabic words regularly will develop the necessary language skills over time.
- Once you’ve started learning, you shouldn’t be afraid to read texts that are unfamiliar to you. This makes it much easier for your eyes to get used to the style of reading, even if you don’t understand everything in the text yet.
- Learning together is motivating and much easier. When you hear the language, you can absorb it much better. Plus, learning with a partner is much more relaxed and fun.
Learn Arabic for free—is that possible?
There are several ways to learn Arabic for free.
Learn Arabic with an app
- Duolingo: Duolingo teaches language skills through short lessons. To unlock new levels, you must complete certain tasks. Effective teaching methods and entertaining content make learning fun. The app has been proven effective and helps users develop skills and knowledge in writing, reading, and listening comprehension.
- Mondly: This app makes it easy for beginners to get started. The content is taught by native speakers. If you listen carefully to the lessons, you’ll make fewer pronunciation mistakes.
- 50languages: This app offers 100 free lessons. 50languages also allows for offline learning and provides MP3 audio files for download.
Learning Arabic with Websites and Online Courses
- de: Here, users can get a thorough introduction to the Arabic language. The lessons and learning materials are free.
- aladin-schule.de: Here, you can learn Arabic step by step. Those who don’t yet speak Arabic will receive a comprehensive introduction to the alphabet and the basics of the Arabic language. Advanced learners can apply what they’ve learned in challenging levels and deepen their knowledge.
- Madinah Arabic: This online course presents a twofold challenge. The course content is taught in English. It covers the specific features of Arabic grammar, and students can apply their linguistic knowledge through numerous practical exercises.
Arabic for Everyday Life – A Short Lesson for Vacationers in Dubai
If you don’t want to sit in a classroom but still want to pick up a few words in the local language for your vacation in Dubai, here are some words and phrases that are relatively easy to remember and will come in handy in various everyday situations.
Greeting in Arabic
It makes a good impression when you greet people in Arabic. In the morning, “Sabaah alkhayr” is appropriate. In restaurants or stores, say “Marhaba” as a friendly “hello.” If you want to say “goodbye,” remember to say “Maasalaamah.”
If a local greets you with “Salaam alaikum,” the appropriate response is “Walaykum salaam.” If you want to wish someone a good evening, you can say “Masaa‘ alkhayr.” As the day comes to an end, people in Dubai say “Tusbih alaa khayr” to wish each other good night.
Restaurant Guide in Arabic
Once you arrive at the restaurant, take a look at the menu. In Arabic, you can ask for it by saying, “Min fadlak, ureed qa’imat al-ta’am.” If you’d like to wish your tablemate “Enjoy your meal,” remember to say “Atmna laka wajbatan shahia.” If you’re invited to a meal in Dubai, your host might greet you with “Sahtain.” This translates to “two healths.”
After a good meal, the server will appreciate some praise. Say “Al-ta’am kan mumtaz” to compliment the excellent dish. If you enjoyed the meal but your plate isn’t quite empty yet, or if someone wants seconds even though they’re already full, saying “Khalaas” lets the server know that you’d like to stop eating.
In Dubai, Ready to Shop
Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. There are countless shopping malls and stores. To get your bearings, you can use “Wayn al….” This is how you ask where a particular store or shopping mall is located. The price of the goods is also important. “Bikam haadha?” is the key question to ask when you want to know how much something costs.
If you really like something, you can say “Mabrook.” “Yallah” means “Let’s go” and can be used when someone just can’t seem to stop shopping.
Photo credit: Depositphotos.com – EikoTsuttiy (Eiko Tsuchiya)
