Learning Arabic?

[Sea]

So here's a question that hasn't been asked! (at least not in any of the most recent threads... )
So are any of you guys learning the language? I'm aware that it's not necessary to get by, but I'm a language enthusiast and always make an effort to learn the local language wherever I live.
So anyone enjoying their language lessons?

Just curious!

Cheers,
Sea

[Maz25]

Actually, the question has been asked before!!

I haven't actually started any classes but I definitely plan to. I know the odd word here and there. Been here 6 weeks and know 6 words exactly.

I think crazymazy had planned to give lessons. Might be worth asking him. I know that they give out lessons somewhere in Knowledge Village as well.

[crazymazy1980]

Originally Posted by Maz25

Actually, the question has been asked before!!

I haven't actually started any classes but I definitely plan to. I know the odd word here and there. Been here 6 weeks and know 6 words exactly.

I think crazymazy had planned to give lessons. Might be worth asking him. I know that they give out lessons somewhere in Knowledge Village as well.

I will be. Just trying to get my head round everything and get into a routine, then I'll be setting something up.

[Sea]

Already been asked?? damn!! I need to think up something new then...

Cool! Well, I just find out this morning that it's mandatory for us (the employees) to take Arabic lessons, fine by me!

Crazymazy giving lessons? nice! and how is it that you are already a master in Arabic?

[crazymazy1980]

Originally Posted by Sea

Already been asked?? damn!! I need to think up something new then...

Cool! Well, I just find out this morning that it's mandatory for us (the employees) to take Arabic lessons, fine by me!

Crazymazy giving lessons? nice! and how is it that you are already a master in Arabic?

I am no master!

...but I can teach and teaching helps me improve and revise my grammar/vocab too. How come it is mandatory for you, what field are you in. I thought that English was the language of choice here? I struggle to find people to talk Arabic too

[FlyingDodo]

I'll sign up!

[Maz25]

Originally Posted by crazymazy1980

I struggle to find people to talk Arabic too

Go down to Dubai Driving Centre - you'll get plenty of practise there!!! I wish that I could speak Arabic cause I had no idea what the guy was saying to me!

[Sea]

oh no no! Working language is English, office is full of expats. I'm in the Maritime industry.
It's just company policy that every employee make an effort to learn the local language wherever they are, and the company's represented in 100+ countries and constantly moving ppl around...
Crazymazy, really? the locals? when you are at an open market or smth? still all in English?

[crazymazy1980]

Originally Posted by Sea

oh no no! Working language is English, office is full of expats. I'm in the Maritime industry.
It's just company policy that every employee make an effort to learn the local language wherever they are, and the company's represented in 100+ countries and constantly moving ppl around...
Crazymazy, really? the locals? when you are at an open market or smth? still all in English?

Yep, all in English Most spoken language here I would say is Urdu.

First proper conversation I had in Arabic was on a trip we took to Hatta Pools and I talked to a farmer to get directions but, I have met and talked to some people since, just not as much as I would like.

I think that's a really good company policy, must help build rapport. Do they bring people in to train you or expect you to enrol on a local course? Do they expect you to be at a certain level in a certain period?

[kered]

learning Arabic is fun - i'm learning a bit before i move from some of my friends - writing is really hard, it took me ages to learn the alphabet - i got some school books [like for kids aged 5] they really helped!