You really need to stop encouraging me, here, Trudy.

Important (Egyptian) Arabic Words:

Insh'allah (If God is willing - this is in response to ANYTHING where you might say 'yes', 'no' or 'maybe'.)

Al Khamdulaleh - Fantastic! (literally 'thanks be to God!'

Ma'alesh - No worries, dude.

Mufeesh Mushkella - it's not a problem

Ishtah! - Cool! (literally 'cream')

May-ah May-ah - Fantastic! (literally 100/100)

Haram ya lake (m)/ Haram ya lakie (f) - Shame on you.

Shookran - thanks

Ma'a'salema - Good bye

The most important Egyptian Arabic word I learned when I was there was "Imshi" = "go away", useful when small children or grown men are following you around like puppies.

I did like it when I walked down the street to a chorus of "beautiful lady!"

Yeah, that's very handy. And

La, shookran, ana mish aisa de = No, thankyou, I don't want that.

Ishtah!

Hooray for Arabic lessons!

Is this week's #1 Single the last one?

I thought the last one was several weeks ago? Or, at least, I haven't seen a new one in a while.

It is a gorgeous day out, but I couldn't think of anything else to do outside! LAME. This is the problem with not buying things -- no shopping.

Hooray for Arabic lessons!

My brother went to language school when he joined the Navy right out of high school, and learned Farsi. Did the whole total immersion thing and all, which was very impressive.

Especially since he failed French in high school.

I have a sort-of relative who was a translator in Korea, in the military. She hated it. Came back to the US, never wanted to leave or speak another language again. Made me so sad!

Well done him! My wee sister knows some Farsi.

Made me so sad!

That is sad. Learning a language (well) is one thing I've always wanted to do.

Well done him!

I think so! I mean, I can imagine me learning French (better than *I* did in high school) or Italian or Spanish, but anything with a completely different alphabet? Probably out of my reach.

Plus, it took him in great directions within the Navy. He does a lot of intel, and has moved up really impressively at a young age. Plus, he'll have marketable skills when he retires.

I mean, I can imagine me learning French (better than *I* did in high school) or Italian or Spanish, but anything with a completely different alphabet? Probably out of my reach.

Yeah, I feel the same way. In Mexico, I found that I have pretty decent restaurant Spanish, but that's as far as it goes. But I at least feel like I could get better. A new alphabet? Brand new sounds? Forget it.

This woman (my step-cousin-in-law. really) was overall kind of a tragic person. She told me that the only time she smoked in the house was when she was on bedrest, pregnant with her son. But only a couple a day!