Many non-Arab expatriates in the Kingdom never learn how to speak or write Arabic. This hampers blending into society and is a missed opportunity.
Arabic is the main spoken and official language in Saudi Arabia, although the use of English is increasing. Still, foreigners living in the Kingdom are expected to have a basic knowledge of the language.
Madiha, an Indian national born in Saudi Arabia, said: "Even though I was born and brought up here, I am still not good at speaking Arabic. My environment requires me to speak in English, or my first language Urdu/Hindi. This limits my exposure to Arabic. Maybe that is the reason I never tried to learn the language.”
An overwhelming majority of expatriates in the Kingdom do not have the desire to learn Arabic. This language barrier makes it harder for locals and expatriates to establish communication.
Munira Isaab, a British national living in Riyadh, said: “I have tried to learn basic Arabic so I can have a friendly conversation with people in my neighborhood. They are Arabs and have only little knowledge of English. I find Arabic a complicated language to learn even to achieve a reasonable level of fluency.”
Like English and French, Arabic has become an official language at international forums and organizations. Learning how to speak Arabic could help expats increase their international profile.
Learning Arabic can even be essential in a career. Mohammed Jibran works in the medical sector and said: “I hope I will get promoted if I know Arabic. As I deal with customers I think I should know this language. When I pick up the phone, I want to be able to have a simple conversation in Arabic to clarify what I can do for the customer. If it is a local customer, it will leave a nice impression.”
Hyfa Rub, a Saudi student, said: “It saddens me when I see non-Arab students who cannot express themselves in Arabic even though they were born and raised in the Kingdom.”
Saudi Professor Haroon Ghamdi said: “It is surprising to see non-Arab expatriates who cannot express themselves in Arabic. If they attempt to converse in Arabic, we often have to respond to them in English to carry on the conversation. I believe if they would only exert a little effort they could learn the language faster and communicate.”
Learning the native language of a country one chooses to work or live in is a form of respect toward that culture and its people. Knowing Arabic would greatly improve the working experience and time spent in the country.
Basic Arabic skills can be very helpful. It can make conversation easier for shopping, for being familiar with replies to common phrases and greetings. Arab neighbors, acquaintances and shop owners will appreciate even such simple phrases.
When a local sees a foreigner or non-Arab who has gone through the trouble of learning their language, it creates a positive atmosphere for interaction. Many Saudis actually don't understand or speak English and to create an essential trusting relationship with them, whether formally or informally, it is necessary to have knowledge of Arabic.
Ateqa, a housewife, said: “I have taught myself to read and speak Arabic in order to make it when I go shopping.” She believes many feel shy or are afraid of being made fun of while trying to speak Arabic. “Even though my spoken Arabic is colloquial I prefer using it and learn from my mistakes.”
Expats and Arabic: Learning the local lingo
