So, why exactly should you learn Arabic customs and etiquette? Imagine for a moment two foreigners coming to your place of work. The first one speaks your native language flawlessly—but they’re a total jerk. It’s easy to communicate with them, but it’s just words. You have no evidence that your message is actually getting through to their behavior. The second has a moderate to thick accent, and sometimes there are things you have to ask them to repeat. But they fit right in with the work culture, and every time you’re able to communicate, things work out exactly as you intended. Which one do you prefer? Someone who knows your language, or someone who knows your culture? Since you’re reading this article, it’s clear that you’re... Show more

Everybody knows that numbers are just no fun to learn in other languages. I’ve had plenty of language teachers—fluent, expressive users of English—fall back on their native tongues when quickly counting out handouts. Sorry to tell you, but the numbers are easy. It’s dates you have to worry about. Especially Arabic dates. Ever read through an article in a foreign language, and just mentally read the dates out in your head in English because you didn’t want to figure out how to really say them? Everybody has. If you’re not used to reading numerals aloud in Arabic, check out our article on numbers in Arabic for a little bit of practice. It’s good to have a strong foundation in number-reading before you tackle date-reading; this way,... Show more

No matter what culture you visit, you’ll likely learn that the way other people think of family is completely different from how you do. When you speak in your native language about your own family, you’re drawing on many years of ingrained cultural knowledge that shapes what you’re likely to share and what you’re likely to keep private. This cultural influence may even affect the way you present that knowledge. But if you use another language to talk about your own family, like if you speak about your family in Arabic, you may sometimes find that it doesn’t quite line up. Certain phrases you expect to use aren’t there, and the person you’re speaking with may have a very different expectation of what you’re going to communicate. All... Show more

You're learning to speak Arabic, and it's going well. Your confidence is growing! So much so that you feel ready to share your experiences on social media—in Arabic. At Learn Arabic, we make this easy for you to get it right the first time. Post like a boss with these phrases and guidelines, and get to practice your Arabic in the process. 1. Talking about Your Restaurant Visit in Egyptian Arabic Eating out is fun, and often an experience you'd like to share. Take a pic, and start a conversation on social media in Arabic. Your friend will be amazed by your language skills...and perhaps your taste in restaurants! ʾAmīr eats at a restaurant with his friends, posts an image of it, and leaves this comment: POST Let's break down... Show more

Well, you blew it. Perhaps it wasn’t even your fault. Maybe it was a moment of weakness and you definitely won’t do it again. The point is, you’ve got to apologize for something now. And you’re going to have to do it in Arabic, which is why, when learning Arabic, how to say sorry is so essential. Trying to navigate the intricacies of politeness in a new language isn’t the easiest thing in the world. It would be a lot easier if you could just communicate in English—easier for you, that is! Saying sorry in Arabic is something you shouldn’t do until you’re well past the language-learning level of taking phrases from articles like this one. Each situation that calls for an apology is unique and complex. But everyone has to start... Show more

Egypt takes pride for its military seriously, and rightly so. On Armed Forces Day, Egypt commemorates one of its most successful and ambitious feats: regaining occupation of Sinai from the Israeli army. Naturally, this celebration extends to a holiday of recognition and appreciation for the country’s military as a whole. In learning about Armed Forces Day, or any other major holidays in Egypt, you’re gaining practical knowledge about Egypt’s history and, by extension, its modern culture. As any successful language-learner can tell you, this is a vital step in mastering any language. At ArabicPod101.com, we hope to make every aspect of your language-learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Armed Forces Day? ... Show more

What holiday is Eid Al-Adha? Each year in Egypt, Muslims celebrate Eid Al-Adha in remembrance of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son at Allah’s request, and Allah’s provision of a ram to sacrifice instead. This is one of the most significant Islamic holidays. In this article, we’ll be going over the Eid Al-Adha meaning as well as Eid Al-Adha observances and traditions. At ArabicPod101.com, we hope to make this learning journey both fun and informative! 1. What is Eid Al-Adha in Egypt? Eid Al-Adha (sometimes called Eid Ul-Adha or the Feast of the Sacrifice) is the second-most-important holiday in the Islamic nation, and here we’ll give you some Eid Al-Adha background so you can better appreciate this holiday. The... Show more

Egypt’s national day, Egyptian Revolution Day, is considered one of the most important holidays in the country and for good reason. It marks the end of monarchy in Egypt as the result of a coup against then-King Farouk, who lost the throne as a result. Learn more about the Egyptian Revolution and Egypt’s Revolution Day with ArabicPod101.com! 1. Why Should You Know About Egyptian Revolution Day? Egyptian Revolution Day is the single most important holiday in Egypt, commemorating the end of Egypt’s monarchy in 1952 and the events leading up to it. To fully grasp Egypt’s culture—and therefore its language—one must first understand the country’s origins and history, for these things also reveal the heart of Egypt and its people. ... Show more

We’re going to talk now about an important day in Egyptian history: Sinai Liberation Day (or just Sinai Day). On this day, Egypt regained the land of Sinai and the last Israeli soldier left it after Camp David agreement. The liberation of Egypt’s Sinai put a large mark of victory on Egypt’s history. In learning about this holiday, you’re delving into some of Egypt’s most significant history, particularly involving the Sinai Peninsula. This will give you a deeper knowledge of the country’s culture and its people. At ArabicPod101.com, we hope to make this learning adventure both fun and informative. So let’s get started! 1. What is the Arabic Day of Liberation? Sinai Liberation Day is the day when all the land of Sinai, except... Show more

“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.” Nelson Mandela gave some solid advice. Your words, and the language they’re spoken in, can make a powerful impact. But what about what you’re not saying? What are you communicating without even realizing it? Is your message, “I’m confident, trustworthy, and capable,” or something more like “Watch out!”? In this article, we’re going to take a holistic look at the nonverbal signals you might be giving your business partner. When you’re in another culture, you can’t expect your body language to stay the same. In Dubai, you might accidentally be sending messages that tip the scales in the... Show more