I humbly admit to being excellent in English. I can speak it, I can write it, I can DO English. But I an totally incapable of speaking, writing and doing any other language. Have a rather large French vocabulary which is totally useless because when I am in France, pronouncing those remembered words, the French, particularly Parisian French – immediately begin to speak English.
Alter Ego: Why do you think that is so? Has it happened often?
Me: ALL the time, for years and yeurs. Continually and constantly. . Went to Paris for a month for seven years in a row. Never would those Parisians listen to my words. It is because I murder their language with my mispronunciations.
I was not offended by this at all. I understood their dilemma, they could not understand one French word I mispronounced. Solved the problem by usually traveling in English speaking countries. Need I remind you, gentle readers, that I am, at this time, in Saudi Arabia. Many people speak English but it is necessary, in order to communicate effectively and to show appreciation for their land and culture to have at least a rudimentary knowledge of some words.
Accidentally found a valuable resource on the Internet, and in my great generosity, shall share it with you. There are five, shall we say necessary expressions. Here they are, coupled with their meanings. This from the Nasma Of NY website.
“Expression 1 : Inshallah
One of the most common Islamic terms used in daily life is inshallah. It is also written as insha allah and has the Arabic pronunciation of. It means “God willing” when translated literally. It is based on the Quran’s teaching that nothing occurs apart from God’s will. I’ll see you tomorrow, inshallah, is a phrase used to refer to upcoming occurrences. Or: Inshallah, I’ll take a vacation next month. In Arabic, it’s frequently used to indicate “hopefully” or “yes.” If you inquire: Will you be here tomorrow? You can anticipate hearing “inshallah” as a response. Most people will use this phrase to indicate their seriousness about their plans, not to escape being told no. As a result, inshallah is another Arabic word for “yes.”
Although the phrase “inshallah” has its roots in Islam, Arab speakers of various faiths frequently use it. When discussing upcoming events, many Christian-Arabs utilise the word inshallah in their regular talks. So when learning Arabic, don’t be afraid to utilise inshallah.
Expression 2: Alhamdulillah
Alhamdulillah, which is written in Arabic as “thank you,” is another often used Islamic phrase. It means “glory be to God” in the literal sense. Thank God is the comparable phrase in English. Alhamdulillah is meant to be recited in response to anything that occurs in our lives (both positive and negative). People typically use it to express thanks for good things in daily life. How are you in Arabic is frequently answered with the phrase alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah is a means to express satisfaction. It can also be used when discussing accomplishments or a fortunate circumstance.
Alhamdulillah is additionally spoken after finishing a meal and after sneezing.
Alhamdulillah is frequently used by Muslims and Christians in Arabic, just like inshallah. If you learn Arabic, don’t be afraid to say “alhamdulillah” when someone asks you how you’re doing or when you’re discussing your accomplishments.
Expression 3: Bismillah
The phrase “start with bismillah, end with alhamdulillah” is used frequently in Arabic. The Arabic phrase bismillah, which literally translates as “in the name of God,” is used to signal the start of something. It serves as the start of an action for which a person asks God for his or her blessing. When you’re dining, for example, you’ll frequently hear the Muslim greeting bismillah. Before taking a bite, say Bismillah, and after your meal is over, say Alhamdulillah. Some individuals whisper it, while others speak it aloud.
Keep in mind that the salutation bismillah is not Arabic. The word is intended to initiate an action for which you would like to obtain God’s blessings, not a dialogue.
Expressions 4 : Mashallah
Mashallah is used for previous occurrences, whereas inshallah is used for future ones. Mashallah is an Arabic phrase that translates to “what God has willed.” Mashallah can be used to show excitement and thanks for something that has happened, similar to how alhamdulillah can. Mashallah is frequently utilised in daily life as a method to appreciate things like beauty.
Mashallah is an additional Islamic phrase, but it has significant cultural significance. This is founded on the notion that reciting mashallah shields one against vices like jealousy. Mashallah is typically mentioned when praising someone in daily life. For instance: Mashallah, you are beautiful. Muslims and Arab-Christians alike frequently utter “mashallah.”
Expressions 5: Subhanallah
This expressions means God be praised. Like mashallah, it has a similar meaning and use. It’s an additional way for us to express our gratitude and appreciation for things we appreciate or for events that have happened to us.
A fascinating phrase that mixes these typical Islamic sentiments was recently shared on social media, by the way. The ability to remember and comprehend each one is really beneficial.
Want to learn more such interesting expressions and facts about Islam and the Arabic culture? Head to Nasma Of NY and explore the Levantine Arabic world now!”
Now that your (and my) language lesson is completed we can now discuss my disaster of yesterday. One of the worst things in life (these days) that can ever happen to anyone happened to me.
Suddenly, inexplicably, for no good reason, my iPhone (my newest version) froze. It happened at breakfast. What came next was a constantly evolving and revolving set of circumstances, a cast of what seemed to be a cast of thousands came to my rescue. Most of these people shall remain nameless, but my thanks to them is immense. I
This is how it all began. I spoke of my plight to a man who was commenting me on the wearing of the Palestine scarf, he was originally from Palestine. Neither he, not his two workmates were able to activate the phone but they told me about the Apple Store at Gate 5 of the Dhahran Shopping Center an immense place within sight but over several ring roads. Two hotel staff members pointed the treacherous walking way over and around the ring roads. When I finally (and I do mean finally) got to the shopping center I met two Muslim women, we laughed and joked . Hearing of my dilemma they pointed the way to Gate 5. While on the tremendous trek to Gate 5 began talking to, and joined two Muslim women in a Cinnabar restaurant with their children playing on a nearby ‘structure’. They asked me to join them – we had SO much fun. I am going to the home of one of them to convince her husband NOT to go to Canada, explaining the reality of the dreadful conditions there.
All of these conversations and encounters were made without the assistance of my phone and the internet, which made things difficult, if not downright impossible. Found a woman employed by my Saudi phone carrier. She was initially helpful but then useless. She asked a security man to escort me to the Apple Store. Mashallah! First just one man but then Service Personal arrived. Such a treasure, such a blessing. Subhanallah! When purchasing the iPhone in Canada was intelligent enough to purchase Apple Care, so the diagnosis, and perhaps repair will be under the warranty. Then in my typical fashion I got lost. There I was at t Gate 7. I turned the wrong way. Realized I was tired, thirsty and hungry. La Pate Lounge appeared before my eyes, purchased for a great sandwich, French fries and hibiscus tea. Blessedly also found a women’s loo. Mashallah. Waling back I found a Daiso Japanese Store, such a treasure trove. Remember one of those from my Vancouver (2017-2019) days. Purchased a neck pillow as I get a sore neck from typing in bed.
By this time I was totally exhausted, yet again. Before my eyes, just outside of Gate 5 was a Green Taxi. Hailed the cab, got him to bring me home, rather circuitously due to the ring roads but It was worth it, as explained in a text.
Me: Was able to get a taxi back. If not I would have been a puddle on the road.
He: Well, it was good that you found one then.
Back at the hotel ordered ice tea and then met three men who worked for a Saudi power plant company. Told them of the primitive power infrastructure in both the US and Canada comparing it to the technological genius found here in Saudi Arabia. These men were not Saudis, from Yemen and India – educated in their home countries but came Saudi Arabia to work for years and years.
By the way, I have two phones, so do not feel too sorry for me. My phone rang, in the midst of the conversation my phone rang. It was the wonderful woman at the Apple Store. My phone is fixed and I can pick it up Inshallah today. Alhamdulillah,
Emailed computer guru Chris this morning, learning more about the services he has rendered. Mashallah, I have a YouTube account. It is OF COURSE my name. I have to figure out how to use it better, as I am a technological infant. Someday, somehow I will learn to post directly. This offered now for your viewing pleasure. Hahahaha :
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgn9bIrprfY3qnEEt1K2KEA.
Throughout the day yesterday and many other days I wear my Palestinian scarf purchased in August 2002 at a Muslim Cultural Festival in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is a rarity in these parts. People often stop and thank me for wearing the scarf. During my long trek to the Shopping Center, cars would honk, which irritated me. Spoke of this to the women in the Shopping Center.
Me: I was walking here. So many cars, so much traffic. Cars would honk, I looked irritated and said Stop Honking (in English of course). Then it occurred to me that they were honking in support of my Palestine scarf. It made me feel guilty that I was telling them to stop.
She: (laughingly) Did it ever occur to you that they might be honking at you for another reason.
Me: (laughingly) OH! Mashallah! I am dressed modestly as usual but not wearing my hijab and abaya today. Oops. Inshallah tomorrow I will cover. Either that or get used to honks. Inshallah .
Here is more information about the Mall.
“Mall of Dhahran is a fun destination for all ages, with stores and facilities equipped for a fun shopping day on a 250,000 square meter area. The center includes 500 diverse stores where you can purchase the finest perfumes from the shelves of local and international brands, keep up with the latest fashion and beauty trends, and find seasonal women’s or men’s fashion collections. Additionally, children’s stores offer you the chance to renew your child’s wardrobe at the best competitive prices. “
More details will be supplied later but this is the most supportive environment I have EVER been in. I am including a very unusual photo, taken from my hotel window. It is one of the finest displays of hope and optimism imaginable. Those trees are saplings planted in the sand. Infants – planted with an irrigation system. Who knows when they will grow to maturity to provide shade. But Inshallah someday.
Sapling is a young tree, especially one with a slender trunk.
