Erica in the Middle East: August 2011

8.16.2011

One Last Post

I'm officially at the end of my time in the Middle East, and that means this blog is also coming to an end. However, I enjoy this form of communication, so I'll be blogging from Chicago. :)

For those of you who want to read my ramblings from Chicago check out:

www.ericainchicago.blogspot.com

Hopefully, I'll keep it updated fairly regularly, and maybe even with pictures! :)

Thanks to everyone who read this blog, prayed for me and encouraged me in writing it.

I APPRECIATE IT!

List of Arabic Words I've Used In Posts

shabob (Sha-bob) = literally, youth, although we use the word to describe young men who think they rule the streets :)

kufeeyahs (Ku-fee-yahs) = the square checkered scarves that were traditionally worn by the men and now are becoming a fashion accessory as well. There are still some men who wear them the traditional way.

Ma Salaam (maw Sa-laam) = good-bye

taowjihe (ta-ow-gee-he) = the university placement test all H.S. seniors take

Ikama (eeKama) = residency visa/permit.

A Salaam Al Li Kum (AaSalaam Al Lee Kum) = a greeting "God's peace be with you"

Wa Li Kum Salaam (Wa Lee Kum Salaam) = response to "A Salaam..."

Marhaba (MarHaBa) = Hello

Ahlan Wa Sahlan (AHaLan Wa SaHaLan) = a welcome

Sabakh Al Hare/Sabakh Al Noor (SaBahk Al Hkare/SaBahk Al Noor) = "Good morning" and the response

Eid (eeD) = basically a holiday of some sort. Birthdays can fall into this category as well, I believe

Hijab (He-Jab) = what they call the scarf the women cover their heads with.

Souk (SooK) = marketplace (most of the time it is more of an open-air market)

Shwerma (sch-wear-ma) = the official fast food of the Middle East. A gyro-type wrap with meat shaved off an upright spit and added to various condiments and then wrapped up in thin bread.

Al Humdilallah (hum-dee-lal-lah) = thank God, or hallelujah. It's used as a response to "how are you?" and it's one of my favorite phrases to say. :)

Servees (ser-veece) = shared taxis that run on set routes...they usually service a specific area, such as the jabel where I live, or the balad, or other neighborhoods.

Bint (binT) = girl

Jabal (ja-bal) = mountain/hill

Inshallah (inch-shal-lah) = "if God wills it"

Balad (bal-lad) = what they call the city center. It's a busy couple of streets with all kinds of shops along it.