Resources

As a part of this blog, which is intended to be an overview of my time and experience in Saudi Arabia, I hope to inform friends and family of what's happening, show where I've been, and give some insight into what it's like to be a foreigner in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In my own journey I've already discovered some other helpful blogs, sites, and books that I think could be helpful to anyone thinking about going to KSA:

Here are some great blogs:

Blue Abaya
Foreign Girl
Saudi Scenes
My mom's blog (Elise's Saudi Stories)
Black Chick in Saudi


Here are some books:

Insight into the future: Caryle Murphy's Saudi Arabia Through the Eyes of Its Twentysomethings
Because we need some guidance: Understanding Arabs: A Guide for Westerners
Travel and culture tips (it's a whole new planet, and there are a lot of helpful books on travel and culture out there, this is just one example): Culture Shock! KSA
For insight into Islam and how Muslims process their world: The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross

I think it's really important to learn about the people you will encounter wherever you're going, and that includes not only what the rules and regulations are, but also how those people see the world around them, and how that impacts the way they relate to each other. 


Vocabulary you should know:

Arabic is a difficult language to pick up - especially the written and formal standards - and even though a lot of Saudis speak English, there are a few survival words/terms that I think everyone should know.

1. Asalaam wa'alaykum = Peace be upon you
2. Wa'alaykum asalaam = and also upon you (the response to #1)

*This is the greeting you will hear repeatedly as a tradition of expressing respect through greeting.

3. Enshallah = lord willing

*This is the answer for everything! Will it be done by tomorrow? Enshallah. See you soon! Enshallah. Can you pick me up at 6pm? Enshallah. The original intent for "enshallah" was to allow God's will to be recognized constantly. For example, if I say, "See you later," but I die before we see each other again, "enshallah" allows for God's will to be above people's plans. This is obviously a phrase rooted in Islam, which is not only the religion of KSA, but also the way of life and the foundation of the government (it's a very interesting topic, but too much to go into here). Now, the phrase is unfortunately a bit misused in that, as my dad says, it has come to mean: "If I don't do it, God will!"

4. Alhamdillah =  thanks be to God

*This is the answer to "how are you," and also a response for many other questions. Good or bad, you can always say, "Alhamdillah."

5. Shookran = thank you; Afwon = you're welcome

*It's good to be grateful. However, a cultural note: "thanks" is not nearly as commonly used in Arabic as it is in English. My beautiful Egyptian friend Nehad once told me, "Thanks should only be given to God, so don't thank me. This is my pleasure."

6. Masalaamma = goodbye

7. Sook = store/shop

8. Tai-yeb = okay

9. Gahawa = coffee

*This "g" sound is technically a "q," but listening to Arabic speakers in KSA, it sounds like the English "g." Also, assume you're talking about Arabic coffee unless otherwise specified. It's a centerpiece of Saudi culture, and a must for any hospitable host. 

10. Eewa or Ee = yes, La = no

*"Naam" is the formal word for yes, but you'll most often hear "eewa" or "ee." It's kind of like  the Arabic versions of "yep" and "yeah." 

Since there isn't really a shortcut to learning a new language, it's good to just have a few key words. Maybe most people aren't language nerds like me, but I think it's a worthwhile challenge to learn as much of a language as I can. A very important note is that any of my information on Arabic is based on what I pick up in Saudi Arabia. Arabic is different in different countries.


I hope this information is helpful :) Masalaama for now!

-Courtney