Arabic For Dummies

The fast and easy way to learn to speak Modern StandardArabicRegarded as one of the most difficult languages to learn fornative English speakers, Arabic is gaining global prominence andimportance. Recent world events have brought more and more Englishspeakers into contact with Arabic-speaking populations, andgovernments and businesses are increasingly aware of the importanceof basic Arabic language skills.Arabic For Dummies presents the language in the classicFor Dummies style. Taking a straightforward and practical approachto this complex language, it's packed with practice dialogues andcommunication tips that will have you talking the talk in notime.* The Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, basic grammar, and therules of transliteration* The history of the language and information on classical Arabicand its dialects--focusing on Modern Standard Arabic* How to make small talk and make yourself understood whendining, shopping, or traveling around town* How to communicate on the phone and in businessconversations* Handy words and phrases for dealing with money, directions,hotels, transportation, and emergencies* Arabic culture and etiquette, including ten things you shouldnever do in Arabic countries* Recognizing Arabic symbols and characters* The book also includes an Arabic-English dictionary, verbtables, and an audio CD with dialogues from the book to help youperfect your pronunciationWritten by a native Arabic speaker who helped start a year-roundArabic department at Middlebury College, Arabic For Dummiesis just what you need to start making yourself understood inArabic.CD-ROM and other supplementary materials are not included aspart of the e-book file, but are available for download afterpurchase.

Introduction 1Part I: Getting Started 7Chapter 1: The Arabic You Already Know 9Chapter 2: Taking a Closer Look at the Arabic Alphabet 19Chapter 3: Tackling Basic Arabic Grammar 31Chapter 4: Getting Started with Basic Expressions 59Chapter 5: Getting Your Numbers, Dates, and MeasurementsStraight 71Chapter 6: At the Office and Around the House 79Part II: Arabic in Action 95Chapter 7: Getting to Know You: Making Small Talk 97Chapter 8: Asking Directions and Finding Your Way 109Chapter 9: This Is Delicious! Eating In and Dining Out 121Chapter 10: Going Shopping 141Chapter 11: Hitting the Town 161Chapter 12: Taking Care of Business and Telecommunicating183Chapter 13: Enjoying Yourself: Recreation, Music, and theOutdoors 197Part III: Arabic on the Go 209Chapter 14: Planning a Trip 211Chapter 15: Dealing with Money in a Foreign Land 229Chapter 16: Getting Around: Planes, Trains, and Automobiles245Chapter 17: Finding a Place to Stay 267Chapter 18: Handling Emergencies 289Part IV: The Part of Tens 299Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Pick Up Arabic Quickly 301Chapter 20: Ten Favorite Arabic Expressions 305Chapter 21: Ten Great Arabic Proverbs 311Part V: Appendixes 315Appendix A: Minidictionaries 317Appendix B: Verb Tables 331Appendix C: Answer Key 343Appendix D: On the CD 349Index 351