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Habibi
Joined: 14 Sep 2005
Posts: 5
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 Posted: Thu Oct 06, 2005 2:27 pm Post subject: Language Learning |
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Hi there,
I am soon moving to Qatar, and would like to get a head start on learning some Arabic. Can anyone recommend some good self study books? I have been to the local bookstore, but most of the materials they have do not include any audio materials, so I will have to end up ordering online.
Also, does anyone have recommendations for classes/tutoring once I arrive in Doha?
Thanks a lot. |
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Hector_Lector
Joined: 20 Apr 2004
Posts: 548
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| Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 11:20 am Post subject: |
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| If you are working for a Qatari organisation, you should be eligible for Arabic classes at the Language Teaching Institute. Excellent Arabic teachers and materials (at least, they used to be). |
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DesertStar
Joined: 02 Oct 2005
Posts: 80
Location: UAE Oasis
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| Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2005 5:12 am Post subject: |
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You might also want to mingle more with the locals and other Arabic speaking folks. Nothing beats immersion!
Oh, and try to avoid, at all cost, those colonial, insular expat communities.
Goodluck  |
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dmb
Joined: 12 Feb 2003
Posts: 8397
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| Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 5:21 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| You might also want to mingle more with the locals |
Easier said than done |
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DesertStar
Joined: 02 Oct 2005
Posts: 80
Location: UAE Oasis
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| Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:50 am Post subject: |
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| dmb wrote: |
| Easier said than done |
That's a fair statement dmb, it's worth trying though. Learning a foreign language isn't easy anyway. |
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dmb
Joined: 12 Feb 2003
Posts: 8397
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| Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 9:54 am Post subject: |
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Learning a foreign language isn't easy anyway.
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Absolutely. What I meant was that the locals are a very closed society. I admit I never went out of my way to befriend Qataris. I am sure it is possible but not easy to break down the culture of family importance. |
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grahamb
Joined: 30 Apr 2003
Posts: 1945
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| Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 10:16 am Post subject: Making friends |
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I don't suppose the sight of a blue shirt emblazoned with "McEwan's Lager" appealed to the locals, dmb.  |
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veiledsentiments
Joined: 20 Feb 2003
Posts: 17644
Location: USA
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| Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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DMB
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??? We have missed you!! I thought the MODS may have finally thrown you out. 
Excuse the hijack... now back to our previously recorded program...
VS |
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DesertStar
Joined: 02 Oct 2005
Posts: 80
Location: UAE Oasis
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| Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:14 am Post subject: |
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| dmb wrote: |
| Absolutely. What I meant was that the locals are a very closed society. I admit I never went out of my way to befriend Qataris. I am sure it is possible but not easy to break down the culture of family importance. |
I agree. From my experience though, getting to know your local co-workers (if you have any) is a powerful gate opener. I don't think I'd have otherwise known anything about the local culture. Seeing locals at malls and other places doesn't reflect how hospitable and friendly they really are. In fact, it might give the opposite impression - esp when they're behind the wheel  |
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dmb
Joined: 12 Feb 2003
Posts: 8397
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| Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2005 6:46 am Post subject: |
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| Quote: |
| Seeing locals at malls and other places doesn't reflect how hospitable and friendly they really are |
You mean driving at 120 swerving in and out of traffic along the Corniche isn't friendly?
Thanks VS, moved house and no connection at home yet. Reading books  |
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DesertStar
Joined: 02 Oct 2005
Posts: 80
Location: UAE Oasis
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