Are you planning a trip to Dubai? Or are you relocating to the region because of a job opportunity? Whatever the reason, it may be a good idea to learn the native language. So ‘Ahlan wa Sahlan’ (which means ‘welcome’ in Arabic) to Dubai.
Here are 6 reasons why everyone should try to learn Arabic:
1. Tourist Smart
As a foreigner, you stand out in the crowd and become an easy target for shopkeepers and taxi drivers. Though the region is full of kind and generous residents, every now and then, you get to experience first-hand the pleasures of touting. Equip yourself with an advantage. By learning the lingo and dressing like a native, you can blend in comfortably. Enjoy getting the best deals by transforming into a haggler. So even if you have a broken vocabulary and speak with an accent, just remain confident. It will appear that you have been here for a while. Besides, it will give you the courage and confidence to ask locals for direction to the best restaurants and shopping malls.
2. Job Opportunities
The world has transformed into a global economy. People who possess additional skills tend to stand out from the rest. Companies prefer those candidates that are multi-talented. Speaking Arabic will help you communicate with various businessmen throughout the region, opening the door to a world of career opportunities. It will also give you a better perspective of your surroundings.
3. Social Inclusion
By learning Arabic, you will be able to comprehend conversations and communicate with colleagues or acquaintances without getting overwhelmed. It will give you confidence in making better judgments and rational decisions. It allows you to establish cross-cultural friendships of deeper value. Language is one of the key tools for understanding culture and the way to understand how people think.
4. Become Smarter
Why do people learn foreign languages? Besides the obvious of improving your CV and travel experience, there are psychological benefits. Bilinguals are smarter because it forces the brain to understand the meaning of new vocabulary. It challenges the memory to recognize an unfamiliar diction. It improves your skill to negotiate, develop multi-tasking skills, and solve problems. And what can beat the fun of learning new pronunciations!
5. Enjoy Original Works of Art and Literature
Much of the charm of original works of art, literature and movies are lost through translation. By having a command of the language, you can enhance your understanding of jargon and vocabulary. What better way is there to test your knowledge than to watch a movie with subtitles and see who the expert is.
6. Challenge Yourself
Set new goals to challenge yourself. Instead of isolating your mind to a routine, expose yourself to something completely unique. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Experience the pleasure of coming alive. You’re never too old and there is plenty of time. So, stop making excuses. Whoever said you can’t teach an old dog new tricks were totally wrong. You will not be the same person when you have your first conversation in Arabic. So Yalla!
