The Language of Abu Dhabi

The Facts:

The official language of Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, is Arabic. Other languages spoken in Abu Dhabi are Urdu, Hindi, Somali, English, French, and Russian. So many people here speak English that almost all the business and road signs are in Arabic and English. I have been able to speak English to people in every store I have been to, so far. One reason English is so important here is that it is considered the language of money and science. One reason so many different languages are spoken here is because this country is very rich and growing rapidly. People from all over the world come here to work. Arabic language looks very different from because it is written the opposite direction on the page than English and their letters are different. 

Here are some English words and phrases written in Arabic with English pronunciation.

Hello                    Al-salam alaykum

Goodbye               Ma'a salama

Good morning        Sabah al-kheir

Good night            Tisbah ala-kheir

Questions to Consider:

What is the official language of the USA?

What other languages are spoken in America?

Why are some of these languages spoken in America?

Why would English be called the language of money and science?

What is another language you would like to learn to speak?

What facts can you learn about cultures of some of the people who speak other languages in America?

Learn an Arab Word:

Yes -- Na'am -- نام

Learn More About Abu Dhabi:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Dhab