Very Simple Arabic: Incorporating simple etiquette in Arabia

by James Peters

Peters combines an authoritative text with his inimitable cartoons like no other author dealing with this subject today. The author of The Arab World Handbook proves once again to be an indispensable guide and companion for any visitor (on business or pleasure) to the fascinating and sometimes demanding land that is the Arab world. Split into two parts, Simple Etiquette in Arabia and The Customs and Culture of Arabia, James Peters extracts the common denominators of etiquette in the Gulf, as well as describing the essential first steps in understanding the place, the people and the culture.

Genres: Travel

120 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1980

About the author

Author of Very Simple Arabic, Very Simple Arabic Script, Very Simple Arabia and The Arab World Handbook.

An experienced Arabist, he studied Arabic at Durham University and the British Foreign Office Middle East Centre for Arab Studies in Lebanon. He has lived and worked in the Arab World as a soldier, diplomat and businessman for over forty years.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a succinct and engaging introduction to standard Arab etiquette of cultural cues and common phrases, which makes it most useful for future travelers to Arab countries for business or pleasure. With cute cartoons and smartly written information, it addresses topics such as how to greet Arabs depending on context, how to respond to invitations and offers with polite acceptance or refusal, basic cultural information such as customs for holidays and hosting guests, and more. The second half of the book is a highly practical phrasebook, and concludes with a very brief introduction to Arabic grammar. My only qualm is that the Arabic script was omitted, as it is addressed in the companion book, "Very Simple Arabic Script", which is also an equally, immensely helpful introduction.