Gulf Continental

21047 Safat P.O. Box 21047, Kuwait City, Kuwait

 

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Façade of Souq WataniyaFaçade of Souq Wataniya

Side entrance to the mosqueSide entrance to the mosque

Falcon on displayFalcon on display

Forum Posts

Arabic language - self study

by John806

Hello everyone, just a quick one for you.
I am off to Kuwait in a few months so I'm going to get my head in the books and learn some Arabic. I have been looking around at some of the self - teach computer packages available and it seems that the 'Rosetta Stone Arabic level 1-2' is pretty comprehensive. It is also, by far, the most expensive. So, before I end up re-mortgaging the house to pay for it, I was wondering if anyone of you had any experience or recommendations that might help me on my way. Many thanks in advance for any replies.

RE: RE: Arabic language - self study

by Cham

as planetheart just said, the trouble with learning arabic is that there are so many dialects.

However learning arabic from that book will help in a way... after learning the standard arabic it was much easier to pick up on the other dialects.

I would have to say though the two best books i used were Alif Baa (A B) which is an introduction to arabic comes with dvd's

then there's the second one which is called Al-kitaab fii Ta'allum Al-'Arabiyya (or al-kitaab fi ta2allum al 2arabiya) which also has a dvd... These books really are the fastest way of learning the standard language but bare in mind you probably won't understand what anyone is saying when you are in kuwait

RE: RE: Arabic language - self study

by siinq8

Arabic, like any language, is very difficult to pick up from a book - possibly more so due to the different Alphabet and sounds which do not exist in English. If you are coming here for a while it would be better to enroll on a class when you get here. The AWARE Center in Surra does courses from a basic level up to more advanced stuff and they are very cheap at around 30KD and the standard is pretty good. Kuwait University also does Arabic classes apparently and there's Berlitz too.

Most people speak English here and the local dialect is one of the most heavy and bewildering you are ever likely to hear - even other Arabs struggle to understand Kuwaitis! In fact, you will no doubt find that when you speak to someone in Arabic they won;t understand you as they will be expecting you to speak in English in the first place! And to add insult to injury, people will just patronisingly say "oh, you speak a bit of Arabic!" and then continue the discussion in English as it's easier for them!!

RE: RE: Arabic language - self study

by Cham

I dunno Si kuwaiti isn't so bad... morrocan now wow that's a weird one... even morrocans don't understand their own language lol

RE: RE: Arabic language - self study

by siinq8

Try coming here and you'll see what I mean!! My missus is a native Arabic speaker and she gave up trying to understand the locals long ago!! The dialect is one thing, but the accent is really thick and heavy which just adds to the problems!

As for Morroccans, yeah, they have a bizarre dialect as do the Algerians. I can never tell whether they are talking in Arabic or Rai!! Their French accent is nice though. I was actually watching a video recently which was filmed in Algeria. The guy was saying one word in Arabic followed by one in French followed by one in Lord knows what and the cycle then repeated. What impressed me most was it was done seamlessly as if it were one language!!

Travel Tips for Kuwait

Falconry

by mikey_e

I included this one in the local customs tip because, although it is often considered a sport, you are unlikely to try it out without some sort of detailed and extensive training beforehand. Falconry is a traditional pass-time of the wealthy in the Gulf states and the Crown Prince of Dubai or one of the other Emirates is in fact a world champion at it. Essentially, it involves the training of falcons to hunt small animals and to be tame enough to return to their masters. Even if you don't approve of the use of animals in sport (I'm not sure if the birds are harmed in any way, but I would imagine not), the majesty of the falcons is incredible, and falconry exhibits are great to see if only to be able to get close to them. The birds are usually masked when people are around, so as not to scare or startle them. The rarity of the birds and the costs and difficulties involved in raising and caring for them mean that you're unlikely to see a show at every event, so if you have the chance to witness one, it is an opportunity not to be missed while in Kuwait.

Paintball

by peaceness98

Painball Kuwait field is a large area, around 1/4 acre.

large bunkers, foxholes, and 4 castles/buildings.

They offer coveralls and chest protectors, and it's a shame I didn't get to try paintball yet.

Trip into the desert

by mikey_e

The idea of Kuwait as a desert society is a bit fallacious, as Kuwait City was long a marine and mercantile hub that relied more on the trade winds and merchant ships than on caravans and the Bedouin. Nevertheless, the desert is an integral part of Kuwait's image, especially abroad, and it would be a waste for any visitor to the country to avoid even a small trip out into it. We went to a private ranch (yes, a Royal Family member's ranch) near Abdally Farms, the turn-off for which is about 20 km south of Iraq. The trip out was pretty cool, because you get to pass Kuwaitis' campgrounds and various kite shows on the weekend. Once at the ranch, the experience is unlike any that you can have outside the Gulf (maybe in Israel too). Farmers here manage to make the desert bloom, and any farms here are true feats of hydroponics or irrigation. The desert itself is quite interesting, as the landscape is not the endless dunes that are more typical of Saudi Arabia. Instead, you will find all sorts of shrubs and hardy brush, as well as interesting rock formations and hills.

Lenotre

by peaceness98 about BEST Cafe' in the gulf!

AMAZING food- Great bread basket with both black and green olive paste. The green tastes better, even if the black is calling out for you. Mushroom on toast ,egg benedict, Caeser Salad, chocolate cake...

I sure pigged out there! (remember, I only stayed in Kuwait for 6 nites)

food, fish, meat market

by dircelo

This airconditioned market is providing fresh food to all people in Kuwait. And it is worth strolling through. Some stalls close for the noon prayer, some stay open. Enjoy!

Sponsored by Maggi?!

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Questions and Answers

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Q: confuse "hi!!! my boyfriend and her sister is in Kuwait right now and they are currently working there. just wanna know if can my boyfriend..."

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A: "Without knowing your citizenship it is impossible to advise you. You need to check the Kuwaiti embassy website for your own country, where you will find all the..."

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