Arabic is coming along. I have the numbers down and am working on the letters. Also mastered the basic “hello”, “how are you”, etc. phrases. But boy is it a confusing language. Not only is there a significant difference between the colloquially spoken Arabic and the 'standard' Arabic that no one except tv news anchors speaks (which is also the language in which all books are written), but the scipt is completely different, there is a masculine/feminine distinction, it is written backwards and most of the sounds are ones that I can't pronounce or distinguish. Whee! I wanted a challenge...
All that said, I am enjoying the studying. Being really really new at something means that you have a great sense of accomplishment each time you learn something. Also, everyone is really encouraging and helpful. So, insh'allah, I hope to be able to at least order a drink when any of you come over and visit...which will be soon, right?
