The importance of local language in Kuwait

Last activity 10 June 2023 by Cheryl

110 Views

7 replies

Post new topic

CherylModerator24 May 2023 07:32:27

12164

Hey everyone,

As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We’re curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Kuwait.

Here are some questions to get started:

What is the local language spoken in Kuwait? Did you learn and use it? How difficult was it to learn?

Are there any resources or services available to help expats learn the local language? What are your tips?

What is the dominant language in the business environment? Have you had to conduct business meetings in the local language?

How does language proficiency contribute to understanding the local culture? Are there any specific cultural nuances or expressions that expats should be aware of?

How important is the local language for daily tasks such as shopping, transport, health and other services in Kuwait?

Let's share tips and advice on how to improve language skills and integrate into a new environment.

Thank you for your contribution.

Cheryl
Expat.com Team

Padmanathan RMember24 May 2023 11:39:55

@Cheryl It’s must to learn the basics of Arabic language to go on for day to day activities. Also we should know the Arabic language mainly for official works to get it done and to understand the process as well as to talk with officials. I am new here and this is the difficulty experienced by me as on now

BhavnaTeam24 May 2023 16:01:42

39957

Thank you for the feedback PAdmanathan R,

Are you planning to learn Arabic ?

Regards

Bhavna

Padmanathan RMember25 May 2023 18:34:44

@Bhavna yes

Waleed Al-SubaieMember30 May 2023 11:48:02

@Cheryl

Dear All,

Actually here in Kuwait the mother tongue language as everybody know is Arabic, also the English language is very important here in Kuwait because it used in all kind of business and ..... etc.

to learn arabic , you should know arabic people and stay with them for a while ....you will get some words from them also they can teach you ...... but if you don't know anyone know arabic ... this is problem ... specially he should be pure arabic ...

this is my very simple opinion about your topic.

with my best regards,

Waleed

legacyKuwait Expert31 May 2023 13:33:11

3426

thank you Waleed.

there are two forms of arabic in Kuwait - colloquial and official. Official arabic is the language used in print (newspapers etc.) and the Qur'an. Colloquial is the spoken word, and it is further split into the different backgrounds you would converse with, be it Gulf, Levant, Egyptian, North African etc. the dialects will differ, and sometimes whole words have completely opposite meaning. For example:

the word from proceed or perform in Kuwaiti is bat'al, in Egyptian it means the exact opposite, stop.

the word for rice in Kuwait is A'ish, in Egyptian this means bread.

The word for yell or call out in Lebanon is A'yat, in Egyptian this means to cry (tears) not cry out.

So yes, it can make for an interesting exchange, I failed my first driving test because the cop kept saying "bat'al el sayara (start the car)" and I understood it to mean switch off

All in all however, you need to learn the local language. It makes a huge difference even if you speak it broken and miss out on the conjugation, so far as you know more than just hi, how are you etc. it's always a great start and shows that you both respect the culture you are in and are striving to learn more about it.

Anood ShahMember09 June 2023 18:33:36

@Bhavna yes

CherylModerator10 June 2023 04:05:18

12164

Hello Anood Shah,

Welcome to Expat.com

Is there something you would like to add to this discussion?

Feel free to reply to the questions I have asked above.

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

Articles to help you in your expat project in Kuwait

How to drive in Kuwait
If you are planning to move to Kuwait, obtaining a driver's license should be at the top of your to-do list! While ...
Leisure activities in Kuwait
People might assume there isn't much to do in Kuwait as the country is so small, but that would be wrong! The ...
Banking and finances in Kuwait
Soon after arriving in Kuwait, you will likely want to open a Kuwaiti bank account. Opening a bank account can be ...
Languages spoken in Kuwait
Whether you're planning on just visiting Kuwait, or are getting ready to move there for work or studies, you ...
Find the best location to live in Kuwait
It is important for us to live in a community that we feel comfortable and secured. I wrote this article for ...
The healthcare system in Kuwait
Fully funded and invested in by the government, Kuwait's healthcare system is advanced and well-developed. There ...
Finding jobs in Kuwait
I would like to give you some tips on how to market your skills to stand out from the crowd. I've ...
The Difference in Living Costs between Kuwait and the UK
Wherever in the world you go the costs vary. In Kuwait some things are more expensive than in the UK, while some a ...