Pocket guide to Egypt

POCKET GUIDE TO

EGYPT

For use of Military Personnel only. Not so

be republished, in whole or in part, without

the consent of the War Department.

Prepared by

SPECIAL SLRVICE DIVISION, SERVICES OF SUPPLY
UNITED STATES ARNU

A POCKET GUIDE TO

EGYPT

FONDREN LIBRARY

Southern Methodist University
DALLAS, TEXAS

WAR AND NAVY DEPARTMENTS
WASHINGTON, D . C.

A POCKET GUIDE TO EGYPT

CONTENTS

Introduction ■• i

Money . , 36

Currency Table 37

Paper Notes 37

Weights and Measures 38

Calendar and Time 3^

Check List of Do's and Don'ts 39

Hints on Pronouncing Arabic 42

List of Most Useful Words and Phrases 46

Additional Words and Phrases 5 1

_

INTRODUCTION

YOU'RE BOUND FOR EGYPT for just one job; To
beat the enemy and help bring conclusive victory for the
Allied Nations. To do that, you've got to use your brains
as well as your body.

As an American soldier, you'll also become a sort of
Ambassador for your country. Wherever you go, people
are going to judge the United States by you. They'll
watch you, and listen to you, and say: "So that's what
the Americans are like, is it?"

We've got a fairly good reputation in the world at
large right now. Don't spoil it. Make it better!

IS ALL THIS IMPORTANT? You're right it is! Your
conduct can shape up as a vital factor in winning this
war. So don't laugh it off — because your enemy isn't.
Egypt hasn't declared war on the Axis: but she is friendly
to the United Nations. Dr. Goebbels and every one of his
aides is working to switch that friendship.

The enemy wants you to make mistakes, and so he is
working day and night, with his propaganda. He wants
you not to get along with your partners — the soldiers of
our Allies who are in Egypt, But most of all, he wants
you to make mistakes with the Egyptians. He hopes that,

1

perhaps unwittingly, your manners will offend them, that
you'll trample clumsily on their customs, that you'll insult
their religion, and that you'll make mistakes about their
social attitudes and political beliefs.

So here's where you fool the Axis! Read this book
carefully.

IN ORDER to conduct yourself well in the eyes of the
Egyptians, you need to know a little about Egypt, of
course. Well, what does an average American know about
it? Sure, it has pyramids — and palm trees — and people
ride on camels. We've all seen travel movies. And the
Children of Israel fled from Pharaoh across the Red Sea
to the Promised Land. We know that much from our
Bibles. But that's hardly enough to equip you as a one-
man good-will mission.

Thousands of books have been written on Egypt, but
no one of them can tell you all about the country. It's too
big and too different from anything Americans know
about. So, a different sort of guidebook has been prepared
for your information, giving in brief ABC form, a few
of the things that may interest you and some of the things
you need to know. If you exercise a normal amount of
curiosity, you'll soon find out more about the land of
Egypt than is possible to put in any guidebook.

• • •

CAN STAND FOR ANTIQUITY. Yes, Egypt's old.
We've records of people living there 10,000 years ago.
About 5000 B. C. conquerors swept up from the Red Sea.
These invaders had developed hieroglyphics — a type of
picture writing, often chiseled in stone — and so we have
a fairly good record of history in Egypt after that.

The first king, or Pharaoh, ruling about 3000 B. O,
was named Menes. King Tutankhamen, whose tomb was
discovered a few years ago, came some 1,560 years later —
in case you want to ponder how old Egypt is. The Phar-
aoh of Moses' time, mentioned in the Bible, is believed
to be Merenptah, who ruled about 1226 B. C.

Their religion led the people to place importance on
preservation of the body after death. Hence, mummies;
and hence — as the saying is— the pyramids. The pyramids
are royal tombs — you can see them near Cairo, If you're
in the Engineers, you might spend your spare time figur-
ing how the old Egyptians, without any machinery, man-
aged to get those stones into place.

Shortly before the birth of Christ, the golden days of
Egyptian world leadership began to fade, Rome had her
day as a warlike power. Thereafter, Egypt passed under
many rulers, among them the Romans, then the Persians,

3

the Arabs, Turks, French and Turks again. In 1914 the
British established a protectorate in order to guard the
Suez Canal against the Turks, After the war, in 1922, the
British returned Egypt to the status of independent State.

b

IN ANY GUIDEBOOK on Egypt must stand for Back-
shish and Barter. Backshish means something free, a tip,
a gift of money, some extra award. It is probably the first
Arabic word you'll hear as you land in Egypt.

Partly because you are a well-paid soldier, but more
because of the careless lavishness of pre-war American
tourists of the wealthy type, you will be fair target for
cries of backshish.

Don't be a sucker! To fling out coins and watch the
boys scramble madly is small-town stuff. And you'll have
a mob following you that'll ruin the rest of your day.

When you land in a big city, you may be surrounded
by a crowd of young men trying to sell you erotic services
you don't want, or a bunch of youngsters just crying out
for "backshish." Learn to use a couple of Arabic phrases.
Simply say: "Mafish Backshish!" (ma-FEESH bal{-
SHEESH .) which simply means: "There is no present

forthcoming," A more polished way to say "no" in Arabic
is: "Allah Ya'tik!" {AHL-lak yah-TEEK) which in gen-
eral means that since God is all-powerful without doubt
He will see that the suppliant is rewarded.

These phrases are polite but firm. Say either or both
and keep walking. Finally you'll be let alone.

The same rule holds if you find yourself surrounded
by "dragomen" or guides. Just keep on going and say:
"Imshi!" (lM-shce), (a perfectly polite Arabic equivalent
of "scram" or "beat it!"). Or you can use: "Uskut!"
(OOS-\oot)— "Be quiet!"

However, if you're in Cairo on leave and want to see
the sights, get an accredited dragoman. They congregate
opposite Shepherd's Hotel, outside the soldiers' service
clubs. Make definite agreement about charges before start-
ing out. It's the custom. Do the same when hiring a taxi
or engaging any such service.

There's a lot of almsgiving and tipping in Cairo. When
you tip, give 10 percent of the bill, or little more. For
alms, a small coin. Two small coins are considered a more
splendid gift than a larger one of equal value.

If you want souvenirs — in the big shops prices are
marked as in America. But, in the bazaars, you bargain.

Bargaining is a national Egyptian pastime, sport, art,
and safety valve. Thanks to American movies and tour-

ists, you'll always be asked more than a Briton or French-
man. But it's only an asking price. Oiler one-third of.
what you're asked. Then haggle, without losing your
temper or being discourteous. You can use the old Ameri-
can custom of horse-trading to good advantage in your
dealings with Egyptian merchants. Also it doesn't pay
to fling your money around. That just means higher prices
for everyone.

Don't fall for the Egyptian version of buying the
Brooklyn Bridge— in other words, "genuine" antiques.
Common sense tells you a street vendor isn't likely to be
selling you what a museum would pay big money for.
Il you want a few beads, scarabs, or tiny statuettes, they're
worth only a couple of piasters.

Hotels in Cairo are crowded; accommodation scarce.
You can get cigarettes at soldiers' service clubs. Ask there,
too, about where to stay while on leave.

There are plenty of movies and outdoor cafes in Cairo,
As for night clubs, Cairo has plenty of clip joints. If
British or American soldiers who arrived before you did
tell you to lay off a place, take the hint.

Wherever you may be and whatever difficulties you
may encounter, never strike an Egyptian. He has no
understanding of combat with fists. The only way he will
feel able to avenge an insult to his person, is with a knife.

6

V • • •

IS FOR THE COUNTRY. There are 350,000 square
miles of it in Egypt, and 337,664 are desert. There's only
a short rainy season, and if you've lived in our dry parts
of the West you know what that means.

Water is life to Egypt. There's no dry farming. Millions
of people are concerned with rainfall, irrigation ditches,
getting water to the land.

Egypt's 12,000 square miles of arable land lie in the
Nile Valley and the Delta below Cairo. The farms are
small. Over 4,000,000 families own farms of 2 acres down
to a half acre. That means a low standard of living by
our views.

d

• •

FOR THE DESERT. Away from the Nile it's dry
desert, with only a few water holes, or fertile oases. The
climate's no balmy paradise.

That desert can be your enemy or friend. Learn from
the old-timers — how to defeat its dust, sandstorms, hot
winds. Most campaigns have been in the "winter season";
but you've got to learn to fight in all seasons — and do it
better than the enemy. Learn to conserve your water sup-
ply, for it's the key to life in a desert country like Egypt.

STANDS FOR EDUCATION and El Azhar. In a way
they're both the same thing.

In the last dozen centuries of foreign rule the followers
of Islam kept alive the culture and learning of Egypt. The
El Azhar at Cairo, founded 520 years before Columbus
discovered America, became the seat of Koranic learning.

Today El Azhar, guided by the noted Moustapha El
Moraghi, ranks as "the oldest university in the world."

About 7,000 grammar schools in Egypt work to over-
come illiteracy. In Cairo there are 1,500 university stu-

dents studying agriculture. Five members of the Egyptian
Parliament are graduates of the American university at
Cairo.

Egypt, like any land going through rebirth, seeks prog-
ress through broadened educational facilities, through
books, through learning. That's not a Nazi idea of prog-
ress, but it's Egypt's — and ours, too.

f

FLORA AND FAUNA. Egypt is a land where a date
is something that grows on a tree and is an important
economic asset. If you're interested in trees, sycamores,
acacias, tamarisks, doom palms, and willows are most com-
mon. For fruit: figs, pomegranates, bananas, and oranges.

Farm crops are rice, barley, clover, sugar, some wheat,
and — most of all — a fine grade of cotton for export trade.

As for animals, Egypt has no woods, forests, or jungles,
and so there are few wild animals. Camels and donkeys
for transport; and 'the tribesmen have the finely-boned
Arab hngspii . - ^ - _ __

§ * • •

GOVERNMENT, In 1922 when Britain ended the
Protectorate, Egypt became a democratic monarchy under
King Fuad I. His son, King Farouk, now rules.

There's a two-house governing body as in America, The
lower house, Chamber of Deputies, is elected solely by the
people. The King has great power. He appoints one-third
of the members of the Senate, can dissolve the lower
house, and his sanction is required for all legislation.

Law administration differs from our own. Village and
tribal leaders dispense justice in conformity with law.
Major civil and criminal cases come before more formal
tribunals. Personal law, however (marriage, death, rights
of succession), is administered by the Moslem authority.

h

HOSPITALITY. Americans know how to be hospita-
ble. There's a trick or two in learning how to accept it
abroad. Among the "westernized" or upper-class Egyp-
tians, manners are like our own, only a little more formal.
Away from the cities, manners are more purely local.

10

In general, the Egyptian thinks maimers are important.
He dislikes physical contact. He will shake hands as we
do, but doesn't understand a slap on the back. He won't
like it.

A formal gesture of Egyptian hospitality is the serving
of a small cup of coffee. One shows politeness by never
refusing the first cup; appreciation by taking a second
and third; good breeding by refusing the fourth. A cup
turned upside down means you wish no more.

There is not a great chance that you'll eat in an Egyp-
tian household. If you should, watch your host. If he has
"western" manners, your own are all right. Sometimes
there's a basin, pitcher and towel, and diners pour water
over their hands before and after the meal. In humbler
homes, people eat with the fingers, sometimes from a
common dish, using only the right hand.

Before starting say: "Bismillah" (bis-MIL-lafi) which
means: "In the Name of God!" Never use this phrase, or
similar Arabic phrase, carelessly or in vain. It is said as
simply as one might say a short grace in a reverent
Christian household.

Meals usually consist of many dishes, and one is not
required to take large portions of each. What is left is the
meal of the women and children, who usually are not
present. Egyptians serve the syrupy coffee very hot. It is

11

quite Emily Post to inhale with zooping effect. This indi-
catcs you're enjoying it — and helps cool it off.

An appropriate gift is as welcome a token of apprecia-
tion in Egypt as it is back home. But one thing. Don't
make a promise, or let an Egyptian think you've made
one, that you don't keep.

I

ISKANDARIYYAH. This is the native name for Alex-
andria, main port and vital naval base of Egypt. It was
named after Alexander the Great who founded it in 332
B. C. Its harbor had the first lighthouse in history a few
years later. It also had one of the most famous libraries
ever known.

J

JARABUB OASIS. Mussolini reached out for this stra-
tegic spot long before this war broke out. The Egyptians
adjusted the border and Italy got Jarabub in return for
land in the neighborhood of Solium.

While on the subject of Italians. Don't think they can't
fight. They can, and will, if they think their courage is
being mocked. It's true hundreds of thousands of Italians
have surrendered to the British, often because the Ger-
mans left them in the lurch.

Right now the Italian soldier is puzzling out a prob-
lem: whether it's Mussolini or the Germans he dislikes
most. Let him dislike both. Millions of Italians were
taught in the old schools that Britain was "Italy's historic
friend." Millions more have relatives happy and often
prosperous in the United States.

im • • •

IS KHARTOUM. And maybe Kitchener and Kipling.
In 1HH5 an Egyptian army was wiped out by the "Mahdi"
in the Sudan. A British expedition under General Charles

13

Gordon was surrounded in Khartoum. After long resist-
ance by the garrison, the Fuzzy-wuzzies broke through
and wiped out the defenders.

The Sudan was pacified and the Mahdi's supporters
rounded up by General Kitchener, who later took the title
of Kitchener of Khartoum. Today the Sudanese serve in
the Egyptian Army. These black, smart-looking soldiers
arc tough fighters.

I

• • •

LANGUAGE. The common tongue of Egypt is Arabic.
We took our system of numerals from the Arabs; but we
use the Roman alphabet. Thus it is small chance that
you'll learn to read in Arabic.

The spoken language, however, is not hard, although
it has certain sounds we do not use in our tongue. There is
a glossary in the back of this book. There is no set way to
spell Arabic words in our alphabet. It is spoken over a
vast area of the East, and has variant local pronunciations.
The glossary tries to give you the "sound" of the words
as used in Egypt.

Educated Egyptians usually speak French and some
English. The dragomen and guides in Cairo have picked

14

up some English words. But don't be a greenhorn. Learn
to speak a few words of Arabic. The Egyptians are
pleased when you try it.

m

MEANS MOHAMMED, MECCA, MOSQUES, MOS-
LEMS AND MUEZZINS. In other words— Religion!
It is one of the major points in getting along with the
Egyptians.

The Prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca, in Arabia,
in 570 A. D. As a boy he tended sheep. As a man, he
gained wealth, and became repelled by the idolatry and
murder and infanticide of the people. He spent much
time in prayer about this in caves near Mecca. In these
caves he was visited by the Archangel Gabriel who spoke
words to him which later were written into the Koran —
the Holy Book of the Moslems.

Mohammed braved death to preach his new religion of
one God. After his death Islam (the Moslem religion)
spread rapidly over Asia Minor, Egypt, into Turkey,
India, and parts of Africa. In those lands you will see the
mosques (temples) with their minarets or towers.

The "muezzin" is the official who stands in the minaret
and calls "the faithful" to prayer five times daily — at

15

dawn, noon, late afternoon, sunset, and after dusk. His
chant repeats the phrases:

"God is great. There is no God but Allah. Mahomet is
his Prophet. Come ye to prayer. God is great. There is no
God but Allah."

On that call the Moslem kneels on his rug in prayer.

Islam teaches belief in one God — a creator who rules
with love and mercy. The Moslem also knows of Adam,
Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus — as Prophets of the
Lord. His religion forbids intoxication, gambling, and
usury; calls blessed those who give alms to the poor. He
believes in a Judgment Day when "unbelievers" are cast
into hell. The "faithful" go to Paradise when they die.

It may sound as if there's enough likeness between that
religion and your own to afford pleasant academic dis-
cussion. Forget it. The world records few, if any, religious
arguments that ever ended with anyone the gainer. To a
Moslem you are "an unbeliever" and that can cause
trouble — if you don't use common sense.

Common sense means that if you see men kneeling in
prayer in the open don't stare — or take a snapshot.

Common sense means you conduct yourself with pro-
priety if you happen to pass a mosque. Don't spit or
laugh or start monkeyshines.

There are a few certain mosques in Cairo of great

16

beauty which are open for visitors. A reputable guide
knows which they are. But never try to visit the others..
Don't go into any mosque alone. Keep away from them
as much as you can.

Over 90 percent of Egyptians are Moslems, There is an
ancient Christian sect — the Copts. They number about 6
percent of the population, but their influence is larger
than this indicates. But the Copts, like the Moslems, do
not welcome the slightest interference or irreverence to
their religious customs.

Remember, one of the principles for which we fight
this war is that "every man shall have the right to wor-
ship God in his own way.

IS FOR THE NILE, the 4,000-mile river that is the life-
blood of Egypt. The Nile it Egypt- Moses was found
in the bulrushes beside it. Anthony and Cleopatra sailed
on it. Up through history armies have sailed up it. It irri-
gated the land and it bore the transport of the people.

Today, although Egypt has railroads for transport, it is
no less the lifeblood of the country.

Each year it overflows, leaving rich deposits to refer-

17

lilize the precious farm lands. This rise and fall of the
river is regular each year. The river runs low in April.
Then, fed by tropical rains in far-off Abyssinian high-
lands, it starts to rise. By the end of September at Thebes,
it is 36 feet higher. After that date it slowly subsides.

The Nile, in case you're looking for omens, is a patri-
otic river. In July the water runs red; up at the source it's
called the White Nile; at Khartoum it's joined by the
Blue Nile.

IB

IS THE OMAD, village head man empowered by law
to dispense justice. On official business in any village, seek
out the Omad and pay courtesy call. He can simplify any
problems of food, bedding, billeting, etc.

In Bedouin tribes of the desert, the Sheik (Shake) is
the leader.

In dealing with Omad or Sheik, conduct yourself with
dignity. An Egyptian is much more liable to base his
judgment on the person than on the matter at hand.

Generally the American mind says: "If the deal adds
up, the man must be O. K." The Egyptian mind is more
liable to put it: "If the man is O. K., then the deal must
be all right."

P

STANDS FOR THE PEOPLE— about 16,000,000 of
them in Egypt, and 12,000,000 wring a living from the
land. They can be divided into four classes.

There's the professional or official class — people with
some money. These people are cultured, are often "West-
ernized" in custom and dress. However, they are more

19

"European" than "American." Many have travelled, speak
several languages, are slightly more formal in manner
than we are.

In the cities is the artisan class — shopkeepers, craftsmen,
skilled workers. They arc patient individuals and are
used to soldiers. To soldiers in Egypt every one of these
Egyptians — dragomen, guides, merchants — is "George."
He seems to like being called "George." It's one of the
jokes of Cairo, and works with good feeling both ways.

Many of the artisan class work at spinning and weav-
ing cotton. There are some craft unions, but the indus-
trial employee is not a power in the political life of Egypt.

Finally, there are the peasant-farmers — 12,000,000 of
them — the "Fellaheen." By western standards the fella
hasn't much. His home's without comfort. He eats little
beyond bread, lentils, beans, onions, and very occasional
mutton at feasts. But in the main he seems contented.

Finally there's the Bedouin — the semi -noma die tribes-
man of the desert. Some Bedouins have become farmers;
but they are better with animals than crop raising. On the
sparse vegetation of the desert they raise camels. Goat-
herding is looked on as an undignified business.

As in many parts of the world outside America, cloth-
ing denotes class or profession. In Cairo you can see most
of these people pass — the wealthy garbed as in Paris or

20

London; the artisan in gown and tarboush or turban; the
alim, or Moslem professor in snow-white turban and
robes; the Bedouin in burnoose and knotted headdress,
proud of his hereditary right to carry arms; and always,
the fellaheen, in their brown skullcaps, usually in blue
robes.

Many of those 16,000,000 see Egypt facing a new era.
They want Egypt to "go places." They understand Amer-
ica is a land that is "going places," too. In general, there-
fore, they'll be friendly to you.

q

IS FOR THE QATTARA DEPRESSION. This below-
sea-level area is a sort of combination of the Dakota bad-
lands and California's Death Valley, General Alexander
used the Qattara Depression as a hitching post for the
British left Bank in his defense of Egypt until he rebuilt
his Eighth Army into an attacking force.

West of the Qattara Depression lies the Libyan Desert
and Cyrenaica over which the war has flowed. It has
been more like naval warfare than land fighting, with the
object not so much to conquer land as to destroy the
enemy forces.

It has been ding-dong fighting. The Italians won the

21

easy first round in September 1940, when they invaded
Egypt and reached Sidi Barrani. General Wavell with a
small army kicked them 400 miles back to EI Agheila in
January 1941, until some of the best of his few troops
were taken away and sent to help Greece. Rommel coun-
terattacked and, in May 1941, reached Bardia. The Brit-
ish chased Rommel almost back to El Agheila again in
January 1942, Rommel then pushed forward to the Qat-
tara area where he stayed until the great British onslaught
in October 1942, which started the grand Allied attack
on all North Africa.

RAMADAN. It's the great religious holiday of the Mos-
lems, and it's where you watch your step. During Rama-
dan many public and business houses are closed, and for
a month the devout Moslem touches no food, drink, or
tobacco, between sunrise and sunset. To make up for this,
he often stays up all night. As a result of this fasting and
lack of sleep, even the Moslem often gets touchy and
bad-tempered.

It is especially during the religious ecstasy of Ramadan
that Moslems resent anything that seems like interference
or disrespect from an "unbeliever."

22

Remember, during Ramadan, never offer a native food,
tobacco, or a drink. And keep away from mosques en-
tirely in this season. (See later notes on TABUS.)

Don't be a fool about this. Failure to observe sincere
religious tabus may lead to most serious consequences to
you and your comrades.

SUEZ CANAL. This is why Egypt is such a vital thea-
tre of war. At present we link hands with Russia, while
Germany and Japan are cut off from each other. The
German dream of smashing into the great oil fields of
the Caucasus and of winning Asia Minor, together with
a Jap drive up through India, would mean they'd link
hands. Then we'd be separated — as our enemies are now.

The Suez Canal is the vital artery of supply in this
Middle East bastion just as the Panama Canal is in
America. The United Nations must defend and maintain
them both.

Early in history men saw that a canal dug across the
87-mile neck between Africa and Asia would reshape the
shipping communications of the world. In 1798, Napo-
leon ordered a survey. His engineer, LePere, computed
the Red Sea was 30 feet higher than the Mediterranean.

23

Hence a canal would flood the Mediterranean and make
a mess of Europe. So Napoleon called the deal off.

In 1869, Ferdinand de Lesseps constructed the present
canal. Six years later the Egyptian Khedive, who held
about half the stock in the canal company, wanted to sell
out. Prime Minister Disraeli, who knew a bargain when
he saw one, persuaded Queen Victoria that the British
should buy the shares for $20,000,000. The British gained
voting control of the canal, which was open, however, to
all nations.

As we defend the Panama Canal, the British defend this
life-line, and this has been the root of political trouble in
Egypt. The British have aided in forming the present
free Egypt; but still desire to maintain troops there, as we
do in the Panama Canal Zone.

t

IS FOR TABUS. Here are a few of them for Egypt.
Devout Moslem women are heavily veiled. Do not stare
at them, speak to them, or try to attract their attention.

A dog is an unclean animal. If you have one, keep it
in hand. Its presence is defiling. Never offer a Moslem
pork — even in what some misguided gagsters may con-

24

sider fun. Do not even get a Moslem to touch pigskin
leather, or any object that has touched a pig or pork.
(Note, if you think this a joke, remember hundreds of
white women and children died because of such a belief.
See history books on the Indian Mutiny and "greased
cartridges.")

Do not loiter or stare at people at prayers; or enter a
Mosque unless a guide takes you to an "open" one. Do
not spit near a Mosque.

Drinking is repellant to a devout Moslem. He will be
disgusted if he sees you drinking too much or drunk in
public.

25

In Cairo "George" will scramble to get into a camera
picture; but in rural districts the camera is an evil eye.
Don't snap pictures indiscriminately.

Some Moslems believe even your glance is evil. Don't
try to take children on your knee. If a friendly Moslem
should happen to indicate his wife, or children— or even
a possession — do not stare. Let your eye pass on and say:
"Mashallah" (ma-SHAH-a-LAH), This means, "Praise
be to God," and takes the curse off your "evil eye."

And remember, be especially careful not to offend Mos-
lem sensitivities at Ramadan.

u

• • •

MEANS UNITED NATIONS. You've got Allies in
this war. Get to know them in Egypt. You can learn
from the old-timers — and nothing could make the Axis
agents angrier than to have you pay no attention to all
the bunk put out about you and your Allies,

In Egypt there arc British Tommies speaking the var-
iant county accents of England, Wales, and North Ire-
land. Their comrades died by thousands on the desert
until they got more and better equipment.

You'll find English regiments which have fought
through every successful allied offensive in Africa; tough

26

Australians who've whipped the enemy on a dozen fronts;
New Zealanders and South Africans who are quieter —
but no less good men in the line. There are Highlanders
from Scotland — they've left their kilts home in this war
and fight in "breeks." There are scrappy little Ghurkas
from India, who boast they never sheath their knives
once drawn until blood has flowed. So don't ask to see a
Ghurka's knife. There are Fighting French, and even
Poles, Greeks, and Czechs who escaped from their lands
and carry on the fight.

Learn to distinguish these soldiers. Although many are
in British uniforms, they like to be recognized for what
they are. So learn distinguishing marks.

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mm l

3 ■=

The Scots regiments still wear their bonnets. The black
berets mean the wearers are in the British tank corps.
The Australian "digger" has his slouch hat. Usually the
others have distinguishing badges on their shoulders.

These soldiers have set names for each other. Just as
every Egyptian is "George," every Scottish soldier is
"Jock" to his friends. Every Ghurka is "Johnnie." An
Australian is either "Digger" or "Australia." The others
are called by their shoulder badges: "Poland," or "New
Zealand," or "Durham," or "Koyli."

In turn you will be "Yank." If you're from the South,
you may spend hours explaining your definition of a
Yankee. It won't matter. You'll still be "Yank" and they
mean it in a friendly way.

IN ANY COUNTRY WHERE OUR TROOPS ARE
SERVING STANDS FOR VICTORY. The first step-
ping stone to it is for the soldier to keep himself mentally
alert and physically fit. Keeping one's health in Egypt is
not as easy as at home. Venereal diseases arc highly prev-
alent in the Near East. There's one relatively sure way
not to get them : keep away from women.

The country has enough disease without running this

30

risk — disease you have little natural resistance against.
Military medical science has done wonders in combatting
disease — you've been given "shots" to immunize you
from many. But the best weapon against disease is your
own common sense.

So in Egypt, keep clean and don't get lousy; lice carry
typhus. Never rub your eyes with soiled rags or towels.
Don't drink canal or river water until it's been treated.
(Drink local coffee without fear, for it's so scalding hot
there's small chance of a germ being left alive in it.)

Never swim in the Nile, in canals, or irrigation ditches.
The water teems with a small leech that plants disease
parasites in your blood.

And don't forget — keep out of brothels. Cairo and
Alexandria teem with pimps and procurers. Just say
"Imshi!" and keep on going.

w

• •

IS FOR THE WAFD. The Wafd, or extreme National-
ist party, led in the fight for Egyptian independence. It
is in power today, but now stands for cooperation with
the United Nations against the Nazi. Remember, how-
ever, that Egypt is not at war with the Axis, and to many
Egyptians we are soldiers who, if not intruders, are at

31

least interrupting their normal life. We owe them decent
treatment and respect, which means avoiding any act or
attitude which will add to their irritation.

The Atlantic Charter says we fight so that "all peoples
shall choose the form of government under which they
shall live" and that "all men should traverse the seas and
oceans without hindrance." Britain, Russia, China, and
24 other nations subscribed to that charter. It's what
we're fighting for, and don't let any quisling, whisperer,
fifth columnist, faint-heart or "inside informal! on ist" tell
you different.

vv • • •

IN MATHEMATICS IS THE UNKNOWN QUAN-
TITY. It's the same in warfare. There are plenty of
things about our side the enemy would like to know.
Keep them unknown. Keep your mouth shut.

In any land like Egypt, with mixed population, vary-
ing dialects and dresses, it is not hard to keep agents and
spies circulating. Remember Lawrence of Arabia used to
walk round as an Arab in Turkish-held cities in the last
war— and he had blond hair and blue eyes to give him
away. Yet he got away with it. '

In public, on the streets, in the coffee-houses, don't talk

32

about who you are, where you came from, how you got
there, who was with you, what equipment you have. Get
in the habit of letting the other fellow do the talking.

If you do happen to get captured, give your name,
number, and rank. That's all international law requires
you to tell, no matter what bluff your captor puts up.
And thereafter continue to keep quiet. Dropping a stooge
among prisoners to pump them dry is an old trick.

No matter where you are in the war zone, take a tip
from the Egyptian Sphinx. It has stood in silence for
thousands of years.

y

IS FOR YASHMAK^or a veil over the face. Devout
Moslem women go veiled. And in case you've been read-
ing how "the jasmine-scented night air throbbed to the
bulbul's song as a tiny veiled face peered from the lat-
tice," just put it all back in fiction. It isn't so.

Modern Cairo is becoming "emancipated." Girls go to
high school, or work in the shops and stores. They go to
dances, and look much like American girls in dress. But
they are not American. They are more "European" in
spirit — that means stricter in manners.

33

Rut among older people, and away from the cities, the
strict Moslem codes still prevail, and the women are
veiled. It means, to all practical purposes, that the woman
does not exist as far as anyone but her husband is con-
cerned. So do not treat any Egyptian woman casually —
and when one is veiled, that means strict Moslem. Do not
stare at her, speak to her, or even jostle her. Act as if she
wasn't there. That's exactly what the Moslem wants you
to do. She doesn't exist.

IS FOR ZELMA. And in Arabic that means one man,
a soldier, a footsoldier. And that, for the most part, is
you. You're from an eastern factory town maybe, or Iowa
farm, or western ranch, but wherever you're from, you've
been brought up under democracy. And now you're

34

Mil :

going to a place where you'll be a walking example of
our way of life. People will judge democracy by you.
Remember a few things about it.

Democracy is a free, open way of life that is threat-
ened by a system of oppression. That's why we're in this
war.

Democracy is built on the right of free choice — the
right of man to worship God in his own manner. Re-
spect the Moslem's right to do exactly that; don't do any-
thing that he thinks defiles his religion or his temples.

Democracy believes in people seeking happiness
through their own way of life, with their own customs —
not in forcing them to adopt the system of life of a
stronger nation. Respect the Egyptian's customs and hab-
its as outlined in this book. Don't stare at his women,
laugh at his manner, or offend his dignity.

Democracy doesn't believe in the "super-race" idea.

35

But our beliefs will be judged by what we do. Don't
bully, don't brow-beat — and never strike an Egyptian.

Finally, whenever in doubt — just be your own, natural,
American self. This book can't make you an expert on
Egypt or Arabic. So if you don't know something, just
ask a question.

The Egyptians are much like any other people. They're
usually cheerful, and the United States is known as a
country that hasn't any territorial ambitions. They don't
care for windbags or braggarts, and will meet honesty
with honesty. So if you ask an honest question, or try to
speak Arabic they'll be pleased (and perhaps amused).
But they'll be ready to help anyone who is trying sin-
cerely to understand their way of life.

MONEY

The basic unit of money is the Egyptian Pound, writ-
ten £E. This sign comes before the numeral, as with
our $ sign. The ^E, worth J4.00, is divided into too
piasters {pee-AS-ters) and each piaster is further divided
into ten mil Hemes (meel-YEEMS).

There is a good deal of counterfeit money. Learn to
examine it, and tell the good from the bad. If you have
to change any American dollars, go to a reliable bank or
office. Professional money-changers may try to gyp you.

CURRENCY TABLE

Egypt has many coins. Here's a list of them:

Name Kind of metal American value

'/: milltemc bronze 'A cent

1 rrultieme bronze '/jcent

2 milliemcs nickel Vjccnt
2 ! : milliemcs nickel 1 cent
5 milliemes ( 'A pi- nickel a cents

aster)

10 milliemes (pias- nickel 4 cents

ter)

2 piasters silver 8 cents

5 piasters silver ao cents

10 piasters silver 40 cents

20 piasters silver go cents

JiE'A VA pound) gold S2.D0

£Ei (pound) gold $4 .00

PAPER NOTES

Name American value

j£E Vi ( 'A pound) S2. 00

£E t (pound) , 4. 00

,£E 5 (5 pounds) . . . , 20.00

j£E to (it) pounds) 40. 00

,£E 50 (50 pounds) 200. 00

£E 100 {too pounds) 400. 00

As in all lands, there are familiar names for some of the
coins. The pound is sometimes called a LEE-ra. The
5-piaster silver coin is sometimes called a shilling. The

37

lo-millieme or piaster coin is a "GIRSH" or a "SAGH."
The 5-millieme or '/z-piaster is commonly a "ta-REE-fa"
or a "GIRSH ta-GHEER."

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

The metric system of France holds in Egypt. Here's a
rough distance table:

i centimeter = two-fifths of an inch.

i meter (too centimeters) = 39 inches (over a yard).

1 kilometer (1,000 meters) =about three-fifths of a

mile.

Liquids are sold by the litre (LEE-ter), which is a little

larger than our quart. Gasoline is measured in British

Imperial gallons, which are one-fifth larger than our own.

CALENDAR AND TIME

ACTUALLY there are four calendars in Egypt. The
Gregorian (the one we use), the Jewish, the Coptic, and
the Moslem. The last one is the common one you should
know something about.

The Moslem calendar is based on the moon, not the
sun. Thus each month has exactly 28 days. Because of
this, Moslem holidays don't tall on the same date in our
reckoning. As the important Feast of Ramadan began
September 12 in 1942, it begins September i in 1943
(note that date).

33

The clock used by the Egyptians is the 24-hour one.
Two p. m. thus is 14 o'clock. Our Army has officially
adopted the same system.

CHECK LIST OF DO'S AND DON'TS

Don't enter mosques.

Smoke or spit somewhere else — never in front of a

mosque.
Keep silent when Moslems are praying, and don't stare

at them.
Discuss something else — never religion or women—with

Moslems.
Don't offer food, water, or cigarettes to a Moslem during

the month of Ramadan, except after sundown.
Don't oiler a Moslem alcohol or pork in any form.
If you have a dog, keep it away from individual Moslems

and from mosques.
' Don't talk politics with the Egyptians (especially English-
Egyptian relations).
Expect to bargain for anything you buy, and do it good

humoredly.
If you can, find out from people who have been in Egypt

fair prices to pay for what you buy; stick to them and

don't overtip.
Ignore Egyptian women completely.

39

.Never strike, push, or jostle Egyptians,

If offered a first, second, or third cup of coffee, skip the
fourth one.

Remember, Egyptians believe in the "Evil Eye," so don't
admire children unless they are forced on your atten-
tion. Then say Ma-shallah ("God be praised") imme-
diately. This holds for taking photographs, too.

Always say Bismiliah (bis-mil-LAA) before food when
eating with Egyptian Moslems

Always say Hatndullak (d-HAM-dooi-LAA) at the end
of the meal.

Start eating only after your host has begun.

Always tear your bread with your fingers — never cut it.

Eat with your right hand only — even if you're a south-
paw.

Remember to leave something in the main food bowl—
what you leave goes to the women and children.

Unless you have a cast-iron stomach, eat only a part of the
first course — there may be four or five more coming.

Knock before seeking admission into a house. If a
woman answers, wait outside until she has had time
to retire.

Take off your shoes before entering a room — leave your
socks on.

40

When visiting don't overstay your welcome. The third
glass of tea or coffee is the signal to go, unless you are
quartered there.

Be considerate of servants. The Moslems are very demo-
cratic.

Avoid any expression of race prejudice. The Moslems
draw no color line.

Speak Arabic whenever possible, no matter how badly you
may pronounce it. The Egyptians will be pleased and
may help you.

Especially, learn to use Arabic greetings and courtesy
words, such as:

as-sa-LAA-moo 'a-LAY \oom ("Peace be unto you") said
upon meeting anyone. The person replying answers
'a-LAY-J(oom sa-LAAM.

iz-7,Al-ya\ ("How are you") means the same as the last
expression and is more common. The usual reply is
ei-HAM-dool-LAA ("Praise God"); sometimes you will
hear KWAI-yis ("Well") or fee-'a-MAAN il-LAA ("In
the safety of God").

na-HAAR-ul{ sa-'EED ("May your day be happy") is a
common greeting. The usual reply is na-HAAR-a\
sa-'EED oa-mu-BAA-ra^ ("May your day be happy and
blessed").

KAT-tar KHAYR-a^ means "Thank you."

41

■ : ■ "

in-SHAALra-LA. ' ("If God wills") is used like our "God
willing"; it is used whenever you speak of something
you are going to do or is going to happen in the future.

MA-'as-sa-LAA-ma is a common expression for "good-
bye."

HINTS ON PRONOUNCING ARABIC

THESE are pronunciation hints to help you in listening
to the Arabic language records which have been supplied
to your troop unit. They will also help you with the
pronunciation of additional words and phrases given
in the vocabulary below, which are not included in
the records.

Arabic is spoken over a great area in North Africa and
the Near East. There are some differences between re-
gions, both in pronunciation and the use of words. The
pronunciation you will hear on this set of records is that
of Cairo and the surrounding district since this pronunci-
ation is considered the standard and is understood
throughout Egypt. In other parts of the country you will
hear slightly different pronunciations. If you should go
on to other regions, where other varieties of Arabic are
spoken, you will be given further information at that
time. Don't worry about that now.

There is nothing very difficult about Arabic — except

42

that you won't be able to read Arabic signs and news-
papers you will see. That is because they use a different
alphabet from ours. Therefore, the instructions and vo-
cabulary below are not based on the written Arabic lan-
guage, but are a simplified system of representing the
language as it sounds. This system contains letters for all
sounds you must make to be understood. It does not con-
tain letters for some of the sounds you will hear, but it
will give you enough to get by on, both listening and
speaking.

43

Here are a few simple rules to help you:

i. Accents. You know what the accented syllable of a
word is, of course. It is the syllable which is spoken
louder than the other syllables in the same word. We will
show accented (loud) syllables in capital letters and un-
accented syllables in small letters.

2. Vowels. These are the kind of sounds we repre-
sent in English by a, e, i, o, u, at, au, ay, etc. Just follow
the key below and you will have no trouble.

a or A equals the a in father. At times it will sound like the
a of pat or even the r of pet. Pronounce it
exactly as you hear it on the records. (Exam-
ple: SA-ba-'a meaning "seven.")

aa or AA equals the same sound as above but stretched out.
Remember that it is important to pronounce the
short vowels short and the long vowels long.
(Example: na-HAAR-ali sa-'EED meaning
"good day.")

i fir I equals the i of hit. Always very short. (Example;
StT-te meaning "six.")

ee or EE equals the ee in fee. (Sometimes sounds like the ay
in day.) Always very long. (Example: MEE-ya
meaning "hundred.")

u or U equals the « in put. Always very short. (Example:
RVZ meaning "rice.")

oo or OO equals the oo in too. (Sometimes sounds like the o
in go.) Always very long. (Example: cl-ba-
BOOR meaning "the train.")

44

ay or AY equals the ay in day. (Example: FAYN meaning
"where.")

au or AU equals the ow in how. (Example: 'AUZ meaning
"want.")

ai or AI equals the at in aisle or the i in ice, (Example:
'Al-wa meaning "yes.")

e or E equals the e in get. (Example: el meaning "the.")

o or O equals the o in go. (Example: ROB-'a meaning "quar-
ter.")

3, Consonants. The consonants are all the sounds that
are not vowels. Pronounce them just as you know them
in English. AU consonants should be pronounced. Never
"slight" them. Learn these special consonant sounds:

h or H is always pronounced. At the end of a syllable it
sounds like letting out your breath. (Examples:
WAA-kid, meaning "one"; *AYH, meaning "what.")

kh or KH is like the sound you make when clearing your
throat to spit. Listen carefully for it on the record.
(Example: KHAM-sa, meaning "five.")

gh or GH is like the h.h except that you put your "voice" into
it; that is, it is very much the sound you make when
you gargle. Listen carefully for it on the records.
(Example: 'IRSH SAGH, meaning "five cents.")

sh or SH equals the th in show. (Example: "as/t'REEN, mean-
ing "twenty.")

(') is pronounced tike a slight cough or choke as when

in English we cut the words "no" or "ych" off very
short. It is also like the sound you hear in the middle
of "uh-uh." (Example: 'Al-wa, meaning "yes. "J

45

LIST OF MOST USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES

HERE is a list of the most useful words and phrases you
will need in Arabic. You should learn these by heart. They
are the words and phrases included on the Arabic language
records and appear here in the order they occur on the
records.

Greeting* and General Phrase*

[English — Simplified Arabic Spelling]

Good day — na-HAAR-ak.

■BED
Good evening — mee-SA'

KHAYR
How are you? — iz-ZAl-yak
Sir — ya a-FAN-dee
Madam or Miss — ya SIT -tee
Please— MSN FAD-lak
Excuse me — 'AN 'IZ-nak.

Thank you — mu-ta-SH AAK-k.ii

Yes — 'Al-wa

No— LA'

Do you understand trie? — IN-ta
fa-HlM-nee

I don't understand — 'A-na
MUSH FAA-him

Please speak slowly — MIN FAD-
lak. il-KAL-lim bi-SHWAYSH

Location

Where (is)— FAYN
a restaurant — hi - KAN - dit
•AKL
Where is a restaurant?— FAYN
lu-KAN-dit 'AKL
a hotel — lrt-KAN-da
Where is a hotel?— FAYN lit-
KAN-da

the railroad station — el-ma-
HAT-la
Where is the railroad station? —
FAYN el-ma-HAT-ta
a toilet — ma-ra-HEED
Where is a toilet? — FAYN ma-
ra-HEED

Directions

Turn right— UF "A-la lee-a- Straight ahead— 'A-la TOOL

MEEN Please point— MIN FAD-lak.

Turn left— UF -A-la SHMAAL wtir-REE-iiee

It you arc driving and ask the distance to another town, it will
be given you in kilometers, not miles.

Ki lo m ctcrs — kee-lo -METR
One kilometer equals % of a mile.

Numbers
One — WAA-hid Four— ar-BA-'a

Two— it-NAYN Five— KHAM-sa

Three — ta-LAA-ta

When you use the numbers with other words, you iust say
number and then add the other word.

the

Thirteen — la-la-T AA-shar
Fnu r tec n — ar-ba '-T A A- thai
Fifteen — kJtems-T AA-shar
Six teen — sit- TA A-shar
Se venteen — sab -'a-T AA-shar
Eig h tec n — r a- man -J 'AA-shar
Nineteen — tis-'a-T AA-shar
Twenty — 'ash -KEEN

One kilometer — WAA-hid k.ee-

lo-METR
SiK—S!T-ta
Seven — SA-ba-'a
Eight — ta-MAAN-ya
Nine— TIS-'a
Ten — 'A-sha-ra
Ele ven — ah- DA A -shar
Twelve — it -N AA-shar

For "twenty-one," "thirty-two," and so forth, you add the simple
torm of the numbers lo the words for "twenty" and "thirty" just
as we sometimes say "one and twenty," thus:

Twenty-one- — WAA-hid wi-'ash- Thirty — tti-la-TEEN
REEN

47

Thirty-two— il-NAYN wi-ta-la-

TEEN
Forty— ar-bi-'EEN
Fifty— b,Aam-SEEN
Sixty— sii-TEEN
Seven ty — sab- 'EEN
Eighty— la-ma-NEEN
N i n c ty — lis-' EEN
One hundred — MEE-ya
First — AU-wal

Second — TAA-nee
Third— TAA-tit
Fourth— RAA-bi'
Fifth— KH A Amis
Sixth— SAA-dis or SAA-lit
Seventh— -SAA-bi'
Eighth — TAA-min
Ninth— TAA-si'
Tenth — 'AA-shir

For 200 you would say "couple of hundreds, five and fifty. 1
2fio — mee-TAYN

For 25^ you say "couple of hundreds, five and fifty "

255 — mef-TAYN KHAM-sa wi- 1,000 — "ALF
fyham-SEEN

Designation

What is— 'AYH

This— DA

What"s this?— 'AYH DA

I — 'A-tia

want — 'AUZ

Bread— 'AYSH
Butter — ZIB-da
Fruit — FAAK-ha
Water — MAI-ya
An egg — BAY-da

cigarettes— ia-GAl-yir

to eat — 'AA-ktil

I want to cat — 'A-na 'AUZ 'AA-

kttl

Food*

Eggs— BAYD
Steak— bnj '-T 'AY K
Meat— LAH-ma
Potatoes — ba-TAA-lis
Rice— iSL'Z

Beans— FOOL
Fish — SA-mak.
Salatl — SA-la-ta
Milk — LA-han

Curded milk — La-ban za-BAA-
dee

Beer— BEE-ra

A glass of beer — ■k.a-BAI-yit

BEE-ra
A cup of coffee— fin-GAAL 'AH-

wa

To find out how much things cost, you say:

How much — bi-KAAM
this— DEE

How much is this? — bi-KAAM
DEE

The answer will usually be given you in coins worth 2 (4 cents, 5
cents, and a dollar. For other coins and bills and their values see the
section on money in the pamphlet.

Two and a half cents-
la'-REE-ja

1RSH Five cents— 'IRSH SAGH
A dollar— rec-YAAL

What time is it? — is-SAA-'a

KAAM
Ten past one— WAH-da wi-'A-

sha-ra
Quarter past five — KHAM-sa

wi-ROB-'a
Twenty past seven — SA-ba-'a

mi-TlLT
Half past six— SIT -la mi-NUS
Twenty of eight — ia-MAAN-ya

IL-Ia TILT

Quarter of two — ii-NAYN IL-Ia

ROB-'a
Ten to three — ta-LAA-ia IL-Ia

'A-sha-ra
When— EM -(a
the movie— is-SI-na-ma
starts — lib -Tl-dce
When does the movie start? —

EM -la is-Sl-na-ma tib-Ti-dee
The train— el-ba-BOOR
leaves — Y1M -shee

When docs the irain leave? —
EM-ta YIM-sftee el-ba-BOOR

Today — en-na-HAR-da

or il-YOM
Tomorrow — BUK-ra

Days of the Week

Sunday— tl-HAD
Monday— el-il-NAYN
Tuesday — et-la-LAAT
Wcdnesda y — tl-'AR-ba"

Thu rsday— el-kha-MEES
Friday— el-GUM-'a

Saturday— fS-SABT

Useful Phrases

What is your name? — IS- muff

'AYH
My name is

JS-mee

For "goodbye" or "good night"
you can say: sa-'EE-da

A more formal way of saying
"goodbye" is:
as-sa-LAA-moo a-LAY-^um

Notes on the Egyptian Record Text

Another word tor "good evening" or "good night" is sa-'EE-da.
"Good Night" is also LAYL-iak sa-'EE-da.

For "Sir" or "Mister" you can also say ha-DRIT-al^ and for
"Madam," ha-DRIT-tH.

Another very common word for "thank you" is as-KOOR-a^.

For "restaurant" you will also hear MAT- am.

Another way of saying "turn right" or "turn left" is IM-shee
'A-ta ya-MEEN-ak and IM-shee 'A-la SHMAAL-a%,

Another word for train is "ATR.

as-sa-LAA-moo 'a-LAY?kpom (Peace be unto you) is also used
as a general greeting when people meet. The reply is usually
'a-LAY-k.oom sa-LAAM.

50

ADDITIONAL WORDS AND PHRASES
Natural Objects, etc.

[English — Simplified Arabic Spelling]

bank (of river) — SHAT or SAA-

hil
darkness — DAL-ma
d a y ti m e — ria-HA AR
desert — SAH-ra
field (cultivated)— GHAYT
hn—NAAK

grass— KHVD-ra or ha-SHEESH
the ground — 'ARD
hill— TAL
ice — TALG
iakc—btt-HAY-ra

Time

moon — 'A-mar

mountain — GA-bal

sea— BAH R

rain— MA -tar

snow — TALG

spring (water-hole, clc,)-

stars — au-GOOM

canal — TIR-a-'a

sun— SHAMS

wind — HA-wa

villcy—WAA-dce

-BEER

day— YOM or na-HAAR

day after tomorrow — BA'D

BUK-ra
day before yesterday — 'AA-wal

im-BAA-nb

evening — Ml-sa
mghi—LAYL
m onth — SH A - hat
week— GUM- 'a
ycat—SAN-a

Months of the Year

Jan uary— ;>-JV Af-yir
Feb ru ary — je-BRAI-yir
March— MARS
April— ah-RIL
May— MAI-o
]uiK—YUN-ya

July— YUL-ya
August — -a-GHOS-tos
Scptc mbc r — seb ■ TEM- bcr
October — ol(-TO-ber
No vein bcr— no -FE .1 / - ber
Decern be r — di-SEM -ber

51

L

Rclatlonihlpf

boy— WA-hd
brother— WH
child— T/FL
daughter or girl — BINT
father — 'AB
family — 'AA4a
husband — GOZ

arm — di-RAA'
back — DA-her
eai—WIDN
eye— 'AYN
body— G1SM
finger — m-BA'
foot or leg — RIGL
hairSHA'R

man — RAA-gil
mother — 'UM
relatives — "a-REEB
sister— 'UKHT
son— IBN
woman — SIT

Human Body

hand — EED

head— RAAS

mouth— FUM or BOO'

neck — RA-'a-ba

n ose— me- n a -KHEER

tccih—SNAAN

loe—sit-BA' RIGL

Houh and Furniture

bed— si-REER or FARSH
blanket — glii-TAA or ba-ta-

NEE-ye
chair— KUR-sre
door— BAAB
house— BAYT
kitchen — MAT-ba^k
ladder— 5/L-/iw
mosquito -net — na - m oo-SEE-ye

52

room — O-da

stairs — sa -LA A -Urn

oven— FURN

primus stove — wa-BOOR

table — ta-ra-BAY -ze

wall— HAY-ta

water for washing — MAI-ya li-

gbe-SEEL
window — sbib-BAAK

Food and Drink, Tobacco, etc.

bananas — MOZ
cabbage— liti-RU MB
ca ul i flower — 'er- tin -BEET
cucumbers — l(ber-YAHR
iood—'AKL
grapes — 'A-rlab
lemons— la-MOON
ora nges — bur -tit -'A AN
orange juice — 'ti-SEER biir-lu-
•AAN

watermcli >n — be- TEEKH

pipe — BEE-ba

radishes — FIGL

salt— MALH

sugar — SUK-kpr

tea— SHAY

tobacco— du/(h-KHA AN

tomatoes — ta-MAH-tim or '00-!e

turnip — LIFT

wine — ni-BEET

Surrounding*

bridge — KUB-rce or 'en-TA-rti

church — k^i-NEE-se

city — me-DEE-tie or BA-lad

market place — SOO'

mosque — GAA-me'

pati\—SlK-ke

post office— AUK -/m* el-BOS-te

police post — bu-LEES or I^e-ra-
KOHN (in city) or MAR-\az
(in villages)

road— 5/ K-&

shop (store) — itiilf-KA.-lX

street — SHAA-ri'

town or village — BA-lad

well— BEER

Animals

animal — HAI-ya-weu
bud— TAYR
camel — GA-mal
chicken — FAR-h_he
cow — BA-'e-ra
dog— KALB

d on ke y — An -MAAR
duck— BUT-te
goat—MA-'a-ze
hotsc—fiti-SAAN
leech — 'a-la-'A
mouse or rat — FAAR

53

mule — BAGH-hi
pig— khm-ZEER
rabbit — 'AR-nab

ants — NAML
bedbugs — BA'
fleas— ba-ra-GHEET
&k$—dib-BAAN
litx—'AML

sheep — g/ia-NAM
snake— li'-BAAN

Insect*

mosquitoes — na-MOOS
scorpio n — 'A'-ra -ha
spider — 'en-{aBOOT
spider-tike poisonous insect-
A-boo SHA-bat

Trades and Occupation*

{haft-BAAZ or jar- farmer— /a/-L/Mf/

baker

RAAN

barber — hat -LA' or ni-ZAI-yin
blacksmith — had-DAAD
bMchcr—gaz-ZAAR
cmik—lab-BAAKH
doctor— ta-BEEB

laundryman — mak-WAA-gee
mechanic — mee-k,a-NEE-k,ee
sc rva n t — kjiad- DA AM
shoemaker — gaz-MAA-gee
lu\or—kftai-YAHT

Cloth Ins

shirt— 'a-MEES

shorts (underwear) — li-BAS

shorts— Aan-ra-LaV tt-SAl-yir

socks— COZ iha-RAAB

s we atcr — "jersey"

trou scrs — ban -ta-LON

hch—ki-ZAAM

boots or shoes — GAZ-ma

gloves— GW'.W-/^

hat — har-NEE-ia

j ac ke t — ja -KET-ta

necktie — l^a-ia- VAH-ta

overcoat — BAL-ro

AdJactlvM

good— KWAI-yis or TAl-yib small— sa-GHEER or m-GHAI-

bad— MUSH KWAI-yis yar

ing—k'-BEER long or ta ||_ u-WEEL

54

short — kfi-SEER

hea v y — ta- 'EEL

lighi—liha-FEEF

high — 'AA-lee

low — WAA-tee

deep — gha- WEET

shallow— MUSH gha-WEET

dry — NAA-shij

wet — mah-LOOL

M\—tnal-YAAN

e in p i y — -R4 A ■ dee

expensive — GH AA-lee

c hea [) — ri-KHEES

clear — nu-DEEF

dirty — Wt-sil^h

old {of persons) — 'a-GOOZ

Pronouns , etc

I — '-d-nu

you — W-/« (masculine); IN -lee
(feminine); IN-Too or /N-
/oora (plural)

we — !H-tia

he — HOO-iea

she — HEE-ya

they— HOOM

my or mine — bi-TAA'-ee

your or yours — bi-TAA'-ttlt
(masculine); bi-TAA'ik. (fem-
inine) j tri-T A A' -k.oom (plu-
ral)

old (of things)— 'a-DEEM

you og — su-GH. tl-yar

new- — gi-DEED

cold (of persons) — BAA-rid or

bar-DAAN
bot—SUKHN
h ung r y — pr- 'Af A'
sick— 'si-YAAN
thirsty— 'at-SHAHN
white— AB-yad
b\ack—lS-ti>td
blue — AZ-ra'
gKtn—AKH-dar
red — AH-mar
yellow — /JS-/fl<-

our or ours — bi-TAA'-na

their or theirs — bi-TAA'-fwom
this — D,i (masculine J or D££

(feminine)
these or those — 0OL
who?— MEEN
what 1 or which? — 'AYH
when ? — EM-ta
why?— LAY H
how? — is-ZAI
who. which, that — tL-lec
because — 'a-ta-SHAA
hem 1 many — "j*D Viiy//

55

some or a little — SHWAI-ya

anyone — 'Al WAA-kid

c veryone— KUL-li WAA-kid

much— ki-TEER

very— kj-TEER or 'A-u/er

and — wa- or oo-
but — LAA-^jn

from — M1N
in — ■/«

inside — GO-tua
ot—bi-TAA'

Conjunctions

if-
or-

IZ-a
-AU

Preposition*

on — 'A -la
to — IL-a
with — MA'
up to — ii -HAD

Adverbs, etc.

above — FOK or 'A-la

again — TAA-nn

also; once again — -l(a-MAAN

behind — WA-ra

below— TAHT

beside — GAMB

enough- — l(i- FA A -ya

Izr—bi-EED

here — Hl-na

immediately or soon - — 'A-la

TOOL or HAA-lan or 'a-

WAAM

in front — 'iid-DAAM
less — 'a-'AL
like— ZAl
near — 'a-REEB
now — dil- WA'-let
not yet — US-ta
there— hi-NAK
together — MA' BAD
where — FAYN

Useful Phrases

What date is today? — en-no-
HAR-da KAAM fee-SHAHR?

56

What day of the week?-
HAR-da 'AYH?

Today is the fifth of func — en-

mi-HAR-da KHAM-sa YON-

yo?
Today is Tuesday, etc. — cn-na-

HAR -da et-ta-LAAT
Come here — ta-'AA-la
Come quickly — ta-'AA-la 'a-

WAAM
Go quickly— IM-shee 'a-WAAM

at ROH 'a WAAM
Who arc you?— MEEN IN-ta?
What do you want? — 'AUZ

'AYH?
Bring some water — MAT MAl-

ya
Bring sonic food — HAT 'AKL
Whose house is this 1 — B./VT

MEEN DAH?
Where is the barracks or

camp r—FAYN el-itsh-LAA'?

Where is water? — FAYN el-

MAl-ya?
Where is the nearest village? —

FAYN 'A -rah BA-tatl? '
Be careful! or Watch out!—

HAA-sib! at KHUD BAA-lik.!
\hu\fict]—KHAA-!ar!
Wait a minute — is-TAN-nti

SHWAl-ya

Where can 1 sleep? — FAYN "A-

dot 'a-NAAM?
I haven't any money — nw-

FEMSH fu-LOOS
I have cigarettes — 'AN-dee m-

GAA-yir
1 am sick — 'A-na 'ai-YAAN
I am an American — 'A-na em-

ri-KAA-nee
1 am a friend — 'A-na SAA-hib or

'A-aa sa-DEE'

57

NOTES

NOTES

NOTES

tU S BOVIRhWEHI raiNTING HKi-.I I94J O 10»T*i

Date Due

^K f 2

<f>

PRINTED

IN U. S. A.