My first experience with a Change of Language was when, as a newlywed, we traveled to Jordan to meet my in-laws.

My husband’s family is large, and since everyone wanted to see and meet the new English bride, there were several large gatherings. Initially, it was incredibly overwhelming. On top of that, the almost tsunami-like wave of the new language made me feel like a small island amidst the crowd. I was surrounded by people, yet totally unable to decipher any words as all the sounds jumbled together.

One of my sisters-in-law often came to my rescue and translated some of the conversations for me!       As I couldn’t engage in the conversations, I found myself quietly observing the goings-on around me.   The little children in our midst were especially entertaining, as children always are!

Since then, after many hours of lessons and tutoring, my command of the Arabic language has steadily grown.

Arabic can be a difficult language to learn. It has a non-Latin alphabet, it’s 28 script letters are easier for English speakers to comprehend, but still, it’s an adjustment to become familiar with a new writing system.

Most Arabic words are a challenge for beginners due to the exclusion of most vowels. Additionally Arabic is also written from right to left, instead of left to right, which takes some getting used to

Some of the sounds in Arabic don’t exist in other languages, including sounds that are made in the back of the throat, which can be challenging for English speakers.

Learning Arabic is a lifelong journey, and it is getting easier with age. I’m no longer embarrassed about sounding silly, or making mistakes.