Hi there. Can anyone please tell me the "Tunisian" version of "Thank you very much". When I was in Tunisia last week I tried "Shokran Gazeelan" and the guide said to me "Oh, you speak Egyptian"!
Going back soon and I want to get it right.
David
HI Dorra
Cheers for that.Seems much the same as what I tried so I'll give it another go!
Can you also tell me if "Layla Toy Ayba" (written like it sounds!) is widely understood as "Goodnight".
Cheers
David
Cheers for that.Seems much the same as what I tried so I'll give it another go!
Can you also tell me if "Layla Toy Ayba" (written like it sounds!) is widely understood as "Goodnight".
Cheers
David
Not one I've heard Dave. I was taught a simple Ala Khir for Goodnight.
Have a Tunisian friend staying with me at the moment and every night he says, "Layla sayeeda mum" and I reply "Layla sayeeda Kader"
Dare not let him onto this forum, or I will never have access to my PC! It is difficult for me to get the chance to use it as it is. (Have to grab it whilst he is praying !) Jenny x
Dare not let him onto this forum, or I will never have access to my PC! It is difficult for me to get the chance to use it as it is. (Have to grab it whilst he is praying !) Jenny x
Hi there.
I got the phrase from the following site: http://muttaqun.com/arabic/basic.html
I'm not sure if this is "classic" Arabic or what but any help given will be greatly appreciated.
David
I got the phrase from the following site: http://muttaqun.com/arabic/basic.html
I'm not sure if this is "classic" Arabic or what but any help given will be greatly appreciated.
David
Hi David - the Tunisians do not generally speak pure Arabic, but Tunisian Arabic which is certainly different. Having said that, those who have completed a full education will be able to understand pure Arabic, even though they speak the local version. I have just asked Kader the literal meaning of layla sayeeda and he says it is simply goodnight. Layla means night and sayeeda means good. (They have got it the wrong way round, haven't they?!) 
Jenny x
Jenny x
Hi Jenny.
Many thanks for that.Can you please tell me if "sayeeda" is pronounced as "sa yeeda" or "say eeda" or have I got both completely wrong!
Cheers.
David
Many thanks for that.Can you please tell me if "sayeeda" is pronounced as "sa yeeda" or "say eeda" or have I got both completely wrong!
Cheers.
David
Hi David - have checked and it is sigh as in she sighed with delight!!!) ee ( as in pea!) da (as in daddy). Sigh-ee-da. You really mean to get it right don't you , but don't worry too much, because any Tunisian will be delighted at any attempt to speak their language - and if you look willing, will be very happy to correct your attempts! Mine are often corrected, because living there for half of each year, no-one can understand why I don't speak perfect Tunisian Arabic. My excuse that Frank and I are too old to learn correctly is not accepted! 
Jenny x
, but don't worry too much, because any Tunisian will be delighted at any attempt to speak their language - and if you look willing, will be very happy to correct your attempts! Mine are often corrected, because living there for half of each year, no-one can understand why I don't speak perfect Tunisian Arabic. My excuse that Frank and I are too old to learn correctly is not accepted! Jenny x
It is often difficult to get a literal translation, especially when, as Jenny says, they are inclined to say things backwards. There seems to be more than one way to make yourself understood and the locals will always appreciate your attempts.
Jenny x
Layla or leyla is arabic for night; it is the same as the woman's name. You may hear the phrase "fee layla" meaning at night.
And you and Frank have heard mine Jenny. 
Hi aslemma, got myself a Berlitz Arabic phrasebook & dictionary today in Waterstones, so hopefully second time around i will be able to say a few words in Arabic (lol). Thanks a million for all your sound advice 
Well done Haddy - there'll be no stopping you now
Might return to buy book that you suggested just in case there is something different in it from the one i got today! shukran once again.
Mark2477/ dave dee, try this web address http://www.byki.com/download_FLS.pl?cod=hKsJ91
I have just downloaded the above and is very good.Haddy
I have just downloaded the above and is very good.Haddy
Hello, I'm new to this fabulous site and can see their are several wise owls on here! I'm hoping I can pick your brains- I'm going to Sousse July 2014 and would love to be prepared for the experience- are there any useful phrases you could share with me that I can learn before I go?!
Thanks guys
Thanks guys
Welcome to Pegasus HT 
I have merged your post in to this existing topic and if you have a read through from page one you will find lots of useful words and phrases
I have merged your post in to this existing topic and if you have a read through from page one you will find lots of useful words and phrases
Welcome indeed Pegasus and thanks very much Graham for bringing her to the right place. I always have a job to track it down whenever anybody asks for Tunisian phrases. 
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