Salaam, Arabic Greetings — Global Ministries, USA

Activity — Learn Greetings in Arabic – remembering and celebrating that God’s people speak Arabic, English and many other languages.

Items needed: Poster board, kokies/markers/felt pens, (optional) printed sheet of Arabic phrases to take home

Purpose: To help children feel comfortable speaking simple words in Arabic, like children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, also in London, New York and many other places in our world

Instructions:

  1. Explain that many children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory speak Arabic.  You might also remind the children that Arabic is spoken in many other countries, too.  They might even have friends who speak Arabic at home.
  2. Write the words and phrases below on different posters. Children who can read will appreciate being able to see the words they are learning. (optional) Make copies of a sheet with the words so that children can take them home to practice.
  3. Practice saying the words together and allow children time to say them to each other. If children laugh or think it sounds funny, use the teaching moment to talk about the many languages of the world and how important language is in understanding each other.  You could also help the children think of some ‘silly’ sounding words in English, e.g. poodle and puddle and galoshes!
  4.  After the exercise, invite the children to share their feelings.
    1. How did the children feel saying words they didn’t understand? Was it difficult?
    2. Can they think of someone who might not be able to understand them? How would that person feel when someone speaks to them in English?
  5. Close with prayer:  Shukran Allah.  Thank you, God.  Amen.

Arabic Phrases:

Salaam (sa-LAAM) – Peace (a greeting)
Salaam al-masih (sa-LAAM al ma-SEEH) – Peace of Christ
Wi’am (we-am) – Harmony
Qalbi (kal-bee) – My heart
Abana (a-BA-na) – Our Father (beginning of the Lord’s Prayer)
Marhaba (MAR-ha-ba) – Hello
Allah maakum (a-lla MA-koom) – God be with you
Shukran (SHOO-kran) – Thank you
Eid Milad Majeed (a-eed mee-LAD ma-JEED) – Merry Christmas!

Source:  ‘Ahlan wa Sahlan! Welcome! Exploring the Holy Land’ published by Middle East Initiative, Global Ministries USA; slightly adapted

Photo: Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca, Morocco — Ana Gobledale