It was May 5th, 2001 when I stepped off the plane and encountered a fierce blast of hot air which awoke my senses to the adventure that lie ahead. My husband and I had arrived in Qatar, a Middle Eastern state that we barely knew anything about. Friendly, modern, progressive; rich in Arabian culture, language, and Islamic religious practice; these were attributes that we had read about and anticipated. I was particularly interested in learning about Qatari culture and the Arabic language, so I set out to find any information I could on Arabic classes for English speaking students.The expatriate community was more than willing to help me out. Several ladies, from all over the globe, told me of classes offered by the Qatar Center for the Presentation of Islam (QCPI) which are run throughout the normal school year.
I received directions to the Center, located just south of Markhiya roundabout , on Al Fajr Street. The friendly Assistant Director, greeted me with an enthusiastic smile and provided me with a brochure and explanation on the available programs, including the terms and conditions of attendance, which includes modest dress. I then sat down in their comfortable coffee room to review the information.
The QCPI consists of two departments: the Department of Language and Culture and the Department of Islamic Studies. QCPI's mandate is to meet the needs of the non-Arabic speaking community in Qatar. My interest was in conversational Arabic (Qatari Dialect) and written and conversational Classical Arabic, for beginners. Basically, I wanted to learn how to hold an informal conversation with the locals and read the intriguing advertisements and road signs, in Qatar. I must admit this was an undertaking that I could not have achieved without the help of my neighbor whose enthusiasm carried me through the occasional trying time.

Spoken/Cultural Arabic was specially designed for the non-Arabic speaker who wished to learn the basics. The program uses the Workbooks from the American University in Dubai, which have been revised to represent the local Qatari dialect. In class, conversations often ensue that address the other Arab dialects, as the population of Qatar is made up of other Arabic speaking peoples representing dialects from Palestine, Egypt, Lebanon, and to name just a few. Modern Standard Arabic, used largely by the media, is closely derived from the Classical Arabic and is often what unites them all. Colloquial differences make for fascinating discussions in class. Often personal stories are revealed when the peculiarities of these differences are experienced first hand.

The Center has designed the curriculum to include descriptions and details of the Bedouin culture, modern day Qatari Culture, and the practice of Islam. The Center's Director, who is also our willing and gracious instructor, informs us of the differences between addressing females, males, and the elderly (the revered of the tribe). We listen attentively to how the Bedouin women are in charge of setting up the tents while the men prepare the barbeque. On one occasion she showed us pictures of how the Bedouin people thrived or survived in the harsh conditions of the Qatari desert. Modern day Qatari lifestyle, regarding family gatherings and special occasions, is revealed during discussions of traditional practices. How to accept an invitation and present oneself in a Qatari home is a welcomed subject, as many participants find themselves in this position. Finally, the all-important task of developing the necessary vocabulary to deal with one's conversational needs is addressed in every class.
The classroom itself is held in a Majelis style room of red woven cushions arranged around an ornate carpet. One end of the room features a 'white board', often decorated with wipe away markers that map out the workbook answers. Shoes are left at the doorway. Students sit cross-legged or otherwise. After an hour or so, blood has surely become stagnant in various parts of the body, so gentle groans can be heard when it is time to move on.

Classical/Cultural Arabic is a real treat, but it does not come without a lot of work. This class is designed to teach the Arabic alphabet and its accompanying harrakat, characteristic marks that appear above and below the text, indicating which vowel sounds accompany the particular consonants. This classroom is lined with chairs in rows, extending from a 'white board'. The instructor is enthusiastic, energetic, and empathetic. Her infectious passion for classical Arabic hypnotizes you for an hour. Exhausted or numb, you leave each day with 2 or 3 new letters to memorize in their different forms. The English language does not utilize the 'grrrr' sound, so we have to learn how to create it. A lot of laughter could be heard while that sound was practiced! Thankfully, we were now amongst friends, from all over the globe, with a common desire to learn and communicate, so appearances were pushed aside. Like any serious venture, there are exams at the end of the curriculum for both classes. After exams, students gather to celebrate.

The second term of classes began in April, with an additional treat of 'Demonstrations' and 'Talk to Me' sessions created by the Center in response to feedback provided by the students. Qatari Dried Cheese was made and distributed. Sandalwood incense (oud) was burned in a Mabakhir, a Qatari hand crafted burner, as a gesture of hospitality and respect for guests. Traditional Qatari Coffee or Qahwah (from which the word coffee is derived) was brewed with cardamom and consumed with dates while the process of roasting and brewing was discussed. The use of Miswaak sticks for dental hygiene was demonstrated. Bedouin ladies with supple hands set up a temporary loom and showed us how they weave a camel's harness. Sessions of 'Talk to Me' consisted of a whole new class, which provided us with an opportunity to further practice vocabulary and sentence structure in the form of introductions.
Six months later and 2 levels of classes passed, I sit and reflect on the experiences that now shape my understanding of this once foreign land. I have acquired a deeper respect for the evolution of the local talents and language passed down through centuries. I have a greater appreciation for persons who have learned to speak a second language. I have made international acquaintances and friendships that have influenced my life in profound ways. I am grateful that I was introduced to this friendly, supportive group of ladies, who run with center dynamically, and with grace. I hope that others, who are living in Qatar, have this golden opportunity, Insha'Allah.