Iraqi Arabic Phrase Book: Arabic for contractors working in Iraq by Andrew Prendergast

The Iraqi Arabic Phrase Book is the only Arabic phrase book aimed specifically at contractors working in Iraq and which uses Iraqi dialect. The book is not aimed at tourists or academics. It is designed to be an indispensable language aid for oil and construction workers, security personnel and contractors of all disciplines and nationalities, who work with Iraqi colleagues. (Length 16,650 words.) Iraqi dialect Arabic is understood throughout Iraq, including the Kurdistan region. Also, in border areas and certain communities in parts of Syria, Jordan, northern Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The book contains an introduction to Arabic grammar, then thirty separate sections which present broad-based, essential basics as well as specialist work-related subjects, such as construction, security, vehicles, first aid and dealing with colleagues. It also contains a handy English-Arabic word list with over 600 items of vocabulary. All vocabulary is presented in a clear, easy to follow format, showing English, Arabic and transliteration. Sample phrases utilize the vocabulary in work-related contexts. The language which is used is non-challenging and is intended to ease the user into simple but effective communication in a short period of time. The author, Andrew Prendergast, is English and learned Arabic at the University of Manchester, England. He has worked and traveled extensively in Arabic-speaking countries in the Gulf region since 1979. He has 14 years experience in Saudi Arabia working in administration and recruitment, plus 10 years in Iraq as an interpreter and contractor. He holds two post-graduate degrees in Middle East Studies and Translation Studies.