Lonely Planet Swahili Phrasebook

Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook

Average customer rating:

Initially seemed great, but turned out NOT to be useful
Zuina Bezzaf - MUST READ BOOK!
The best choice (of 2) for travel needs and tourists...
Well, it sure impressed my Moroccan HUSBAND!
Don't buy this book to impress your Moroccan boyfriend.

Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook
Dan Bacon , and Bichr Andjar
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Lonely Planet Morocco
The Rough Guide to Morocco 7 (Rough Guide Travel Guides)
Lonely Planet Morocco
Travel Talk Moroccan Arabic (Travel Talk)
Morocco (Eyewitness Travel Guides)

ASIN: 0864425864

Book Description

ssalamu'lekum is a greeting you'll hear from dawn to dusk and on into the night. 'Peace be upon you' - if only you could return the wish! And how about the farewell: lla yhennik - 'May God give you tranquility'. Must be one of the best ways to bid goodbye to someone about to travel further into the magic lands of Morocco. <ul>

script throughout </li>

language specific to Morocco </li>

extensive vocabulary list </li>

full of useful cultural tips </li>

extensive food and shopping sections </li>

includes chapters on Berber and French </li>

easy to use pronunciation guide </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

Initially seemed great, but turned out NOT to be useful.......2007-02-02

I bought it with a great enthusiasm but when I arrived at Morocco I discovered that the book is not useful for some reasons. I traveled around Morocco on bicycle for 2 weeks but learnt only very few phrases from this book. I suspect something is wrong with the structure of this phrasebook.

Zuina Bezzaf - MUST READ BOOK!.......2005-05-24

This book was GREAT! It's the best one out there, and it's a Fantastic price. So much information, helpful phrases, easy word spelling for prnounciation. This book was so helpful and yet so simple, it takes you from basic topics such as "Religion" "People" "Places" "Transportation" "Feelings" and so many other topics. This is a must read book. And it's so small, you can bring it anywhere.

The best choice (of 2) for travel needs and tourists..........2005-02-16

Okay, so there are really only two books out there that I know of which will teach you anything about Moroccan Arabic: this handy little pocket-sized phrase book and the big, green, more academic text called "A Basic Course in Moroccan Arabic." The choice between the two is clear, with the Lonely Planet book being the obvious choice for the thousands of us who just plan on going to Morocco for a short visit as a tourist or on business. The other book would probably be a better choice if you plan on living in Morocco and need to know the grammar and truly gain some in-depth knowledge, though the LP phrasebook would probably be a good place to start anyway.

This "Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook" has most of what you will need for a short junket, with the usual smattering of vocabulary on food, clothes, medical problems, directions, hotels and airports. To add some criticism, since no book is perfect, I would mention that the glossary is only English-->Moroccan, so if someone tells you a word in "darija" you will have no way to look it up and find its equivalent in English. I really don't see the point of putting everything in Arabic script either, since Moroccan Arabic is never written down and the target audience won't be reading anything in Arabic anyway! Maybe just including a description of the alphabet in an appendix would suffice. As usual, there are always some things you need but cannot find (typically "where is the bathroom?", though I think LP included that this time!)...

I had a great time with some Moroccans at a party using the phrasebook: None of them spoke any French or English, so I played charades by acting like I was one of the animals listed in the book and I knew that they were guessing the right animal, since I had the name in the book in front of me. Cheezy-sounding, but believe me, when you have no way to communicate with anyone around you, desperation sets in! Which is where this great phrasebook will come in handy!

Well, it sure impressed my Moroccan HUSBAND!.......2001-01-25

My husband and I have both gone over the book and were quite suprised and pleased at the accuracy. Moroccan arabic is a VERY different dialect from the traditional and Egyptian arabic, so if you are hoping to use this book to communicate with other arabic speakers that are NOT from Morocco, forget it. They will not understand you(although, some Algerians and Tunisians might as many Moroccans live there and the language is a little similar), so don't buy it if you want to communicate with non-Moroccans. I bought the travel pack which included the book, audio cassette and a little lesson book, that doubles as the cassettes's cover. Although, it is true: it is not for conversations or to learn the actual language from; it is mainly travel dialog and gettin' around stuff to say but I have in a pinch been able to use it on my husband with fantastic results. NOTE: this dialect is not spoken all through Morocco. There are several dialects of arabic spoken there. This particular dialect is spoken in Casablanca, Agadir and around there-'bouts. Different regions speak different dialects but most Moroccans should be able to understand you, from what my hubby says. I did have a couple of disappointments though; for one, the book's transliteration is a little strange on some of the words but nothing crucial, you will still be understood. I read arabic and some pages includes the arabic script of the sentences, so I could read that and understand more. Secondly, I wish there was MORE dialog or a part 2!! Third, if you buy the cassette with it, sadly, it does NOT cover anything in the book. My husband and I agree that it is an excellent book and well worth the price but if it is too hard for you to learn it and you are going to Morocco: learn Spanish or French. At least 95% of the population knows them as they are considered the main 4 languages of the land: Arabic, French, Spanish(Spain dialect-not Mexican Spanish), and Berber. If you are getting it to learn for a Moroccan husband or boyfriend, it will slightly help but you will not learn the language or how to speak to him from this book but it's a good reference to have on hand anyway! It has helped me! (get the cassette, too!)

Don't buy this book to impress your Moroccan boyfriend........2000-08-18

This book provides a lot of fun facts that make it easy to understand the Moroccan language, as well as culture. There is an easy-to-use pronunciation guide to get any beginner started, though some of the suggested sounds to make while attempting to pronounce certain phrases are difficult to master. This book seems to encompass what one would need to know for their basic travel needs, and most of what it does not cover in its text, it covers in its dictionary. This book is ideal for traveling due also to its small size. However, I would not recommend purchasing it for the purpose of attempting to communicate with your ESL (English as a Second Language) boyfriend, whom you cannot understand otherwise, because it probably won't be too helpful.

Book Description

HABARI! The ever-present greeting you'll remember long after your trip. But travel in East Africa is so full of encounters, being able to interact in Swahili will turn your trip into the travel experience you're hoping for. Whether you're sailing on a dhow off Zanzibar, scaling the heights of Kilimanjaro or having a quiet drink with your host in Nairobi, this book will help you communicate the way you want to. <ul>

understand the correct Swahili greetings </li>

identify those animals with the 'On Safari' section </li>

enjoy the local cuisine </li>

identify market food and traditional dishes </li>

use the comprehensive two-way dictionary to find the words you need </li>

learn about the language with grammar and pronunciation tips throughout </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

Swahili: Lonely Planet Phrasebook.......2007-06-18

For a compact book on Swahili this is the best I've seen. The contents of this little gem were easily divided into useful and practical sections, covering a broader use of the language than I've come across in other similar type books. Each section was uniquely and clearly identifiable allowing faster access to put your fingertips on the words or phrases you need. This book also succeeds in helping the reader obtain a basic yet concrete understanding of the Swahili language where other similar books have attempted but failed.

Very well built up - simple to use!.......2007-03-21

This course to teach yourself Swahili is easy for anybody - all you need is to take time and study.

Great comprehensive resource.......2007-03-19

This small hand-sized book is an excellent resource. Sections are seperated by practical categories (like food, social, and practical). Very easy to read, and really has everything you would need to get around.

Great book to have! .......2007-01-01

I had this guide when I went to Kenya, and I highly recommend it! It was very useful when I got very ill and needed to explain to a Swahili speaking doctor what was wrong with me. I also used it when I'd go to the Masai Markets and I always got a much better deal when I'd barter in Swahili. The Kenyans can speak English, but they appreciate it when you try to speak to them in Swahili.

I loved this guide so much I am buying copies for the members of my family who will be joining me for a holiday in Kenya this coming year.

It's an absolute must for any traveler!

VERY HELPFUL.......2005-08-12

The highlights of this book is that it contains not only the dictionaries and useful phrases but also good explanation of grammar which makes understanding easier. Can't learn a language without grammar. They also try not to complicate by teaching "survival Swahili".

Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook

Average customer rating:

Excellent Book
Amharic usefulness depends on where you are
Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook
Completely Useless!
Extremely basic. It'll leave you counting and saying 'Hi'

Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook
Tilahun Kebede , and Catherine Snow
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Lonely Planet Ethiopia & Eritrea (Lonely Planet Ethiopia and Eritrea)
Ethiopia, 4th: The Bradt Travel Guide
Ethiopia Map
A History of Ethiopia Updated Edition
Notes from the Hyena's Belly: An Ethiopian Boyhood

ASIN: 174059133X

Book Description

Voices woven through staccato rhythms lead you to a narrow alley. Laughter flows from beneath a door. It opens to a kaleidoscope of sound and colour, led by an azmari singing a song of invitation. A waiter smiles as you glance in the book — you order a bira and some ocholoni. The day had started with a mountain top view of the Blue Nile and now the vibrant city nightlife takes you in… <ul>

new pronunciation guide and Amharic script </li>

expanded dictionary with over 1000 words </li>

grammar essentials for building your own sentences </li>

cultural information and basic travel tips </li>

phrases for every traveller </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Book.......2007-04-14

I'm married to an Ethiopian and have found this book to be a lifesaver each and every time I go to Ethiopia. The book gets you close enough to the correct pronunciation that anyone can half way understand you and correct your pronunciation of the words. Although Tigrinyan's are now in power Amharic is still the national language of Ethiopia so it's better to learn Amharic if you plan on speaking to anyone in Ethiopia.

Amharic usefulness depends on where you are.......2006-03-16

Actually I didn't use the book very much, as my surroundings were almost all English or Oromo-speaking. Before spending much time on a learning a language to use in Ethiopia, be sure to check out the location. Since the Amhara's are no longer the dominant tribe, their language may be less useful. Tigrayans are now in power and Oromo are the largest language group.

Lonely Planet Ethiopian Amharic Phrasebook .......2005-11-24

This book is excellent! I don't understand some of the reviews.
It is a rare book that promotes Ethiopia and its culture. It is intended for foreign travellers to Ethiopia and not for Ethiopians who live abroad. I have travelled to Ethiopia with this book and found it very useful. I don't know what I would have done without it. I found the cultural info very useful. I think no other phrasebook offers this kind of info.

Completely Useless!.......2005-01-06

This guide is terrible if your goal is to speak Amharic. The Achilles heel of this book is that there are no accent marks on the ethiopian phrases. If you read what is in the book there is no way you will come close to saying anything intelligible. On the positive side, all of my Ethiopian friends found this book very helpful for learning English.

Extremely basic. It'll leave you counting and saying 'Hi'.......2004-06-06

Don't expect much from this. This is really more a waste of time than anything else. If you're travelling to Ethiopia, and you speak english, then you really don't have to worry. Many Ethiopians speak english, and many of the signs are in english/amharic.

Book Description

The marinated octopus begs description. Opposite, beautiful Elektra smiles but offers nothing. John nods and waits for the next smile. And so it goes, nod, smile, nod, smile. Desperate to break the cycle, John searches for the scraps of Greek he remembers. Somehow though 'I have a pet cat.' hardly seems appropriate. As another love affair fades with the sunset, John silently laments his lack of foresight.

Whether you're an island hopper, an archeologist or just curious, this book will help you leap the language barrier. <ul>

packed with information on culture and etiquette </li>

talk politics, play cards or dance the pendozali </li>

concise and practical grammar chapter will get you started on the right foot </li>

extensive food section will prepare you to eat at any time and at any occasion </li>

get the most out of Ancient Greece with sections on archeological and historical terms </li>

clear transliterations will ensure you're understood </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

Currency is out of date!.......2005-03-19

I just purchased this book and am dissapointed that the currency is out of date. While the book seems like a great one to take with you (small in size), to me it seems pointless to bring one along that has drachmas not euros in it.

I only want to take ONE book with me when I travel, and this one could not be it since I would need a seperate one to understand how to converse in Greek regarding euros. Otherwise, it is set up very well and I agree with the other reviewers... I'll be first in line if they publish an updated version! But for now I am taking this one back.

Modern, Updated and Amusing Phrasebook.......2003-03-03

I am Greek-American and can speak both English and Greek. I bought this book for my amusement and was surprised that the book, unlike other phrase books, is a bit more modern as to phrase choice and very well-organized. I would suggest purchasing it, yet, keep in mind that in Greece most touristy places speak Greek and most Greeks under 35 know English in some form (as do other parts of Europe). Enjoy.

Not bad -- if you never use the toilet.......2001-02-24

Great book except that it lacks the most important phrase to learn when travelling abroad -- "Where's the toilet?" So before you go to Greece and get yourself in an uncomfortable situation, I suggest you scribble the following into the inside cover of your phrasebook: "Pu e toualeta?" You can thank me later. Another problem I found was the dictionary in the back, which lacks some essential travel words like "ticket". Not nearly as good as Lonely Planet's other phrasebooks.

Average customer rating:

Africa (Lonely Planet Phrasebooks)
Yiwola Awoyale
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books

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General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1740596927

Book Description

Africa is iconic wildlife, stunning geography, wonderous architecture, and bustling cities - and well over an estimated 1000 languages. Here we give you the 13 that will open your mind - and mouth - to this amazing continent. From Afrikaans to Zulu, talk your way to where you want to go, and what you want to do.<BR> <BR> Immerse yourself in the culture section packed with fascinating and useful info on this unique region.<BR> <BR> Our phrasebooks give you a comprehensive mix of practical and social words and phrases in more than 120 languages. Chat with the locals and discover their culture - a guaranteed way to enrich your travel experience.

Lonely Planet Swahili Phrasebook (Lonely Planet Language Survival Kit)

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Swahili Phrasebook (Lonely Planet Language Survival Kit)
Robert Leonard
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0864420250

Taalgids - Swahili (Lonely Planet Dutch Phrasebooks)

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Taalgids - Swahili (Lonely Planet Dutch Phrasebooks)

Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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