I don't know! (لا اعرف)

مساء الخير (Good evening!)

Sitting in a classroom from 8:30 a.m. until after 1 p.m. felt like torture these past two days. Yesterday I was still feeling the effects of jet lag and couldn’t understand half of what was said. But I think I'm finally starting to get accustomed to the time change.

I am thoroughly enjoying my classes at the language academy. My conversation class is probably the hardest course I have ever taken. It is taught entirely in Arabic and the instructor asks me to give my opinion on topics ranging from poetry, the World Cup, and the Syrian conflict—all in Arabic! I couldn’t say much about poetry, but I was able to briefly discuss how I support the U.S. in the World Cup today.

Sometimes the class gets frustrating, especially when we cover a topic that uses vocabulary I'm unfamiliar with. I often use the phrase “La aarif” (لا اعرف), meaning “I don’t know.” But my program director reminded me that it’ll get better and this is the fastest and best way to learn a language. I’m catching a few more words every day so by the end of the month I'm sure it’ll all be worth it. Already, I'm getting more comfortable speaking in complete sentences. 

After class, my roommate and I went to explore a local mall near our host house. We got to know the neighborhood better walking back home. We’re also getting experienced at dashing across the road in front of speeding cars. They’ll honk but they get over it. It’s the only way to cross the street around here. 

Tomorrow we have extra class time to make up for the time we’ll miss this weekend when we visit Jerash and the Dead Sea. I can’t wait to see these places!

Ma’salaama

Catherine A.