An Ongoing Dilemna...Arabic

Is your mind ever filled with dilemnas? Thoughts, ponderings, doubts, interests, uninterests..thoughts, Thoughts, THOUGHTS!! I think everyone has a dilemna once in a while, but somehow things in your mind seem to become a bigger deal than they actually are. Or, they continue to consume some of your every day thoughts and stay for a while. Maybe too long. In my case, it's the dilemna of continuing to study Arabic or not. Yes, the Arabic language that seems to look more like made up doodles and dots than an actual language. And to answer one of your first questions, yes, it's hard. Hard isn't the right word actually, maybe daunting, intriguing, exhausting and exotic are better adjectives to describe such a language.

Sometimes I feel that I have enough, or should I say plenty of room to embrace and invest time and energy into another language. Once you get down the rhythm of studying a language you feel like you can do so much more, like conquer Arabic! Hmm, not so sure since that can be a fleeting feeling, But at the same time, my mind and my heart pull towards the culture and language of the Middle East region. From taking a class emphasizing this region and culture, and soon another one, I find my eyes and fingers drift towards books and recipes in the aisles of the library that will inspire me even more. I'm a sucker when it comes to inspiration. I also like a good challenge in my court, and I know that I'm free to swing the ball right back into the next if I need a break from that particular challenge. Kinda of like Arabic.

My Arabic notebook. Isn't it just so inspiring looking at it?:)

Arabic restaurant in Rio that I loved!! Went there a couple of times:)

Even if I do or do not stick with learning Arabic, I know I will still find inspiration somewhere, I love the Syrian meatballs recipe, that I want to recreate again sometime soon! And dipping my toes in the water when it feels like the right time, and then coming back a while later is how I feel with Arabic. Of course, the reasons for becoming interested in Arabic go beyond the fact that it's intriuguing and exotic for me, Teaching and helping others wth the English language is a passion of mine, and Arabic happens to be one of the top ten languages in the world, so knowing even a little bit is helpful!

Daunting, but beautiful!

Developing your hobbies and interests and progressing your knowledge in certain areas is always beneficial to yourself, as well as meeing and connectng with different types of people. The way I see it is the more interests you have, the more interesting peron you will become! Language also goes hand in hand with culture, it's like a stepping stone into the culture once you've gotten to learn some of the language.

A book that I want to read!

And lastly, I'm interested in learning how to cook recipes from Arab countires, it's one of my goals! Food and cooking is very important in Middle Eastern culture, in many cultures actually, and I know that there are many flavors and spices that are specific to this region in the world.


I think that summarizes my interests and reasons for the Arabic language. I would love to know your thoughts, and suggestions. What language or culture are you interested in learning about?

A note from a friend.