I always found an arab greeting raised a smile, they seemed to appreciate it, then it was on with my terrible schoolboy french! basic arabic is useful but as above, french it seems is more widely understood. As mentioned above, most people appreciate it if you just make an effort, especially in tourist areas!
I remember a while back some guy on here getting terribly offended when I suggested using arabic, he complained loudly and aggressively that the language was French. Sadly the thread got closed before I had the opportunity to ask what he thought all that squiggly writing was on the signposts! Seemed like the worst of excolonial arrogance to me.
Even if you share not a common word if people want to communicate they will, but there will be some that will choose not to understand no matter how much of their language you speak.
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1990 Landcruiser H60. Full rebuild completed 2014
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