Error in Basic Introductions

[Dene]

Hi everyone,

I have just started 1.1 basic introductions and think I have found a error in the English translation.

In the audio Hany states he is from America yet the text states Alexandria.

Can someone let me know which one is correct.

Thanks Dene

[Dene]

oooopppppps looks like I have found another mistake again this is in the basic introductions lesson.

In the Arabic(English letter) text Amira says "ahlan wa sahlan" which from the previous lesson is hello and welcome, yet in the English text it is written as "hello".

Surely this should just be "ahlan" and not ahlan wa sahlan?

Thanks for any help on this.

Look forward to your replies
Dene

[Amira Zaki]

Hi Dene,
thank you for pointing this out.
I have fixed the mistake regarding Alexandria and America.

In regards to "ahlan wa sahlan", well this is a long story, but I try to keep it short.
Often you can't translate languages exactly. One word might be translated into four in another language and often the concepts are different even though they mean the same. For example in Korea you say "Have you eaten?" when you greet someone. It has the same function as saying "How are you?". So if you did a proper translation from Korean into English you would say "How are you" and if you translate it back into Korean you would say "Have you eaten?". If I translated a story and said "Have you eaten" in English it wouldn't make much sense for an English speaker even though it is a direct translation.
Now in English it is uncommon to say "Hello and welcome' to someone you meet, unless of course they come to your house warming party, therefore we simply say "hello" in English.

I hope that helps.
Let me know if you have any questions.

Amira

[Dene]

Ahlan wa sahlan ya Amira,
thanks for your speedy response to my questions, just like to say I am really enjoying the course and look forward to finishing it.

Although I have a long way to go my reward for finishing this course is another vist to Egypt, but hopefully this time I will be understood by everyone not just by the locals who can speak english.

Great course keep up the good work.

ma'as salama Dene