I suppose a new language must be harder to learn if the writing, the alphabet is different.

I'll be starting Arabic classes taught at the local mosque soon. I think the emphasis at first is going to be learning to read/write the alphabet. It's been on my bucket list for a few years, so if you have any resources to suggest, I'd love to know.

I have no desire to visit any of the Muslim countries because too many are dangerous and standard of living so deplorable.

My father comes from a Greek family that lived in Alexandria, Egypt. He spoke several languages and I was wondering if that's the norm for Egyptians or was it the era in which he grew up there.

Learned to speak Arabic fluently with my Palestinian ex-husband and his family. 10 years without practice, since it's not much use in Phoenix. Focused more on my Spanish.

Still working on my German. I'd like to learn Russian and Mandarin as well. May I please live until I'm 120 so I can learn Arabic as well?

That’s so interesting. I learned a little bit of Egyptian Arabic because I’m a belly dancer. I listen to some Arabic pop music also.