About Samy Wahib Expertise I can send you Arabic words as links of wav files for spoken Arabic and jpg files for written Arabic.
I am a full time technical translator from English to Arabic since 1982 I am ready to translate short passages (no more than 100 words) from english to arabic or vice versa for free. I give also advice for people willing to travel to Egypt and touristic and cultural information about Egypt.
Experience 26 years experience as full time translator
Education/Credentials University degree
Past/Present clients Most Multinational companies working in Middle East
Question I am an American who will be travelling and hopefully living and working in the Middle East, hopefully Lebanon, withing a few years as a medic/nurse. I understand the world situation against Western nations and the vibe that goes on in the Middle East against Westerners, especially Americans. This is a risk I believe I want to take, but others have tried to seriously talk me out of such an idea due to my safety. I am also learning MSA through Rosetta Stone, so my accent and words are going to point "foreigner" with a big red flag. However due to my profession which is somewhat respectable and needed and the effort I am putting in to learn the language and culture, how much risk would I be in? Would it be much safer and better for someone like me to live in another region/country other than Lebanon? I understand the degree of risk that is going on in that region due to the political situation, however that doesnt bother me as much as the fear of being kidnapped and facing the same fate other Westerners face in the area. Thank you for your time.
Answer Dear Roberts
It depends on war and peace status in every Middle east country.
e.g Iraq is so dangerous even for Arabs themselves, never ever go to Iraq or Iran or Sudan or Yemen.
But Concerning Lebanon I already visited Lebanon many times and have relatives there.
Concerning Lebanon no risk of kidnapping (accent and words issue makes no difference).
But risks in Lebanon still exist as follows:
1- If a civil war begins with the hizbollah militia
2- If war with Israel or civil war results in Airports damage.
3- Your job as medic or nurse may end in serving war injuries.
But this is the sad part
Anyway whether there is war or no war even in the most fierce war operations - you can live in peace 100% in the rich christian parts of lebanon (Lebanon Mountain) it is always peaceful.
Concerning my homeland Egypt it is always peaceful and friendly with all foreigners.
Conclusion is go to Lebanon but your job must be far from the war injuries, and you must work in the rich christian quarters. If war begins do not worry it soon comes to end.
No kidnappings happen anywhere just only in Iraq , Palestine, Sudan and Yemen.
Good Luck
Samy
