Al' Salam Alykom

{Conversation Partner #1}

            “Al’ Salam Alykom” means “hello” in Arabic.  This was the first word that Noor taught me. 

            I squirmed in the purple booth in the BLUU as I reread the text messages exchanged between Noor and I.  Her English appeared a bit limited and she seemed confused where things were located (for example, she had never heard of Union Grounds).  My confidence in communicating with someone from another country was quickly diminishing. 

            Beep.

            The cellphone buzz made me jump a little too easily and I directed my gaze down at the new text message.  Noor informed me that she was in the TCU spirit shop and did not know where to go next.  I never considered that she would not know where the BLUU was, so I felt guilty that I did not give her any directions in the first place.  I let her know that she needed to come upstairs.  I waited nervously near the entrance so that she could recognize me.  She said that she was wearing a black and white sweater and a hijab, an Islamic headscarf.  As she entered the BLUU, I waved to her and smiled (I did not know if hugs or handshakes were common in her culture).  She gave me a huge hug and I realized that it was ok to hug back. 

            After we introduced ourselves, we made our way back to the booth and we both got food.  Being the inquisitive person I am, I left no time for awkward silences and neither did social Noor.  We both began asking each other questions about each other’s family, education, religious beliefs, and hobbies.  It was so interesting to hear about her culture, religion, and government.  She showed me some pictures of the streets and houses in Saudi Arabia and it was fascinating to see how different it was than the United States.  For example, in her country, there needs to be at least one guard in front of houses and buildings at all times.

            Her religion, Islam, is also quite distinct.  According to her religion, Noor is not allowed to drive a car or take off her hijab in front of any male that is not a family member.  She must praise Allah 5 times a day and must fast during Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar.  Noor also explained that she is required to take a Hajj once in her lifetime, which is a pilgrimage to Makkah, the most populous region in Saudi Arabia.  She said that she would want to go with her family, so that the experience would be more special. 

            I was intrigued by her customs and culture but more importantly, so honored that we could share parts of our lives with each other.

            Next, we decided to teach each other words of our own language that the other did not know already.  For example, the TCU Intensive English Program was taking the students to the rodeo last week and Noor was confused as to what they were going to see there.  I explained to her what it entailed and she was quite shocked that people paid money to see animals herded and lassoed.  I also explained what a monarchy was and that her government was a form of monarchy.  In return, she taught me how to say hello in Arabic, both formally and informally.   Then, she taught me to say, “how are you doing” and “goodbye.”  It was so nice to learn about her language and culture.  We made a pact that we are going to help each other learn words and phrases of each other’s languages each week, so we can both grow from this experience.

            Overall, I was astounded by how much English Noor knew because she just started learning the language 4 months ago!  I could understand her much better than I initially thought and we both got a long so well.  She even invited me over to her apartment where she offered to make me dinner one week!

            I can tell Noor and I are going to be great friends because we are so much alike and interested in each other’s lives.  I am excited to see where the next few weeks takes us and proud that our friendship started on the basis of the exchange of a few simple words: “Al’ Salam Alykom.”