Ah ha...at least I know what dog is - kelb (soft 'B') as Arabs tend to use it as a derogatory remark! try and get a CD/book that teaches Egyptian Arabic. I think that's always been part of my problem - my husband tells me the Egyptian word then proceeds to tell me that it's different in formal Arabic, and tells me that too! I then give up
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Arabs everywhere apparently understand Egyptian as many films and TV programmes are made there - just like most English speaking countries understand the different American accents, phrases etc. My husband barely understands e.g. Tunisian Arabic as it's heavily accented - maybe like an American wouldn't understand a Glaswegian! They'll all understand formal Arabic, if that's what you use, but in Egypt they'll speak back to you in Egyptian Arabic! Is it any wonder I barely speak a word of it!!!