Language and Salaams

As anywhere in the East, the Lebanese language is flowery and biblical. When receiving a guest, the expression AHLAN WA SAHLAN is used, which means "you are in your family on a ground without stumbling stones." It is followed by ISH TAK NA LAK "we have missed you."

 

MAH EL SALAME - Go with peace

ALLAH MAAK - God be with you

 

The word thankyou does not exist in Lebanese. CHOUKRAN "with gratitude" or MAMNOUN "I am delighted."

 

Someone who has just eaten will be wished SAHTEIN "I wish you double health." To which I will reply ALA ALBAK "on your heart."

 

These oriental affabilities go back to ancient times and they are unlikely to disappear.