🗣️ How to Say “Howzit?” In the Big Six

From Shane's Muslim Connect

For most of my life, I've approached language learning like this: 1. Get about ten words in as many languages as possible. 2. Learn them by parroting native speakers. 3. Use them to find people who speak the only language I’m fluent in, English. 

That’s not the best approach for everyone, but it has opened the door for some amazing conversations. For my fellow “shallow end of the language pool” people, I offer you a quick way to say “Hi” or “How are you” in six of the languages most spoken by Muslims. 

(Caveats: 1. There are regional variations that may render some of these suggestions unintelligible. 2. You shouldn’t learn language from an old white guy who only speaks English.)

Arabic (~350 million)
“As-salām ʿalaykum” means “peace be upon you” and is the standard Muslim greeting not only in the Arabic speaking world, but beyond. The usual response is, “wa ʿalaykum as-salām.” Basically, “Back atcha, Bruh.”

“Keif halak” is the “howzit” equivalent that works pretty good in Jordan. YMMV.

Indonesian/Malay (~150 million. No, they’re not the same language, but kind of!) 
“Apa kabar” is a good way to informally ask someone how they are. Respond with “kabar baik” to say you’re doing well. If you want to sound local, try responding with “jalan jalan,” which literally means “walking, walking,” but carries the connotation of “just hanging.” 

Bengali (~190 million)
“Kemon achho” means roughly “how are you?” I’ve found if I run together the English words, “Common nacho,” it will usually communicate! “Bhalo achi” is a good way to reply, “I’m fine.” (Full disclosure: I usually follow this up with, “I’ll take a large order of samosas, please.”)

Urdu (~90 million)
“Aap kaise hain?” is a good way to ask “How are you doing?” in Urdu. Responding with “Alhamdulillah,” (Praise God) is a way to answer the question and exalt God at the same time! 

Turkic (~170 million)
“Merhaba” is a great way to say hello in Turkish and beyond. Follow that up with “nasılsınız” to ask how someone is. “Iiym” means fine or go big with “Alhamdulillah” again.

Persian (~120 million)
Iranians/Persians will understand “Salam” as a normal, everyday greeting. Asking, “Chetori,” is a good “howzit” follow up. 

Give this a try: Combine a dose of courage with a smidge of humility and who knows what God might open up.