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You should deffinetly know the basics, it's always good to know some comands and show respect to the culture of other ethnicity.
The truth is, I do not speak Arabic, apart from the common gtreetings. So to me Arabic language knowledge is of advantage only. I do not see any disadvantages there.
I wouldn't say knowing Arabic would be a disadvantage to anybody. And I am not saying this because I do not speak Arabic but it is always better to be bi-lingual. Especially living in the Arab world knowing Arabic will always be considered an advantage.
There are jobs which require you to know Arabic. and at times havig some thing as knowing Arabic under your belt can be very very handy for you.
Majority of the population in a given area prefer their local language and knowing the local language will help any one in building mass contact for business relationship.
I lived in more than six or seven countries in4 continents and speak more than4 languages. Believe me,4 languages helped me a lot to be successful and they are absolutely not enough in this global world. I can never stress enough the importance of learning the native language of your guest country. Speaking Arabic in the Arab world is a very important key for your success. A new language opens a new horizon for you. I cannot help you with the disadvantages. Good luck.
I really love languages, I am very interested in the culture, ways and customes of other country's civilization and I really wanted to speak more languages than English. But unfortunately I do not. So, I consider the knowledge of foreign langueages to be one of the best qualifications of a person. I really envy (in a good way) the person who speaks several languages!
It will be very good if you know little words about the country language,
BTW most of your subordinates will afraid to bad talk about u If you know little about their language and I tried this with my Indian employee in Qatar and KSA, It was really helpfull :D
You relate with the workmates and locals on the same level,you also have a sense of belonging if you relate with people in their language.I can't think of any disadvatages in knowing any language anywhere in the planet.
Knowing, understanding and speaking other languages is only a plus - There cannot be any disadvantages in mastering other languages
I think knowing more than one languages is good and has no disadvatages. If you talk to a person not in your or any international language, but in his own language, he will feel closeness to you, and consider you like a friend. Further, working in Middle East, some Arabic is a plus point, and help bringing ease in one's work especially when employer is Arab National.
Able to speak more then one language is a plus/advantage. There is no disadvantage if you are not able to speak Arabic. One should respect other languages.
