Description
Arabic English with a Petroleum Accent
by Esber I. Shaheen
Arabic-English, with a Petroleum Accent is a 1977 phrase book by Esber I. Shaheen, designed specifically for foreigners—especially petroleum industry workers—living and working in Arab countries. It’s essentially a practical, situational guide to everyday Arabic expressions, cultural norms, and common interactions in oil‑sector environments.
🧭 What the book is
A 172‑page bilingual phrasebook published by PPC Books (Tulsa, Oklahoma). It blends English and Arabic expressions with contextual explanations, focusing on communication scenarios typical in Gulf and Middle Eastern oil fields—worksites, logistics, travel, bargaining, and social etiquette.
📌 Why it’s notable
It reflects the 1970s oil boom era, when many Western engineers and contractors were entering Arab countries.
The “petroleum accent” refers to a functional, industry‑specific dialect of English used by Arab workers and expatriates—full of loanwords, simplified grammar, and petroleum jargon.
It serves as both a linguistic guide and a cultural primer, helping newcomers navigate daily life and workplace interactions.
The book is a guide to businessmen, especially those in the oil industry, traveling to the Middle East. It includes maps and an appendix.
1977, ex Library, Hardcover, 171 pages, Good+ Condition
