When Khaled is not sure what he should get Hala for her birthday, Rana suggests an unusual gift; traditional Lebanese soap. At first he questions if it is a good idea, but Rana reassures his doubts. Their conversation about Lebanese soap extends from its history to its applications and commercial revamps. Mainly made of olive oil, this organic soap is renowned worldwide and is widely popular across Lebanon.
Lebanese Arabic Transcript and English Contextual Translation
رنا: مسا الخير خالد… خالد! بشو مشغول هلأد لما رديت؟!
Rana: Good evening Khaled… Khaled! What are you so busy with that you did not reply?
خالد: بعتذر منك رنا، مش مركز، عم فكر بهدية لهلا! عيد ميلادا الأسبوع الجايي وما عم أعرف شو جبلا. فغاطس بمواقع الإنترنت، عم نبّش عن أفكار مهضومة. إنتِ بتعرفيا منيح، شو قولك معقول يعجبا؟
Khaled: I apologize Rana, I am not focused. I am thinking about a gift for Hala! Her birthday is next week, and I do not know what to get her. I am browsing internet sites and searching for cute ideas. You know her well. What do you think she might like?
رنا: مممم… طلبك عندي. اشتريت اليوم غرض إلي، لازم تجبلا متلو لهلا. صابون بلدي! من كم سنة، ما كان الصابون البلدي كتير مشهور بالسوق، وكانت الأفضلية للصابون التجاري. بس هالإيام، في كتير ناس عم ترجع تقدّر وتنقي المأكولات والمواد العضوية أو الـorganic متل ما منسميا بالإنكليزي. ولهالسبب، عم يرجع ينشهر الصابون البلدي، بما إنو كل المكونات تبعو طبيعية. حتى إنو في كتير أشخاص عم يهدوه عالمناسبات السعيدة متل الأعراس، الخليفة، وأعياد الميلاد. وهلا كتير بتحب كل شي organic. أكيد رح تعجبا الفكرة.
Rana: Mmmm … I have got what you need! I bought something for myself today. You should bring her the same thing. Traditional Lebanese soap! Few years ago, traditional soap was not very famous in the market, and the preference was for commercial soap. But these days, many people are again appreciating and choosing organic food and materials. For this reason, traditional soap is becoming famous again since all its ingredients are natural. Many people are even gifting it on happy occasions such as weddings, childbirths, and birthdays! And Hala loves everything organic so much. She will definitely like the idea.