Siwi is the mother tongue of all native Siwans; children only start to learn Arabic from the age of six, in school. However, as Arabic is used in public life, visitors needn't deal with Siwi unless they want to. A few phrases can get you started.

 

yes	mashi	donkey(s)	yeizite (zitan)
no	oola	horse	agmare
How are you?	Tanta elhalenik?	camel(s)	alghum
What's your name?	Bit in insmitinik?	dates	tenii
Where are you going?	Imani tehab?	olives	azumour
What do you want?	Tanta ekhsitta'?	water	aman
Give me &	ooshi &