Why did you decide to learn a heritage language? Was it to go ahead at work or to get along with your neighbours better? A favourite TV show or a memorable trip? Or did your own culture inspire you?
The phrase “legacy language” is one you’ll hear frequently in conversations about learning languages, but what does it actually mean? Unaware that you are learning a legacy language And why is learning a legacy language worthwhile—and important? Explore all of these issues and more with us as we delve into the idea of “heritage language learning.”
What does it mean?
There are numerous ways to learn a legacy language.
Narrow definition: those who were exposed to a certain language as children but did not fully acquire it because another language overtook it. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Those who, typically through family interaction, were raised with a strong cultural affinity to a particular language. SUBSTANCE OF CULTURE.
Let’s analyse what this means now. Some so-called “legacy language learners” learned the language as children but ceased using it as frequently as they did another language. Additionally, some “legacy language learners” are culturally connected to a language even when they do not speak it.
Does mastering one language require mastery of another?
The children of immigrants were urged to acquire English and integrate as much as they could into American culture for the majority of the 20th century. Teachers believed that children who spoke more than one language would be held back, and parents who spoke any language other than English as their mother tongue felt pressure to produce English-speaking children. Experts now realise that is untrue and that bilingualism has several advantages.
This means that giving up a second language to acquire English is common. It takes effort to keep a heritage language alive. Direct education, access to the language in the classroom, a significant amount of time and effort, and—very importantly—social support are all necessary. In other words, it’s not surprising if you prefer learning English above keeping a heritage language if you’re surrounded by English speakers, all of your classes are taught in English, and everything seems to favour English above your heritage language.
Currently, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Armenian, Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, and Japanese are the top 10 most popular heritage languages being studied in the USA. Only a small number of these languages are taught in the majority of public schools, and even fewer of those offer bilingual programmes for native speakers. It is expected that children who have a strong cultural connection to these languages may not develop into fluent speakers.
Although it is well known that learning a new language is easier when one is younger, many heritage language speakers don’t have the chance to formally study their native tongue until they are in high school, college, or later in life. However, this does not imply that they will never acquire fluency. Learning a heritage language has a lot of advantages.
Why should I learn a heritage language?
Many speakers of legacy languages claim to have better feelings of self-worth, belonging, and identity. Students may feel more confident about who they are and where they fit in the world if they sense a connection to their family and background. A heritage language can help learners interact with relatives, travel, enjoy popular culture (such as movies and music in the heritage language), and pass down traditions like songs and recipes that might otherwise be lost to time.
Heritage language learners also have a distinct edge over language learners who are “beginning from scratch,” as they will pick up the language and culture far more quickly. Because Hannah has been exposed to fluent Mandarin speakers, she may find it simpler to learn the pronunciation and tones necessary and may even discover that she knows more terms than she initially anticipated. Students that sense a personal connection to or investment in learning a language frequently participate more in the process as well.
For Levantine Arabic heritage language speakers between the ages of 4 and 8, Nasma of NY is the ideal option. These online lessons can aid in the prevention of language loss and/or the acquisition of basic Levantine Arabic by complete novices. We’re eager to meet you!
Learning a new language can frequently help you understand your own one even better. Speaking more than one language will enhance your English communication abilities. You might discover that you communicate with more assurance, consider word choice and context more carefully, and have a wider vocabulary! You can have a better grasp of your native tongue by learning the origins of certain regularly used English words.
Have a look at some of the intriguing words that the English language has incorporated into its vocabulary over time.
Latin
An “apparatus for taking pictures, consisting of a light-proof enclosure having an aperture with a shuttered lens through which the image of an object is focussed and recorded” is referred to as a camera. The Latin word camera, which meaning “chamber” or “vault,” is where it gets its name. Early cameras were just boxes through which light was manipulated to pass in order to capture a picture.
Speaking of cameras, the history of the word “focus” is fascinating! Focus is the Latin term for a hearth or fireplace. In the past, a hearth or fireplace served as the hub of the home since it was the spot where many elements crucial to human survival were linked. It offered shelter, illumination, and a place to cook. The noun focus today is used to denote a “centre of interest or activity.”
Do you envision clowns and trapeze performers when we mention “circus,” or an amphitheatre from the Roman era? The Latin word “circus” simply means “circle,” and it was used to describe the circular arenas where everything from chariot races to gladiator fights were held.
Hindi
Pajamas are loose-fitting articles of clothing that are typically worn while sleeping or unwinding in English. The name is derived from the Hindi word paijama, which is used to describe loose-fitting pants. Jamah is Arabic for “garment,” while Pai means “leg.”
On a cot before? British citizens were first exposed to Indian khat when the British Empire started to build trading posts in India. A khat was a thin frame with ropes or tape hanging from it that people slept on. This term is the origin of the English word “cot,” which means “a narrow, folding bed.” When you say them out, you’ll hear that they are identical.
The word for stolen money or things, loot, has the same pronunciation in Hindi and English. After the British Empire started trading with and plundering in India, it became a part of the English language.
Chinese
Have you ever eaten a kumquat, a fruit related to citrus that resembles an orange? It can be consumed raw or used to make preserves. It has a delicious sweet rind and sour pulp. Its name is derived from the fruit’s similarly sounding Cantonese name, kamkwat. Chinese dialects that are spoken in Canton, or modern-day Guangzhou, in southeast China are known as cantonese. By breaking that word down, we can see that it is made up of the words kam (which means “golden”) and qwat (which means “orange”).
Actually, the Chinese word dufu, which consists of the words du (beans) and f (feet), is written as tofu in Japanese (turn sour). Tofu was created in China, but before it reached English-speaking culture, it gained popularity in Japan.
Possibly the most bizarre cuisine name with a Chinese origin? Ketchup! It derives from the Amoy dialect name kôe-chiap or kê-chiap (鮭汁), which means “brine of pickled fish.” In China in the 17th century, a sauce made of pickled fish and spices was well-liked. Later, it travelled to Malaysia and Singapore, where it was sampled by English vacationers. Of fact, pickled fish brine is not at all present in current ketchup! It is vegan.
German
The term “gold” has roots in many different languages. The initial root is simple. It was directly translated from German into English. We follow the German gold back through the Dutch goud, the Gothic gulp, and finally to the Proto-Indo-European ghel, which meaning “to shine” (ha, see what we did there?).
Kindergarten is a word that every Kindergarten student in America is familiar with. In German, it adorably just means “children’s garden.” “Children are like miniature flowers; they are varied and need care, but each is attractive alone and wonderful when seen in the community of peers,” said German educator Friedrich Froebel, who established the first kindergarten. Could it possibly be cuter?
Unbelievably, noodle AND poodle are both derived from German words that have slightly different spellings but the same pronunciation. The name “noodle” is derived from the German word “nudel,” which is said to have come from the Old German word “knutel” or “nutel,” which meant “dumpling.” The German word “Pudelhund,” which translates to “puddle dog,” is short for “poodle.” Originally, poodles were water dogs that loved to splash in puddles.
Italian
One of the numerous Italian words we use in music is piano. Italian speakers initially referred to the musical instrument as a pianoforte. A pianoforte may play both softly and loudly because piano means “soft” and forte means “powerful” in Italian. The original term, “a gravicembalo col piano e forte,” which translates to “a harpsichord with soft and loud,” was even lengthier. Although the name “piano” was abbreviated by English speakers, piano music can still be quite loud!
Name a dish from Italy right away! Although you might not consider broccoli to be very Italian, its name most definitely is! It refers to a cabbage’s flowering crest or “cabbage sprouts” in Italian. Actually belonging to the same plant species, Brassica oleracea, are broccoli and cabbage.
A complete failure, especially one that is embarrassing or absurd, is referred to as a fiasco. Actually, it has an interesting history and is an Italian word. In Italian, “fiasco” literally translates to “flask” or “bottle.” When someone fell or made a terrible error on stage, it was referred to as a “Far fiasco,” which is slang for “create a bottle.” How come they said that? Nobody is aware!
Did any of these terms catch you off guard? Do you feel inspired to learn a new language after learning about the etymologies of English words? Levantine Arabic language instruction is offered online by Nasma Of NY. Check us out now!
You’ve probably heard expressions like “inshallah,” “mashallah,” or “alhamdulillah” if you’re learning Arabic or talking to Muslims. It’s true that at first glance, all of these idioms may sound very similar.
Let me give you an overview of the most prevalent Arabic terms used in Islam, their meanings, and proper usage.
It’s helpful to know that Arabic is the source of all of these terms. The holy Quran was first authored in Arabic. However, Muslims in non-Arab nations like Turkey, Iran, India, etc. also frequently utilise them. These phrases are now used often in Arabic-speaking nations like Jordan. As a result, both Muslims and Christians use them.
Expression 1 : Inshallah
One of the most common Islamic terms used in daily life is inshallah. It is also written as insha allah and has the Arabic pronunciation of. It means “God willing” when translated literally. It is based on the Quran’s teaching that nothing occurs apart from God’s will. I’ll see you tomorrow, inshallah, is a phrase used to refer to upcoming occurrences. Or: Inshallah, I’ll take a vacation next month. In Arabic, it’s frequently used to indicate “hopefully” or “yes.” If you inquire: Will you be here tomorrow? You can anticipate hearing “inshallah” as a response. Most people will use this phrase to indicate their seriousness about their plans, not to escape being told no. As a result, inshallah is another Arabic word for “yes.”
Although the phrase “inshallah” has its roots in Islam, Arab speakers of various faiths frequently use it. When discussing upcoming events, many Christian-Arabs utilise the word inshallah in their regular talks. So when learning Arabic, don’t be afraid to utilise inshallah.
Expression 2: Alhamdulillah
Alhamdulillah, which is written in Arabic as “thank you,” is another often used Islamic phrase. It means “glory be to God” in the literal sense. Thank God is the comparable phrase in English. Alhamdulillah is meant to be recited in response to anything that occurs in our lives (both positive and negative). People typically use it to express thanks for good things in daily life. How are you in Arabic is frequently answered with the phrase alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah is a means to express satisfaction. It can also be used when discussing accomplishments or a fortunate circumstance.
Alhamdulillah is additionally spoken after finishing a meal and after sneezing.
Alhamdulillah is frequently used by Muslims and Christians in Arabic, just like inshallah. If you learn Arabic, don’t be afraid to say “alhamdulillah” when someone asks you how you’re doing or when you’re discussing your accomplishments.
Expression 3: Bismillah
The phrase “start with bismillah, end with alhamdulillah” is used frequently in Arabic. The Arabic phrase bismillah, which literally translates as “in the name of God,” is used to signal the start of something. It serves as the start of an action for which a person asks God for his or her blessing. When you’re dining, for example, you’ll frequently hear the Muslim greeting bismillah. Before taking a bite, say Bismillah, and after your meal is over, say Alhamdulillah. Some individuals whisper it, while others speak it aloud.
Keep in mind that the salutation bismillah is not Arabic. The word is intended to initiate an action for which you would like to obtain God’s blessings, not a dialogue.
Expressions 4 : Mashallah
Mashallah is used for previous occurrences, whereas inshallah is used for future ones. Mashallah is an Arabic phrase that translates to “what God has willed.” Mashallah can be used to show excitement and thanks for something that has happened, similar to how alhamdulillah can. Mashallah is frequently utilised in daily life as a method to appreciate things like beauty.
Mashallah is an additional Islamic phrase, but it has significant cultural significance. This is founded on the notion that reciting mashallah shields one against vices like jealousy. Mashallah is typically mentioned when praising someone in daily life. For instance: Mashallah, you are beautiful. Muslims and Arab-Christians alike frequently utter “mashallah.”
Expressions 5: Subhanallah
This expressions means God be praised. Like mashallah, it has a similar meaning and use. It’s an additional way for us to express our gratitude and appreciation for things we appreciate or for events that have happened to us.
A fascinating phrase that mixes these typical Islamic sentiments was recently shared on social media, by the way. The ability to remember and comprehend each one is really beneficial.
Want to learn more such interesting expressions and facts about Islam and the Arabic culture? Head to Nasma Of NY and explore the Levantine Arabic world now!
Both native Arabic speakers and language learners alike love the word “yallah.” And there’s a good explanation for that. It is quite simple to say and can be used in a variety of contexts.
What does this word signify and how should you use it? I’ll explain this lovely word in detail and when to use it in this essay.
Meaning
The Arabic word yallah (يلا) is understood and used by all Middle Eastern nationalities. Depending on the situation, the word “Yallah” might imply let’s, hurry up, come on, or okay.
This word is primarily used in informal contexts in spoken language. It isn’t frequently used in writing or in really formal settings.
Let’s examine the definition in various contexts and look at some examples.
Let’s
Let’s/come on is the best translation for “yallah.” This Arabic word is used in this sentence in the same way that the words let’s or come on are used in English. If you desire anything to happen, you can utilise this. For example, to spur someone into action. Let’s go outside, eat our food, and begin our homework, in the name of Allah.
Hurry Up
The Arabic word yallah also means to hasten. You will undoubtedly be aware that Arabs are not the world’s most punctual people if you are familiar with Arab culture. Consequently, it is frequently used in this sense. If your friend is still in bed when you promised to meet at the park at 8 a.m., you can tell him to hurry up in the name of Allah.
Okay
It’s permissible to use it in a third sense. But keep in mind that it actually depends on the situation. There are several ways to say okay in Arabic, and one of them is yallah. Typically, it is used to seal a deal following a debate. Yallah Yes, I will, Allah (I agree with your offer).
Yallah V/S Ya Allah
Ya and allah make up the two halves of the word “yallah.” “Oh,” “allah,” and the particle “ya” all refer to God. But yallah has nothing to do with religion. Any Arabic speaker, regardless of their religion, will use it as slang. Oh God is not what it means!
Ya allah is the Arabic equivalent of “oh God” in English. Yes, they both are fairly similar, but they each mean something different. Additionally, they have various pronunciations. While ya allah is spoken as two words, yallah is pronounced as one word.
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It can be frightening to learn the Arabic alphabet in order. There are numerous different letters. Additionally, it is written in a different style and contains a few choices that you should keep in mind.
The Arabic alphabet set’s highlights are shown below. They’ve limited it to the four “rules” that are generally important and that one would want to be aware of. In all honesty, none of these present a problem. However, they are strange right away!
Arabic Is Written From Right To Left
The most important Arabic fact that you should be aware of is this. The majority of people have never written from left to right. And getting used to it takes some time. But the answer to this is time and practise. Additionally, you adapt to it quite quickly. Additionally, it mimics the general dialect reading manner of “each flat line in turn.”
Arabic Words Are Connected By Letters
Arabic words do not consist of separate letters. They are connected in some way. As a result, it resembles cursive in several ways.
The letters, however, “stick together.” The reason this is confusing at first is because it might somewhat alter the feel of the actual letters.
Depending on their position in the word, Arabic letters will vary slightly.
If a letter is located in the beginning (first), middle (average), or end (last) of a word in Arabic, it will appear to be unique.
An Arabic letter’s appearance can alter when it is actually used in a word.
It’s important to note that many of the letters don’t appear all that differently when they alter. Most Arabic letters are relatively consistent, no matter where they appear in a word.
When everything is taken into account, a few letters DO have a different structure. At first, this could be a little confusing. But it really does call for a little bit of repetition retention.
Most Arabic letters don’t undergo much modification. The case in the letter is very awful. You can learn “structure exchange” much more quickly than you might think.
Vowels Are Absent in Arabic
You read it correctly! Without a doubt, vowels are absent from Arabic alphabet.
Even though this seems incredibly strange to a native English speaker, it’s not at all a noteworthy problem. Arabic does have vowel-sounding characters. The final three characters in the Arabic alphabet are the letters the, the, and the.
There is a “basic framework” in Arabic. This suggests that any collection of words can often be created by adding various letters to the “root,” which is normally three letters.
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Arabic is quickly rising as one of the world’s most significant languages. Today, Arabic is spoken in a number of diverse dialects. There are actually five main kinds of Arabic. One of them is Levantine Arabic.
The majority of Levantine Arabic speakers are centered in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and Israel. Moreover, this dialect is primarily spoken near the eastern Mediterranean coast. Anyone thinking about studying Arabic should give the Levantine dialect a consideration.
Here are a few of the main arguments in favor of this dialect.
Travel
It is beneficial to at least have a basic grasp of the native tongue whenever visiting another country. Speaking Levantine Arabic will enable you to interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of your surroundings if your travels lead you around the eastern Mediterranean coast.
Business
A working knowledge of Levantine Arabic is typically necessary to conduct business in the Middle East. With 20 million speakers and growing worldwide, it is likely that your local business partners will speak Levantine Arabic. Jordan, for instance, has Standard Arabic as its official language. Although Levantine Arabic is also extensively used there.
Work
Some of the best places to work in the Middle East are found throughout much of the eastern Mediterranean coast. They rank among the most prosperous and stable nations in the area. Therefore, having a solid command of this Arabic dialect will be quite helpful for those who intend to stay in the area for a lengthy period of time.
Levantine Arabic is a good dialect to learn because it is very widely spoken, especially in the Middle East’s most secure and prosperous regions. If you want to start your Arabic learning journey, join one of Nasma Of NY’s classes now!
