Kheir (خير): In Levantine Arabic, “kheir” translates to “good” or “well-being.” It is often used to convey positive wishes or to inquire about someone’s well-being. The term embodies a sense of positivity and goodwill, reflecting the cultural importance of community and mutual care.
Examples:
– “شو الأخبار؟ كل شي بخير؟” (Shu el akhbar? Kul shi b’kheir?) – “What’s the news? Is everything good?”
– “الحمد لله، أنا بخير.” (Alhamdulillah, ana b’kheir.) – “Thank God, I am well.”
– “الله يجعله خير.” (Allah yija’lo kheir.) – “May it turn out for the best.”
Wasta (واسطة): “Wasta” refers to the use of personal connections or influence to achieve something, typically within a bureaucratic or professional context. It is akin to the concept of “nepotism” or “pulling strings.” In many Levantine societies, wasta is a common way to navigate systems and can be both criticized and accepted as a part of social and professional life.
Examples:
– “حصل على الوظيفة بواسطته.” (Hassal ‘ala el wazife b’wastato.) – “He got the job through his connections.”
– “بدون واسطة، صعب تحصل على هالشغل.” (Bidoon wasta, sa’b tahsal ‘ala hal shughl.) – “Without connections, it’s hard to get this job.”
– “إذا عندك واسطة، بتقدر تخلص أمورك بسرعة.” (Iza ‘andak wasta, bt’adar t’khalis omoork b’sur’a.) – “If you have connections, you can get your things done quickly.”
Exploring the meanings of “kheir” and “wasta” in Levantine Arabic provides a window into the cultural values and social dynamics of the region. “Kheir” exemplifies the importance of well-being and positivity in interpersonal interactions, reflecting a community-oriented mindset where expressing goodwill is valued. On the other hand, “wasta” illustrates the pragmatic approach to navigating social and professional hierarchies through personal connections, highlighting the complexities of meritocracy and fairness in achieving success.
These concepts are not merely linguistic expressions but deeply rooted cultural practices that shape everyday interactions and societal norms. Understanding “kheir” and “wasta” enriches our appreciation of the Levantine Arabic-speaking world, offering insights into how language reflects and influences social behavior and values. As these dynamics continue to evolve, these terms serve as enduring markers of the intricate tapestry of Levantine culture, inviting further exploration and dialogue on the intersections of language, society, and identity.
Despite the political and economic challenges that Lebanon faces, these factors combine to create an appealing environment for many expats. Expats love Lebanon for several reasons, many of which revolve around the country’s unique combination of food, culture, lifestyle, and environment. If you are an expat and moving to Lebanon I highly recommend you add these 4 things you need to know and add into your ‘vocabulary bucket list’ 😉.
4 Things every expat moving to Lebanon should know:
Arabic
Phonetics
Translation
Notes
طفي القازان! تك الدجنكتور!
Taffe’ el azan, takk el denjaunteur!
Turn off the boiler, the breaker shut off!
In Lebanon, Due to the unreliable public electricity supply, many people rely on private generators to meet their energy needs during outages.
شو دورتو؟ راحت الكهربا!
Shu dawartu? Ra7et el-kahraba!
What did you turn on? The electricity went away!
Lebanon suffers from frequent and prolonged power outages. Many areas experience daily blackouts that can last for several hours.
بدك تنزلي على جميزي؟ تاكسي ولا سرفيس؟
Badek tinzale 3al Gemaize? Taxi wala service?
You want to go to Gemaize? Taxi or pool?
“Service” taxis operate on a shared basis. You share the ride with other passengers who are traveling in the same general direction.
عم تنبشي على شغل بلبنان؟ عندك واسطة؟
3am tnabshe’ ala shoghol b Lebnen? 3indek wasta?
Looking for work in Lebanon? Do you have connections?
If there is one useful word that you need to know in Lebanese, it’s definitely ‘wasta’. Wasta means connections or knowing people that will help you get things done. Could be anything from finding a job to expediting a passport.
No matter how challenging the economic situation might be, as an expat, you will enjoy every minute of your time in Lebanon. The country’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant social scene, stunning landscapes, and incredibly hospitable people make it a truly amazing place to live and visit.
Carol Haidar, a seasoned educator with years of experience teaching the Levantine dialect to foreigners, recognized a significant gap in traditional language textbooks. Most resources focus solely on the mechanics of the language, often neglecting the cultural context that is so vital to truly understanding and communicating effectively. Carol’s innovative approach in this book ensures that you won’t just learn to speak Arabic—you will learn to speak it as natives do, with all the cultural subtleties and everyday phrases that make the language come alive.
Click here to take a look at the table of content and view some sample pages from the textbook.
What Makes This Book Stand Out?
1. Authentic Phrases Used by Natives:
One of the standout features of “Levantine Arabic Book 1 for Beginners” is its focus on practical, everyday phrases. Carol has meticulously compiled phrases that natives use in daily conversations, giving you a head start in speaking the language naturally and fluently.
2. Comprehensive Language Skills:
By the end of this book, you’ll be well-versed in essential greetings and goodbyes, and you’ll have a solid understanding of key grammar rules. The structured lessons are designed to build your confidence step-by-step, ensuring a smooth learning curve.
3. Real-Life Scenarios:
Practical application is at the heart of this textbook. You’ll learn how to order at a restaurant, ask for directions, and navigate various social situations with ease. These real-life scenarios are crucial for anyone looking to use Levantine Arabic in a practical context.
Why Choose Levantine Arabic?
Levantine Arabic, spoken in countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, is a vibrant and widely understood dialect. Its melodic tones and rich cultural heritage make it an appealing choice for language learners. By mastering this dialect, you open doors to deeper connections and more meaningful interactions in the Levant region.
Start Your Learning Journey Today
“Levantine Arabic Book 1 for Beginners” is more than just a textbook; it’s a gateway to a new world. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, this book provides the tools and insights you need to succeed. Dive into the rich tapestry of Levantine Arabic and discover a language filled with warmth, history, and charm.
Join the growing community of learners who have discovered the joy of speaking Levantine Arabic with Carol Haidar’s expert guidance. Order your copy today and start speaking a culture, not just a language.
Friendship is built on honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. Recently, I had to muster the courage to talk to my dear friend about a sensitive issue—her smelly armpits. I approached her with kindness and care because I knew it was affecting her confidence. Sharing this truth was hard, but it strengthened our bond and allowed her to find a solution. Here’s how I navigated that tricky conversation and why it was the right thing to do.
Phonetic Script:
I know a girl who has a bad body odor. Even though her house is neat, her clothes are always clean and tidy. But I don’t know why I always smell that she has a bad armpits odor. I mean it happens with everyone- but I felt I needed to tell her because I don’t want this thing to be harming her and making people avoid her.
A new story shared by you. Let’s talk about it in Arabic.
Look what I told her “my life, I want to tell you something. But I don’t want you to be upset with me. More than once, I smelled a bad odor from your armpits and I Said I wanted to tell you because I don’t want this thing to be harming you.
There is a deodorant that I love and use, and it doesn’t make any body odor at all. If you want, I can send you the link. Also, I had a friend who had the same problem. She did botox and felt so relieved.
Arabic script:
بعرف وحده عندها ريحة جسم مع انه بيتها مرتب وتيابها دائماً نضاف ومرتبين بس ما بعرف ليش اغلب الاحيان بشم عندها ريحة باط انو بتصير مع الكل، بس حسيت لازم خبرها لأن ما بدي هيدا يكون عم يئذيها و يبعد العالم عنها.
قصة جديدة بعتولي ياها خلينا نحكي عنها بالعربي.
ليكوا شو قلت لها، حياتي بدي قلك شي بس ما بدي ياكي تزعلي مني، كذا مرة شميت عندك ريحة باط وقلت بدي قلك لان ما بدي هيدا الشي يكون عم يئذيكي.
في ديو درون ( عطر) بحبها كتير وبستعملها وما بيطلع ريحة أبداً، ازا بدك فيني إبعتلك لينك وكمان عندي كان رفيقة كان عندها ذات المشكله عملت بوتوكس وهلق ارتاحت كتير.
English Translation:
Ba3ref we7deh 3inda ri7et jesem. Ma32inu bayta mratab w tyeba dayman ndaf w mratabeen. Bus ma ba3ref lesh aghlab el-a7yen bshim 3inda ri7et bat. Inu bitser ma3 el-kil. Bus 7aset lezim khabera le2an ma bade hayda shi ykun 3am ye2ziha w yba3ed el-3alam 3ana.
Osha jdidh ba3atoleh yeha khalina ne7ke 3ana bil 3arabe.
Laiko shu eltela. 7ayete bade elik shi bus ma bade yeke tiz3ale mine. Kaza marah shamet 3indek ri7et bat w elit bade elek la2an ma bade hayda shi ykun 3am ye2zike.
Fi deodorant b7eba ktir w bista3mela w ma bitale3 ri7ah abadan. Iza badek fiye eb3atlek el-link. W kamen 3inde ken rfe2ah kan 3inda zet el-meshkleh 3imlit botox w hal2 rte7it ktir.
Notes:
Vocabulary
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Neat
Mratab
Mratabeh
This word doesn’t only mean neat. It’s a beautiful adjective to use to describe someone proper and clean as well.
Welcome to your journey of learning Levantine Arabic! Whether you’re fascinated by the rich cultures of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, or you’re looking to enhance your career opportunities, this blog will guide you through the essential steps to get started. Levantine Arabic is not only a key to understanding a vibrant region, but also a gateway to new friendships, delicious cuisines, and unique experiences. Let’s dive into the plan that will set you on the right path. Below is my 6 step plan, tips, and resources that will help you get started on this journey.
Step 1: Understanding Levantine Arabic
The most common question I get asked: which dialect I should learn؟ I have covered this question in a previous post before. You can check it out here. For now let’s focus on learning Levantine Arabic.
What is Levantine Arabic? Levantine Arabic, a colloquial dialect, is widely spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Unlike Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is used in formal writing and speech across the Arab world, Levantine Arabic is the everyday spoken language of these countries. It varies slightly from region to region, but learning one variant will enable you to communicate effectively across the Levant.
Why Learn Levantine Arabic?
Practical Benefits: Communicate with millions of native speakers and enjoy a deeper connection when traveling.
Cultural Enrichment: Understand Levantine media, music, literature, and cinema.
Professional Advantages: Open up career opportunities in international relations, business, and more.
Step 2: Getting Started with the Basics
Learning the Alphabet and Pronunciation
This step is entirely optional! No you do not need to learn how to read or write if you want to learn Levantine Arabic. And this is why I chose to write my textbooks in Arabic script and phonetics. So whether you know how to read or not, you can use our textbooks.
Arabic Alphabet: Start with apps like “Alif Baa” or websites like Madinah Arabic to learn the Arabic script.
Pronunciation: Focus on mastering the unique sounds. YouTube channels like ArabicPod101 offer excellent pronunciation guides. Keep in mind both Madinah Arabic and ArabicPod101 teaches the Fusha or MSA, so I would just use them to learn the alphabets.
Basic Vocabulary and Phrases
Common Greetings: Learn essentials like “Marhaba” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank you).
Daily Vocabulary: Start with numbers, days of the week, and common nouns. Use flashcard apps like Anki for practice. I don’t recommend creating actual flashcards on paper. Many of my students get excited at the beginning and then after we finish Lesson 1 from Book 1, they realize that they have around 100 flashcards already. It’s not practical! I highly recommend to use an app on your phone to create your visual flashcards. This way you have them everywhere you go!
Step 3: Building Foundational Skills
Listening and Speaking Practice
Listening: Immerse yourself in the language through podcasts. Check out ‘Levantine Arabic, made Easier Podcast”. We have more than 40 episodes. The scripts are available on our website and translated in English and are written in both Arabic script and phonetics. You can also check our Instagram page. I share weekly short stories and I provide the script as well.
Speaking: Practice with language exchange partners via platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk. You can also work with our wonderful native instructors. Who by the way are real teachers!
Reading and Writing Practice
Reading: Begin with children’s books and simple articles available on websites like Arabic Readers.
Writing: Keep a journal in Arabic, start with short sentences, and gradually build complexity. I ask my students to write one sentence a day, anything about their day! Could be as simple as; I eat chicken today, I go to work, I speak with my friends etc..
Step 4: Immersive Learning Techniques
Engaging with Levantine Culture
Music and Media: Listen to popular Levantine artists like Fairuz and watch TV shows like “Bab al-Hara” to improve your listening skills. I love Nadine Labaki movies! Some are available on Netflix and Youtube!
Cuisine: Cook traditional dishes and learn the related vocabulary. Websites like Chef in Disguise offer recipes and cultural insights.
Connecting with the Levantine Community
Language Meetups: Join local or online Arabic language meetups through platforms like Meetup.
Social Media: Participate in Facebook groups or forums dedicated to Levantine Arabic learners. I’m not a big fan of WhatsApp groups because they can become very busy, with notifications coming in every minute. Eventually, you’ll end up muting the group and only checking it occasionally.
Step 5: Advanced Learning Strategies
Taking Language Classes
Formal Courses: Enroll in our online language courses. We offer group and private sessions.
Structured Learning: Benefits include systematic progression and feedback from experienced teachers.
Self pace learning: If you have a busy schedule or you are on a budget, consider checking out our Masterclass. We offer different memberships as low as $9/month. And the best part is a free trial!
Grammar and Vocabulary: Focus on understanding complex grammar structures and expanding your vocabulary. Hire a professional instructor that understands the language. Not everyone that speaks Levantine Arabic is able to teach it. Be very selective. Learning Arabic is time consuming and a financial commitment!
Step 6: Staying Motivated and Consistent
Setting Realistic Goals
Short-term Goals: Set achievable goals like learning 10 new words a day or completing a chapter of a textbook each week.
Long-term Goals: Aim for conversational fluency and ability to construct longer sentences.
Overcoming Challenges
Consistency: Create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle. Consistency is key to language learning.
Motivation: Every word and conversation brings you closer to fluency. Stay curious and consistent—celebrate your progress. You’ve got this!
Creating a Study Routine
Daily Practice: Dedicate time each day to listening, speaking, reading, and writing (if writing is part of your plan).
Integration: Incorporate Arabic into your daily life, such as watching the news in Arabic or labeling household items.
I always tell my students don’t study Arabic once a week for an hour. Break that hour down and try to study frequently for a shorter period of time. Sometimes it’s only 10 minutes a day!
Embarking on the journey of learning Levantine Arabic is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. By understanding the basics, building foundational skills, immersing yourself in the culture, and staying motivated, you’ll find yourself making steady progress. Remember, the key is consistency and engagement with the language in a variety of forms. Start today, and enjoy every step of your language learning adventure!
