Notes of Video “Nouns”, make to check the video first at the bottom of this page- Enjoy!
Arabic plural nouns can be challenging for several reasons:
1. **Broken Plurals**:
– Unlike English, which often forms plurals by adding “s” or “es” to the end of a noun, Arabic has a system of broken plurals. These are formed by changing the internal structure of the word, often involving vowel changes, which can be unpredictable.
– Example:
– “كتاب” (kitāb, book) becomes “كتب” (kutub, books).
– “رجل” (rajul, man) becomes “رجال” (rijāl, men).
2. **Sound Plurals**:
– Arabic also has sound plurals, which are more regular but come in two forms: masculine and feminine. These require different endings.
– Masculine sound plural: “ون” (ūn) or “ين” (īn).
– Example: “معلم” (mu’allim, teacher) becomes “معلمون” (mu’allimūn, teachers).
– Feminine sound plural: “ات” (āt).
– Example: “معلمة” (mu’allima, female teacher) becomes “معلمات” (mu’allimāt, female teachers).
3. **Dual Form**:
– Arabic has a special form for exactly two items, known as the dual form. This is formed by adding “ان” (ān) or “ين” (īn) to the end of the noun, depending on the grammatical case.
– Example: “كتاب” (kitāb, book) becomes “كتابان” (kitābān, two books).
4. **Irregularities**:
– Many nouns have irregular plurals that do not fit into a consistent pattern and must be memorized individually. This irregularity adds to the complexity.
5. **Case Endings**:
– Arabic nouns change their endings based on their case (nominative, accusative, genitive). This can affect how plurals are formed and used in sentences.
6. **Root and Pattern System**:
– Arabic uses a root and pattern system where the root (usually three consonants) conveys the basic meaning, and the pattern (vowels and additional consonants) modifies this meaning. Forming plurals often involves knowing the correct pattern to apply to a given root, which can be difficult for learners.
These factors together make learning and using Arabic plural nouns challenging, requiring significant practice and exposure to become proficient. In Book 3- ‘Nawartona’ we explain plural nouns in depth and in a simple way!
But, did you know we use several nouns in ‘Arabic’ that are actually English words and we add ‘at’ as a suffix.
The belief in the evil eye, or “ayn al-hasud,” is deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture, spanning across various countries and communities. This ancient superstition holds that a malevolent glare, often fueled by envy or ill-will, can bring misfortune, illness, or even death to the unsuspecting recipient. From everyday mishaps to major life events, many in the Middle East attribute unexplained difficulties to the sinister influence of the evil eye. Protective charms, such as the blue eye amulet or “hamsa” hand, are commonly used to ward off this negative energy. The pervasive belief in the evil eye shapes social interactions and cultural practices, demonstrating the enduring power of superstition in the modern world.
In today’s video, that is available at the bottom of the page. I share a story about how my day went wrong using three useful “injuring verbs” and blaming it all on the “3ein”.
Thank you for being here 🤍
Notes of Video “Verbs”
Phonetic Script:
7aseh 3laye 3ein el-yom! Ta3o khaberkon shu sar ma3e el-yom: w 3eit el-sobo7 w elet bade eshrab finjen ahweh 3ala rawa2 w makhmekh abel ma yfe2o wlede. B2om bokhbut ku3e bil daraj! Elna meshe! W ana w feyteh 3al matbakh bitfarkash bil sejedeh! Elit la 7ale ya benit rakze shu beke el-yom! Jet e23od w eshrab hal fenjen el-ahweh 3ala rawa2 w shayek el-instagram abel ma yfe2o wlede, b2om bid3as 3ala el-Lego. Serit ayletlon alef marah, “dobo el-al3ab ya wled!”
Arabic script:
حاسة عليه عين اليوم، تعو خبركم شو صار معي اليوم: وعيت الصبح وقلت بدي انزل اعمل فنجان قهوة على رواق ومخمخ فيه قبل ما يفيقوا ولادي. بقوم بخبط كوعي بالدرج قلنا ماشي! وانا وفايته عالمطبخ بتفركش بالسجادة! قلت لحالي يا بنت ركزي شو بكي اليوم. جيت القعد واشرب هالفنجان القهوة على رواق وشيك الانستغرام قبل ما يفيقوا ولادي, بقوم بدعس على الليغوا. صرت قالتهم الف مرة ,”ضبوا الالعاب يا ولاد”.
English Translation:
I feel I have an eye on me today! Let me tell you what happened to me today. I work up early in the morning and I said I want to go down and make a cup of coffee and enjoy it mindfully before my kids wake up. I hit my elbow with the stairs. We said it’s okay! While I’m entering the kitchen, I trip on the carpet. I told myself ‘Girl, focus what is up with you today?”. I came to sit drinking my coffee, checking my instagram before my kids woke up. I step on a Lego! I’ve told them 1 thousand times to pack the toys, kids!”
Root
Imperfect
Khabat / خبط
Ykh-bot / يخبط
Tfakrash / تفركش
Yt-far-kash / يتفركش
Da3as / دعس
Yd3as / يدعس
In conclusion, the belief in the evil eye remains a significant aspect of Middle Eastern culture, influencing daily life and social interactions. Despite the advances in science and technology, this ancient superstition continues to hold sway, with many attributing their misfortunes and challenges to its malevolent power. Protective rituals and amulets are still widely used, reflecting a deep-seated cultural heritage that blends the mystical with the everyday. The enduring presence of the evil eye in the Middle East highlights the powerful role of tradition and belief in shaping human experiences and perceptions.
Notes of Video “J” Make sure to watch the video at the bottom of the page! Enjoy!
In Levantine Arabic, a rich and vibrant dialect spoken across Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, language learners and native speakers alike encounter an intriguing phenomenon: homophones. These are words that sound identical but carry entirely different meanings. This linguistic characteristic adds a unique layer of complexity and charm to the dialect. For instance, the word “samak” can mean “fish,” while “samakh” means “to forgive.” Similarly, “shajara” refers to a “tree,” but “shajara” with a different context can mean “a problem.” Understanding these nuances is essential for effective communication and offers a fascinating glimpse into the depth and diversity of Levantine Arabic.
The Sentence in Arabic
The Sentence in Phonetics
The meaning!
الجمعة بعد الجامع عندي جَمعة بالجامعة
El-jum3ah ba3ed el-jem3 3inde jam3ah b jem3ah
Friday after the mosque I have a gathering at the university.
Now let’s check the meanings of these 4 different words in Levantine Arabic:
Words in Arabic
Words in Phonetics
Meaning
Notes (if any)
الجمعة
Jum3ah
Friday
It’s a feminine noun
الجامع
Jeme3
Mosque
Also ‘masjed’ is interchangeably used.
جَمعة
Jam3ah
Gathering
It’s a feminine noun
الجامعة
Jem3ah
University
It’s a feminine noun
The presence of homophones in Levantine Arabic showcases the dialect’s rich complexity and cultural depth. These words, which sound the same but have different meanings, add a layer of intrigue and challenge to both learning and mastering the language. They reflect the dynamic nature of Levantine Arabic and its capacity for nuance and subtlety. Embracing these linguistic quirks not only enhances communication skills but also deepens one’s appreciation for the region’s linguistic heritage. As language learners navigate these homophones, they unlock a deeper understanding of the Levantine Arabic-speaking world and its vibrant cultural tapestry.
Notes of Video “Lame” Make sure to check the video at the bottom of the page!
In Levantine Arabic, there are various colorful expressions to describe someone who might be considered “lame” or uninteresting. These words capture a range of nuances, from being boring to lacking charisma. Let’s explore five such words that are commonly used in everyday conversations in the Levantine region.
كمخ، جلق. غليظ، سميك وما بينبلع
Adjective (m/f) #1
غليظ، غليظة
Sentence
(Arabic)
مش معقول هالبنت شو غليظة
Sentence (Phonetics)
Mish ma32ol hal benet shu ghalizah!
Translation
Unbelievable, this girl is so “lame, annoying”
Adjective (m/f) #2
سميك، سميكة
Sentence
(Arabic)
ما تقولي لجون انو نحنا ضاهرين اليوم، ما بدي اياه يجي معنا، كتير سميك هالصبي
Sentence (Phonetics)
Ma t2olo la John inu ni7na dahreen elyom, ma bade yeh yeje ma3na. Ktir smik hal sabe’.
Translation
Don’t tell John we are going out today, I don’t want him to come with us. Very ‘lame, thick’ guy.
Adjective (m/f) #3
كمخ، وكمخة
Sentence
(Arabic)
فظيعة، شو كمخة هالمخلوقة!
Sentence (Phonetics)
Fazi3ah, shu kemkhah hal makhlo2ah!
Translation
Unbelievable (as ew) really “lame, boring” this creature.
*Creature here is commonly used in positive situations as well.
Adjective (m/f) #4
جلق، وجلقة
Sentence
(Arabic)
بدي اعرف شو حابة فيه هالشب كتير جلق!
Sentence (Phonetics)
Bade a3ref shu habeh fi hal shab, ktir jle2!
Translation
I want to know what she loves about this boy, he is very ‘lame, annoying’.
Adjective (m/f) #5
ما بينبلع، ما بتنبلع
Sentence
(Arabic)
بتحسي جون مهضوم؟ ما بعرف ليش بحسه ما بينبلع
Sentence (Phonetics)
Bit7ese John mahdoum? Ma ba3ref lesh b7esu ma byinbala3
Translation
Do you feel John is nice (funny)? I don’t Why I feel ‘he’s indigestible’
In conclusion, Levantine Arabic offers a rich tapestry of expressions to describe someone who might be considered lame or uninteresting. Words like ممل (Mammel), باهت (Bahet), تافه (Tafeh), مزعج (Muz’ej), and نشيز (Nasheez) each provide a unique shade of meaning, helping to precisely convey various aspects of a person’s dullness or lack of appeal. Understanding these terms not only enriches your vocabulary but also deepens your appreciation for the nuances of Levantine Arabic culture and communication.
Notes of Video “Gossip” Make sure to watch the video at the bottom of the page!
Exploring Levantine Arabic: 5 Ways to Comment on Gossip
In the vibrant and expressive world of Levantine Arabic, gossip is an art form all its own. Whether you’re in the bustling streets of Beirut, the cozy cafes of Amman, or the vibrant souks of Damascus, the way people talk about rumors and stories adds color and life to everyday conversations. In this blog post, we will dive into five distinct ways to comment on gossip in Levantine Arabic, showcasing the rich cultural nuances and linguistic flair of the region. From playful banter to serious speculation, these expressions will give you a deeper understanding of how gossip weaves through the social fabric of the Levant.
قال و قيل: Said & Said
#1
Arabic
Phonetics
Translation (word to word)
Gossip:
مايا!! عرفتي انو جو طلق مرته.
Maya 3refte inu Joe tala2 marto?
Maya did you know that Joe divorced his wife?
Comment:
لا بلا مزح
La! Bala Maze7!
No, no stop joking
#2
Arabic
Phonetics
Translation (word to word)
Gossip:
لو بتعرفي شو صار معي اليوم
Law bta3rfe shu sar ma3e elyom!
If you know what happened to me today!
Comment:
خلصيني احكي شو
Khalsine’ e7ke shu?
Rescue me, speak what?
#3
Arabic
Phonetics
Translation (word to word)
Gossip:
حزري شو قال لي صاحب الشغل اليوم
7zare’ shu ale sa7eb el-ghoghol el-yom?
Guess what my boss told me today?
Comment:
خير ان شاء الله شو
Kheir* inshallah shu?!
Good news, good wishes, what is it?
#4
Arabic
Phonetics
Translation (word to word)
Gossip:
على فكرة لينا ما عزمتني على عرسها
3ala fekrah, Lina ma 3azametne 3ala 3ersah!
By the way, Lina did not invite me to her wedding!
Comment:
لا ما بصدق شو وقحة
Ma bsade2 shu we27a!
I can’t believe her audacity!
#5
Arabic
Phonetics
Translation (word to word)
Gossip:
عرفتي انو سارا لقت شغل جديد بالبنك
3refte inu Sarah la2et shughul bil bank?
Did you know that Sarah found a job in the bank?
Comment:
ممم اكيد واسطة
Mmm akid wasta**!
Mmm of course it is through connections!
Understanding the nuances of commenting on gossip in Levantine Arabic not only enhances one’s communication skills but also underscores the cultural intricacies of interpersonal dynamics. By exploring these various methods, individuals can choose how to best navigate the delicate balance between curiosity and discretion in their social interactions.
