Notes for video “Picnic”- Make sure to watch the video first at the bottom of the page, and then follow along with the script- Enjoy!
Ah, summer! The season of sunshine, blue skies, and the irresistible allure of the great outdoors. There’s no better way to soak up the warmth and revel in nature’s beauty than by organizing a delightful summer picnic. Whether you’re planning a cozy gathering with family, a fun day out with friends, or a romantic escape with a loved one, picnics offer the perfect blend of relaxation, good food, and wonderful memories.
I’m grateful to be able to spend my summers in Turkey and enjoy their delicious fruits. My favorites include figs (Teen / تين), pomegranates (Remen, رمان), peaches (Khokh, خوخ), and apricots (Mishmush, مشمش), among many others. You can find a list of fruits & vegetables words in Levantine Arabic in my third book, *Nawartona*. Many of these are also mentioned in my Instagram video, which you can watch at the bottom of the page.
Kif el ta2es bara? Ktir 7ilo w mshemseh. Yala re7na? Yala! Laike shu l2eat, l2eat el-ka3ek el-lebneneh yale 3le simsom. Kamen ra7 ekhud ma3e 3asir, w may, dere2, w tefe7, w moz. Bit7ebe el-afande’? Ktir! 3azim hayda alande’. Kamen ra7 ekhud karaz, 3inab a7mar, w 3inab Akhdar. W lake’ hal-tout bishahu! Le 7ase nesyeh shi? Ah! El-makhlotah! Yala la dobon, hayda sharshaf.
English Translation:
How’s the weather outside? It’s very nice and sunny. Shall we go? Come on, look what I found! I found the Lebanese ka’ak with sesame seeds. I’ll also take juice and water, peaches, apples, and bananas. Do you like tangerines? Great, this tangerine is very good. I’ll also take cherries, red grapes, and green grapes. And look at these delicious-looking berries. Why do I feel like I’m forgetting something? Ah, the mixed nuts! Let’s pack them up. Here’s the tablecloth.
As we wrap up this exploration of Levantine Arabic fruits and vegetables from *Nawartona*, I hope you’ve enjoyed learning about these vibrant and flavorful treasures as much as I do savoring them each summer in Turkey. These fruits and vegetables not only bring a burst of taste and color to our plates but also carry rich cultural significance. Don’t forget to check out the Instagram video at the bottom of the page for more insights and a visual treat of these delicious wonders. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I look forward to sharing more culinary and cultural delights with you soon!
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 “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.
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.
