Learning a new language is an exciting journey, especially when it involves discovering interesting cultural and professional aspects tied to the language. In the Levantine region, certain careers hold a special place in daily life, often accompanied by fascinating facts that might surprise even the most dedicated language learners. In this blog, we’ll explore five unique careers that are not only essential to the fabric of Levantine society but also come with fun and intriguing facts. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced student of Levantine Arabic, these careers offer a deeper understanding of the language, culture, and the people who bring these professions to life.
Five Careers in Levantine Arabic that you must know when looking for the ‘right guy or right girl’
Khames mehan bil 3arabe lezim ta3refon lama btkun 3am tfatesh 3ala ebn el-7alel w bnt el-7alel.
خمس مهن بالعربي لازم نعرفهم لما بنكون عم نفتش على ‘ابن الحلال وبنت الحلال
1.
Uncountable Noun
Countable Noun (m/f)
Fun Fact
English
Medicine
Doctor
Did you know that a neurologist can earn more than $700,000 a year?
Phonetic
Tob
Tabeeb / Tabeebeh
Bta3erfu inu tabeeb el-a3sab momkin ywasel ma3ashu la-aktar min $700,000 bil seneh?
Arabic
طب
طبيب / طبيبة
بتعرفوا انه طبيب الاعصاب ممكن يوصّل معاشه لاكثر من 700,000 دولار بالسنة؟
2.
Uncountable Noun
Countable Noun (m/f)
Fun Fact
English
Engineering
Engineer
By the way, Russia has the highest number of Engineers in the world. They are known in Engineering.
Phonetic
Handaseh
Mhandes / Mhandeseh
3ala bekrah, Russia 3inda aqsah 3adad mhandeseen bil 3alam. Hene mash-hurin bil handaseh.
Arabic
هندسة
مهندس / مهندسة
على فكرة, روسيا عندها اقصى عدد مهندسين بالعالم هني مشهورين بالهندسة
3.
Uncountable Noun
Countable Noun (m/f)
Fun Fact
English
Art
Artist
Imagine in 1992 the artist Fairuz sued Madonna yes yes Madonna for using her song without her permission.
Phonetic
Fan
Fanen / Faneneh
Tkhayalu b seneh 1992 el-faneneh Fairuz rafa3et da3weh 3ala Madonna eh eh Madonna le2an sta3malet ghineyeta bidun ezna.
Arabic
فن
فنان / فنانة
تخايلوا بسنة 1992 الفنانه فيروز رفع دعوة على مادونا ايه ايه مادونا لان استعملت اغنيتها بدون اذنها
4.
Uncountable Noun
Countable Noun (m/f)
Fun Fact
English
Accounting
Accountant
Did you the person that invented the Bubble Gum was an accountant? His name was Water Deimer and by the way he invented it by accident.
Phonetic
Mo7asabeh
Mo7aseb / Mo7asbeh
Bta3erfu yale khtara3 el-bubble gum ken mo7aseb w esmo Walter Deimer? w 3ala fekrah ekhtara3ha bil ghalat!
Arabic
محاسبة
محاسب / محاسبة
بتعرفوا يلي اخترع البابل غم كان محاسب واسمه وولتر دايمر وعلى فكره اخترعها بالغلط
5.
Uncountable Noun
Countable Noun (m/f)
Fun Fact
English
Nursing
Nurse
They say a nurse walks more than 5 kilometers in her shift? Which is about 12 hours.
Phonetic
Tamreed
Momared / Momaredah
Al bi2ulu el-momrideah btemshe aktar min 5 kilometer bil shift taba3ha? Ya3ne b !2 se3ah.
Arabic
تمريض
ممرض وممرضة
قال بيقولوا الممرضه بتمشي اكثر من 5 كيلو متر بالشيفت تبعها? يعني ب 12 ساعة
Language learning is more than just mastering vocabulary and grammar; it’s about connecting with the culture and people who speak it. By exploring these five careers and their associated fun facts, you’ve gained insight into the daily lives of those in the Levant and how language plays a role in their professions. Whether you’re aiming to improve your conversational skills or simply enjoy the richness of Levantine Arabic, understanding these careers will deepen your appreciation for the language. Keep exploring, keep learning, and let these cultural insights inspire your journey with Levantine Arabic!
To speak about habits in Levantine Arabic, you need to know how to use the present tense, as habits are typically expressed using present tense verbs. In Levantine Book 3, “Nawartuna” we talk a lot about habits! Here are some key points, phrases, and examples to help you talk about habits in Levantine Arabic:
If you are looking for the script I used in the video. Keep scrolling to the end of the page.
Key Phrases
I usually… – عادةً (ʿādatan)
I always… – دائماً (dāʾiman)
I often… – غالباً (ghāliban)
I sometimes… – أحياناً (aḥyānan)
I never… – أبداً (ʾabadan)
Common Verbs
To wake up – فيق (fīʾ) / صحى (ṣḥā)
To go – راح (rāḥ)
To eat – أكل (akal)
To drink – شرب (shirib)
To work – اشتغل (ishtighal)
To study – درس (daras)
To sleep – نام (nām)
To exercise – تمرّن (tamarran)
Examples of Sentences Describing Habits
Using the Present Tense
I usually wake up early.
عادةً بفِيق بكّير.
ʿādatan bifīʾ bakkīr.
I always drink coffee in the morning.
دائماً بشرب قهوة الصبح.
dāʾiman bishrab ʾahwe ṣṣubḥ.
I often go to the gym.
غالباً بروح عالجيم.
ghāliban brūḥ ʿal-gym.
I sometimes read before sleeping.
أحياناً بقرأ قبل ما نام.
aḥyānan bʾra ʾabl ma nām.
I never eat late at night.
أبداً ما بأكل متأخّر.
ʾabadan mā bʾkol mitaʾkher.
More Complex Sentences
Every day, I go to work at 8 in the morning.
كل يوم، بروح عالشغل الساعة ٨ الصبح.
kil yōm, brūḥ ʿa-sh-shughl is-sāʿa tmēne ṣ-ṣubḥ.
On weekends, I usually visit my family.
بعطلة الأسبوع، عادةً بزور عيلتي.
bi-ʿuṭlit il-usbūʿ, ʿādatan bzūr ʿēlti.
In the evening, I like to watch TV.
بالمساء، بحب اتفرج عالتلفزيون.
bil-masāʾ, bḥibb itfarraj ʿa-t-telefizyōn.
Structuring Sentences About Habits
When talking about habits, you can structure your sentences using time expressions (usually, always, often, sometimes, never) along with the present tense of the verb.
By combining these elements, you can effectively talk about your habits in Levantine Arabic. Practice with different verbs and time expressions to become more comfortable expressing your daily routines and habits.
Now let’s take a look at the exact script I used in the video:
Arabic Script:
تعوا نحكي عن العادات. كلنا عنّا عادات مثلا في ناس بتحب تلعب بشعرها. تاكل ضفيرها او تسرسر. مثلا انا عندي كذا عادة سيئة بلقمش كثير لما بكون عم بشتغل من البيت. واذا كان عندي اجتماع كثير مهم بتوتّر. ولما اتوتر بهز كثير بإجري. ومن قبل كنت انفعل واتسرّع بس هلأ شو ما بيصير قدامي بطنش لانه بالعربي بنقول “طنّش تنتعش”. واذا عبالكم تتعلموا كيف تحكوا عن العادات فلازم تتسجلوا ب our Conversation Classes.
Phonetic Script:
Ta3o ne7ke 3an el-3adet. Kilna 3ina 3adet masalan fi nes bit7eb til3ab b sha3rah. Tekul dafearah aw tsarser. Masalan ana 3inde 3adeh say2ah, bla2mesh ktir lama kun 3am bshteghel min el-bet. W iza ken 3inde ejtime3 ktir mohem bitwatar. W lama etwatar bhez ktir b ejre’. W min abel kent enfe3el w etsara3 bus hal2 shu ma biser edeme btanesh la2eno bil 3arabe min ol, ‘tanesh tanta3esh’. W iza 3abelkon kif te7ku 3an el-3adet fa tezim tsajlu b our Conversation Classes.
English Translation:
Come let’s talk about habits. We all have habits. For example. some people love to play with their hair, to bite their nails or to gossip. For example I have a lot of bad habits. I eat a lot of snacks when I work from home. And if I have a very important meeting, I get nervous, and when I get nervous, I shake my leg a lot. Before, I used to overreact quickly. But now, whatever happens in front of me I ignore. Because in Arabic we say, “tannish tanta3esh”. If you want to learn how to talk about habits, you need to register in our Conversation Classes.
Eid al-Fitr, known as the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” is one of the most significant celebrations in the Islamic calendar. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The celebration begins with the special Eid prayer, followed by festive meals, the giving of gifts, and acts of charity. Traditional foods and sweets, new clothes, and vibrant decorations are all part of the joyous occasion.
Greeting each other with heartfelt wishes is an essential part of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Here are four different ways to greet someone in Arabic on this special day:
Arabic/عربي
Phonetics
English Translation
عيد مبارك
Eid Mubarak
Have a blessed Eid
ينعاد عليكم بالصحة والسالمة
Yen3ad 3alaikoun bil saha w el saleme
May the next Eid find you in [good] health and wellness
كل عام وأنت بخير
Kil 3am w enta/e bikheir
I wish you goodness every year
عيد فطر سعيد
Eid fitr saeed
Happy Eid al-Fitr
The festive spirit of Eid al-Fitr is deeply intertwined with the cultural practices and expressions of goodwill shared among loved ones. Each greeting carries its own unique sentiment, reflecting the warmth and joy of the occasion.
“Eid Mubarak” (مبارك عيد) is widely used across different cultures and communities, embodying the core spirit of the celebration.
“Yen3ad 3alaikoun bil saha w el saleme” (ينعاد عليكم بالصحة والسالمة) highlights the importance of health and happiness as part of the Eid festivities.
“Kil 3am w enta/e bikheir” (كل عام وأنت بخير) This phrase underscores the ongoing nature of well-wishing and the continuity of good intentions.
“Eid fitr saeed” (عيد فطر سعيد) captures the essence of the celebration and the collective happiness shared by all.
Each of these greetings serves as a way to connect with others, share in the joy of the occasion, and reaffirm bonds of friendship and family. They are an integral part of the Eid experience, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere and reinforcing the values of unity and gratitude. Eid al-Fitr is a time of profound significance, marking the end of a spiritual journey and the beginning of new celebrations. Whether through the universal “Eid Mubarak” or the personalized wishes for health and prosperity, these phrases encapsulate the spirit of Eid and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Notes of Video “Words”. – Make sure to watch the video at the end of this page, and then follow the second time with the script!
Language is a fascinating tapestry of words and meanings, where even the simplest phrases can have complex, multifaceted interpretations. Levantine Arabic, a dialect spoken in the Levant region, is no exception. This blog post will explore five intriguing words in Levantine Arabic that possess dual meanings in English. Understanding these nuances not only enriches your vocabulary but also provides deeper insights into the culture and everyday life of the Levant.
Break or Chance / فرصة
Chance:
هيدي آخر فرصة لأشتري فيها التيكيت
This is the last chance to buy tickets
Break:
عندك فرصة بالشغل
Do you have a break at work?
فاضي / Empty or Available
Empty:
البيت فاضي
The house is empty.
Available:
أنا فاضي هلّأ
I’m available now.
غريب / Stranger or Weird
Stranger:
ما تعطي رقمك للغريب
Don’t give your number to a stranger.
Weird:
شكله كثير غريب
He looks very weird.
مكتب / Office or Desk
Office:
مكتب المدير على الشمال
The manager’s office is to the left.
Desk:
كل طالب عنده مكتب بالصف
Every student has a desk in the class.
معروف / Famous or Favor
Famous:
مطعم الشمس كثير معروف
Shams restaurant is very famous.
Favor:
بدي منك معروف
I want a favor from you
Exploring the dual meanings of these five Levantine Arabic words offers a glimpse into the rich linguistic landscape of the Levant. It highlights how language can shape and reflect cultural identity and communication. As you continue your journey in learning Levantine Arabic, appreciating these nuances will enhance your conversational skills and deepen your connection to the vibrant Levantine culture. Happy learning!
