The concept of the “evil eye,” or “saybet 3ein” (صيبة عين)in the Levant, is a deeply ingrained belief in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It is thought that an envious or malevolent glare can cause harm, illness, or misfortune to its target. To protect against this, people commonly use amulets like the blue eye charm and employ various rituals such as reciting prayers, burning incense, or using salt. This belief significantly influences social interactions, with phrases like “Mashallah” or “Smallah” often used to ward off unintended harm and mitigate envy. Understanding the cultural significance of the evil eye offers insight into the protective customs and values of the Levantine people.
Evil eye expressions that are used in the Levant area.
Scene1:
Person A:
Wow chou hilwin tyebik!
واو تيابك شو حلوين.
Wow, your outfit looks stunning.
Person B:
5amse bi3younek ma tsobine bil 3ein.
خمسة بعيونك ما تصبيني بالعين.
Five in your eyes don’t hit me with the evil eye.
Scene 2:
Person A:
Wli chou ketbe 3a siyartik
ولي شو كاتبه ع سيارتك؟
Oh, what is written on your car?
Person B:
3ein el hasoud tibla bil 3ama
عين الحسود تبله بالعمى.
The eye of the envious will become blind.
Scene 3:
Person A:
Chou 3emle? chou sirik? mihlawe hal eyem.
شو عامله؟ شو سرك؟ محلوه هاليام.
What did you do? What’s your secret? You’ve become more attractive these days.
Person B:
7elle 3anne allah yikfine char 3younik
حليه عني هللا يكفينى شرعيونك.
Stay away from me! God protect me from the evil of your eyes
Scene 4:
Person A:
Chou bike? lech 3am tibke?
What’s going on with you? Why are you crying?
شو بك؟ ليش عم تبكي؟
Person B:
Khsorot kil chi! 3ein w sabitne.
I lost everything! The evil eye got me.
خسرت كل شي! عين وصابتني
In conclusion, the belief in the evil eye is a profound aspect of the cultural heritage in the Levant, shaping social behaviors and protective practices in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. This ancient tradition underscores the importance of community, mindfulness, and respect in interpersonal relationships. By understanding and appreciating the significance of the evil eye, we gain deeper insight into the rich cultural fabric of the Levant and the enduring practices that continue to influence the daily lives of its people.
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!
Learn & Accelerate Your Levantine Arabic with the 20/20 Fast Tracking Method
Learning a new language can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes an exciting and rewarding journey. At our online Levantine Arabic classes, we’ve developed a unique method to accelerate your language learning experience – the 20/20 Fast Tracking Method.
Why Choose the 20/20 Fast Tracking Method?
1. Focus on Conversation:
Our primary goal is to get you speaking Levantine Arabic confidently and fluently. Unlike traditional methods that emphasize reading and writing, our approach is entirely conversation-based. This means you’ll be speaking Arabic from day one, helping you to think in the language and use it naturally.
2. Balanced Structure:
The 20/20 Fast Tracking Method includes 20 group sessions and 10 private sessions. Group sessions provide a dynamic environment where you can practice speaking with peers, while private sessions offer personalized attention to address your specific needs and boost your confidence.
3. Tailored for All Levels:
We offer three levels of classes – Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to polish your skills, our method adapts to your proficiency level, ensuring you get the most out of every session.
How the 20/20 Fast Tracking Method Works
Group Sessions:
– Small Groups: Each group consists of no more than six students, ensuring that everyone gets ample speaking time.
– Twice a Week: Classes meet twice a week, providing regular practice and keeping the momentum going.
– Thematic Lessons: Each week focuses on a specific theme. The instructor explains the lesson for about 15 minutes, followed by interactive exercises, translation practice, role-plays, conversation and open Q&A sessions.
Private Sessions:
– 20-Minute Conversations: In addition to group sessions, you get 10 private 20-minute conversation sessions with your instructor. These one-on-one sessions are crucial for building confidence and fluency.
– Flexible Scheduling: Our instructors are flexible and can meet with you on your own schedule.
– Frequent Practice: Short, frequent sessions trick your brain into believing you’re using the language more often, accelerating your learning process.
Addressing Common Student Concerns
When students join our conversation classes, they often express frustration with other courses they’ve taken. They commonly complain that previous classes did not allocate enough time for actual conversation practice. Many feel disappointed after completing those courses, realizing that despite the theoretical knowledge, they lack the ability to speak fluently. Our 20/20 Fast Tracking Method directly addresses this issue by ensuring ample conversation practice both in group settings and one-on-one sessions with instructors.
Success Stories
After six years of running group conversation classes, we realized that many students were not getting enough speaking practice. The 20/20 Fast Tracking Method was born out of this insight. Students who have gone through our program report significant improvements in their speaking abilities. Those who were once shy or uncomfortable speaking in front of others now participate confidently in conversations.
Join Us Today!
Ready to take your Levantine Arabic to the next level? Our 20/20 Fast Tracking Method is designed to help you speak Arabic fluently and confidently in no time. Enroll in our online classes and start your journey towards mastering Levantine Arabic today!
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.
