Nasma of New York Culture Center: Bringing the First and Only Kids Immersion Program to Lebanon
A New Chapter in Levantine Language Education
At Nasma of New York Culture Center, we are thrilled to announce a groundbreaking initiative that marks a new chapter in our journey of promoting Levantine Arabic language and culture. After more than 11 successful years of offering Levantine Arabic classes in New York City, we are excited to introduce Lebanon’s first and only kids immersion program. This summer, we are bringing our expertise and passion to Lebanon, offering diaspora children a unique opportunity to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots.
A Homecoming for the Diaspora
For children of the Lebanese diaspora, maintaining a connection to their heritage can be challenging, especially when living far from their native land. Our new immersion program is specifically designed to address this need. By immersing children in the Levantine Arabic language and Lebanese culture, we aim to strengthen their sense of identity and belonging. This program is more than just a language camp; it’s a cultural homecoming, a chance for children to embrace their roots in an engaging and supportive environment.
Why Choose Nasma’s Immersion Program?
Nasma of New York has earned a reputation for excellence in Levantine Arabic education. Our teaching methods are innovative, effective, and tailored to meet the needs of young learners. Here’s what sets our program apart:
Expertise: With over a decade of experience, our curriculum is designed by seasoned educators who understand how to make learning fun and effective.
Cultural Integration: Our program goes beyond language instruction, incorporating cultural activities that bring Lebanese traditions to life. From folk tales and traditional dances to culinary classes, children will experience the richness of their heritage.
Community Building: Our camp fosters a sense of community and belonging, helping children build friendships and connections that transcend borders.
Program Highlights
Our two-week immersion camp, running from July 15 to July 26, is packed with activities that are both educational and entertaining. Here’s a glimpse of what’s in store:
Language Immersion: Daily interactive sessions focused on conversational Levantine Arabic, using songs, stories, and games to make learning natural and enjoyable.
Cultural Activities: Children will explore Lebanese folklore, participate in traditional dance lessons, and learn to prepare classic Lebanese dishes like manakish and hummus.
Creative Arts: From painting to clay modeling, our arts and crafts sessions will help children express their creativity while learning about traditional Lebanese art forms.
Team Building: Group games and team-building exercises designed to foster cooperation, friendship, and a sense of community.
Our Dedicated Team
Leading our camp this summer is Mirna, a seasoned educator with over 10 years of experience in teaching and curriculum development. As a mother of three, Mirna understands what children need to stay engaged and motivated. She will be supported by a team of fantastic instructors, all dedicated to providing a memorable and enriching experience for every child.
Join Us This Summer!
We invite you to enroll your children in our pioneering Levantine Arabic immersion program. Whether, they are seasoned speakers or just beginning their language journey, this camp offers a unique opportunity to enhance their language skills, connect with their cultural heritage, and make lifelong friends.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity. Join Nasma of New York Culture Center in Beirut this summer, and give your children the gift of language and culture. You can read more about the camp here!
If you won’t be in Lebanon this summer don’t worry, we offer several other activities separate from our two-week courses. Please read on to learn more!
Experience the joy of reconnecting with your heritage. Register now and become part of the Nasma family!
Bakheel, ke7te, 3ayno mish shab3aneh, w rkheas kamen!? Arba3 mostala7at fikon tsta3emloha la tosfu ‘a cheap person’ and these are some examples.
Daharet mara ana w rfe2ah w re7na la neshtre shi nekloh. Lama sar lezim nedfa3 el-fatourah, aletle’ al heye nesyeh el-portmpne’. Mish 3alye hal 7araket! Hayde 7arakeh rkhisah.
Daharte awal marah ma3 shab w kento date w dafa3ek el-fatourah? Eh hayda akid sha-khes ke7te, ba3de 3ano!
Kil ma bteje la3inde btekhod ot3et tyeb w ma bitreda? Mish ma32ol3ayna mish shab3aneh!
Byedhar ma3 as7abo w lama bteje el-fatourah byekhtefeh? Eh hayda miyeh bil miyeh bakhil!
Arabic script:
بخيل وكحتي وعينه مش شبعانة ورخيص كمان اربع مصطلحات فيكن تستعملوها لتوصفوا شخص يخيل، و هايدول بعض الامثلة:
١- ضهرت مرة انا ورفيقة ورحنا لنشتري شيء ناكله لما صار لازم ندفع الفاتورة قالت لي هي ناسية البورتمونيه، مش عليي هالحركات هيدي حركة رخيصة.
٢- ضهرتي أول مرة مع شب وكنتو دايت و دفعك الفاتورة اي هيدا اكيد شخص كحتي بعدي عنه.
٣- كل ما بتجي لعندي بتاخد قطعة ثياب وما بتردها مش معقول عينها مش شبعانه
٤- بيضهر مع اصحابه ولما بتيجي الفاتورة بيختفي اي هيدا مية بالمية بخيل.
English Translation:
Bakheel, ke7te, 3ayno mish shab3aneh, w rkheas as well!? 4 terms you can use to describe ‘a cheap person’ and these are some examples.
I went out with my friend to grab a bite, when it was time to pay she told me that she forgot her wallet. These moves don’t pass me! This is a cheap person!
You went out with a guy on a date and he made you pay for the bill? This guy is definitely stingy, stay away from him!
Eveytime she comes over she takes a piece of my clothes, and doesn;t return it? Unbelievable ‘her eye is not full’.
He goes out with his buddies and when the bill comes he disappears? He is 100% cheap!
Notes:
4 Stingy Phrases
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Cheap
Rkhis
Rkhisah
It could also be used for objects as well. Like a cheap restaurant or a cheap book. But when using it with humans, it means stingy.
The Arabic language, rich in its expressive vocabulary, has several nuanced terms to describe the concept of stinginess. Each one of these words convey different shades of unwillingness to share or spend. This diversity not only highlights the depth of Arabic but also its cultural emphasis on generosity and the social importance of distinguishing between various degrees of frugality. Understanding these terms offers a fascinating insight into the values and linguistic richness of the Arab world. For more on the beauty of the Arabic language and its intricate vocabulary, stay tuned to our next video! For now watch the video again!
Discussing social and controversial topics while learning a language fosters critical thinking skills by encouraging learners to consider diverse perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue. It enhances language fluency as learners navigate complex discussions, expanding their vocabulary and honing their communication abilities. Hence, this is why I chose to talk about this topic today! I recommend to watch my Instagram video first, then watch it again while reading the subtitles, and then you can choose what vocabulary you would like to add to your flashcards.
Notes of Video “Cheating Husband”.
Phonetic Script:
Shefit zog rfe2te e3id b Starbucks ma3 we7de tenyeh b jalseh 7amimiyeh, b2ol la marto shi?
Shakhes minkon ba3atle hal osha w sa2alna kif fina ne7ke 3an hayda el-mawdo3 bil 3arabe. Ka ahel el-balad, ni7na hek minla2le2.
Awal shi, shu m2a3dek b Starbucks? Ma ni7na m2at3in!
Tene shi, ente m2aqadeh inu hayda huwe? Mish balke 7adan byeshbahu? Hal2 iza m2aqadeh miyeh bil miyeh, fike tsawre w teb3ate el-sorah la marto w tis2aliha iza hayda jawza. Hayda eza badek tekherbeh bayta!
Iza ana ma7alek, bro7 la 3indo bsalem 3ale w bis2alo, ‘wein marto w kifa w waina?’ Yimkin el-mara yale ma3o ma bta3ref inu huwe mjawaz.
Arabic script:
شفت زوج رفيقتي قاعد بستاربكس مع وحدة تانية بجلسة حميمية، بقول لمرته شي؟
شخص منكن بعتلي هالقصة وسألنا كيف فينا حكي عن هالموضوع بالعربي. كأهل البلد نحن هيك منلَقلِق
أول شي شو مقعدك بستاربكس ما نحن مقاطعين
تاني شي إنت مأكدة إنو هيدا هوي مش بركي حدا بيشبهه؟ هلأ إذا مأكّدة مية بالمية فيكي تصوريه وتبعتي الصورة لمرته وتسأليها إذا هيدا جوزها، هيدا إذا بدك تخربي بيتها
إذا انا محلك بروح لعنده بسلم عليه وبسأله وين مرته، كيفها ووينها، يمكن المرأة يلي معه ما بتعرف انه هوي مجوز
English Translation:
I saw my friend’s husband sitting in Starbucks with another woman in an intimate setting. Do I tell his wife?
One of you sent me the story and asked us how can we talk about this in Arabic? As natives, this is how I would spill the tea.
First of all, why are you sitting in Starbucks? We are boycotting that!
Second of all. Are you sure it’s him not someone who looks like him? If you are 100% sure you can take a picture and send it to his wife and ask her if that’s her husband. This is if you want to wreck her home.
If I were you, I would go to him, say hi and ask him where his wife is, how is she, and where is she? Maybe the woman that is with him does not know that he is married.
Notes:
Word
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Intimate setting
Jalseh 7amimiyeh
This phrase can also be used to refer to an intimate gathering with your friends. Not romantically only.
Spill the tea
Minla2le2
It’s a verb. The root is ‘La2la2 / لقلق” and the imperfect form is ‘Yla2le2 / يلقلق’
The noun would be ‘La2la2ah / لقلقة’
Boycotting
M2ate3
M2at3ah
And the plural is m2at3in.
100 percent
Miyeh bil miyeh
Very useful phrase and has no gender.
Wreck her/his home
Tekherbeh bayto
Tekherbeh bayta
Very common phrase that is used. The phrase is made of two words, to ruin or wreck and house. The root verb for to ruin is ‘Kharab / خرب’ and the imperfect is ‘Ykhrob / يخرب’
