Archive for April, 2017
A Saudi Security Guard Woman with Ambition Posted by jesa on Apr 18, 2017
Marhaba! Today I have another beautiful and inspiring story from the Arab world and in particular from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. What makes this story even more amazing is that it discusses another new milestone for women in Saudi Arabia. I know that many dear Arabic lovers will enjoy learning more about this important…
Baba Ghanouj, the Syrian Recipe Posted by aziza on Apr 17, 2017
In a previous post, I presented the recipe for the Egyptian style Baba Ghanouj (بابا غنوج), which is based on aubergine and tahini. Today, I present the recipe for Baba Ghanouj, the Syrian way. The video and photo are from Sham Al-Assil channel (شام الاصيل). المقادير: 2 حبة باذنجان كبير للشوي 3 ملاعق كبيرة فلفل…
Special Arabic Occasions: What they are, What to Do and Say in them? Posted by Ibnulyemen اِبْنُ اليَمَن on Apr 15, 2017
Certain linguistic expressions are associated with specific cultural and religious occasions. For example, “Happy Easter!”, “Joyeuses Pâques!”, and “Frohe Ostern!” are expressions said in special occasions in English; French; and German, respectively. Among the most culturally celebrated, congratulation-invoking, and religiously observed occasions among Arabs (and Muslims) are Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-AdhHa, Ramadhan, and Friday of…
Arabic Graffiti Posted by aziza on Apr 14, 2017
Graffiti (الغرافيتي) is the art of writing and drawing on walls. It usually serves to deliver a social or political message. The art is very common in the Arab world where social and political problems affect the lives of millions and where the freedom of expression margin is very narrow. I remember as a child…
How does Nominal Derivation work in Arabic? Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Apr 12, 2017
Some Arabic learners out there might be struggling with Arabic vocabulary or complaining that they don’t know enough words. Arabic vocabulary is indeed quite rich and varied, but it is also systematic. One beautiful aspect of the Arabic language is its productivity when it comes to word formation. What is derivation? Derivation or what…
Hospitality Politics in the Arab world: ‘Bas Ma-shrebti Shi!’ Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Apr 5, 2017
As is the case with most cultures all over the world, people tend to attach a specific social meaning to food. However, food has a far more special place in the Arab world. In addition to being symbolic of hospitality, serving food and eating together is a social ritual and plays a huge role…