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Everyday Arabic phrases, using a kids’ song (2) Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Sep 13, 2017
Welcome to the second part of this post. Last week, we looked at half of the song ‘Mom, answer me’ and today, we’re going to look at the other half, starting from 02:04. مَـوْعِدُ القِصَّه قَبْلَ النَّوْمْ The story time is before bed هَذَا مَا نَفْعَلُهُ كُلًّ يَوْمْ this is what we do everyday…
Everyday Arabic phrases, using a kids’ song (1) Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Sep 6, 2017
Today, we’re going to learn some everyday phrases in Arabic. To do that, we’re going to use a kids’ song called: ‘Mom, answer me!’ ماما ردي علي The song (video below) is in Standard Arabic and it is about a kid called Moodo مودو . Moodo is a bit bored and is looking for something…
A Lebanese song: (Lawn ʕyoon-ak) – The colour of your eyes Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Aug 30, 2017
Today, we’re looking at the lyrics of a popular song by Nancy Ajram, a Lebanese singer. The song (video below) is in the Colloquial Lebanese Arabic. مَـا فِيِّ أَعِيشْ إِلَّا مَعَكْ I can’t live, but with you.. مَا فِيِّ أَكُونْ إِلَّا إِلَكْ I can’t be, but for you مَـا فِيِّ أَعِيشْ إِلَّا مَعَكْ…
The formation process of place nouns in Arabic Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Aug 23, 2017
In a previous post, we learnt about one feature that makes Arabic one of the few, most efficient languages in the world, and that feature is derivation: its productivity in terms of word formation. In today’s post, we’re looking at a specific aspect of this derivation process, and that aspect is the formation of place…
How to survive in a restaurant in Egypt? Useful phrases in Egyptian Arabic Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Aug 16, 2017
Today, we’re looking at a near-authentic, restaurant scenario you may come across during your stay in Egypt. The scenario includes many important phrases you’ll need to use to order your meal and pay for it. It also includes important questions that you may be asked by the waiter, from the beginning of your visit till…
A Lebanese song: (Ism-ak bi-ysharrefny)-Your name brings me honour Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Aug 9, 2017
Today, we’re looking at the lyrics of a popular song by Najwa Karam, a Lebanese singer, who is known for being called ‘The sun of the Arabic song’ شـَمْسْ الأُغْنِيَة العَرَبِيَّة . The song (video below) is in Lebanese Arabic. The song talks about this lady who is telling her husband how honoured she…
When to pronounce the final tied-up taa’ (taa’ Marboutah)? Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Aug 2, 2017
I recently had to explain to one of my students the reason I sometime pronounce the tied-up taa’ ـة , which is found at the end of a word, and sometimes I don’t! This blog post will provide you with some tips so you can recognise the two often-confused forms of the bound-up…