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The great extent of diversity in Arabic Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Apr 19, 2017
Every Arabic learner probably had to face the fact that Arabic is not a single language and there is a high variety: Standard Arabic, and a low variety: regional dialects, more than 20 of them. Today, we are using a short video that illustrates, very well, the great extent of this diversity. It shows…
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…
What do you think the Arabic saying ‘Ala Al-barakah’ means? Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Mar 29, 2017
There are many phrases in Arabic that not only have cultural connotations, but also direct religious ones. The Arabic phrase we are going to look at today is ‘Ala Al-Barakah’ على البركه , which means ‘By God’s blessings’. The word ‘barakah’ literally means “blessing” and “increase in something”. In the Arab Muslim world, the…
New Transparent Arabic Blogger: Hanan Posted by Hanan Ben Nafa on Mar 22, 2017
Salaam Everyone! Since this is an Arabic language blog, I made sure I start my post with an Arabic word used for greetings, and that is: Salaam سلام which means ”Peace”. About me I’m a new blogger and my name is Hanan. I will be publishing weekly posts about the Arabic language, focusing on…