Archive for 'Arabic Language'
Harissa /Basboosa /هريسة / بسبوسة (Semolina Cake) Posted by yasmine on Jan 16, 2019
If you have tried any Middle Eastern desserts or sweets, I’m sure you have been craving تشتهي for more ever since. Some Arabic desserts can be difficult to make at home and not everyone lives near a Middle Eastern restaurant. So, I wanted to share a recipe وصفة for an easy Arabic dessert that you…
Aqiqah – Celebrating the birth of a child! (العقيقة) Posted by yasmine on Jan 9, 2019
Just got back from Jordan and Turkey where I spent the holiday with family and friends. I had just become a mother in August, and we wanted everyone to see the new grandchild حفيد. During our stay, my mother and father in law decided they wanted to perform “Aqiqah” عقيقة that is to sacrifice يضحي…
The Lebanese Expression To’borni ( تؤبرني) Posted by Anastasia on Jan 8, 2019
Hello! Or as we say in the Arab world Marhaba! The Lebanese expression to’borni (تؤبرني) is famously known for being untranslatable. The reason why is because it consists of so many concepts crammed into one word. Although To’borni is technically a word, it is considered an expression because of its deep and complex meaning. We…
What can Arabic Proverbs tell us about Arab Culture? Posted by yasmine on Dec 26, 2018
You can learn a lot about a culture when you know some of its proverbs مَثل/حِكمة or wise sayings. Here are some Arabic proverbs with their English translations. I have all the English translations at the bottom of the post, so you can first try to understand the meaning in Arabic or at least the…
Jesus is born, Hallelujah! ! ولد المسيح هللويا Posted by Anastasia on Dec 24, 2018
Today is December 24th, a very special day in the Christian calendar المسيحيون, for today, Jesus (يسوع المسيح) the savior (المخلص) was born. This holiday is one of the most anticipated holidays throughout the year. During this time, all family members gather under the Christmas tree (شجرة عيد الميلاد) to share gifts (هدايا) and laughs…
Envy and the Evil Eye in Arab and Islamic Culture الحسد Posted by yasmine on Dec 19, 2018
What do you know about the “evil eye” العين الحسود in Arab and Islamic culture الثقافة العربية والإسلامية? Like many people in the Middle East, I grew up believing in the power of envy الحسد and the existence of the evil eye. That one could envy intentionally and unintentionally, therefore, it’s always best to say…
CAPHARNAÜM (کفرناحوم) : The Lebanese Movie Nominated for a Golden Globe. Posted by Anastasia on Dec 17, 2018
Capharnaüm (کفرناحوم) is a Lebanese drama film (فيلم) written and directed by Nadine Labaki. The movie follows the life (حياة) of young Zain, a Syrian refugee (لاجئ سوري) living on the streets of Beirut (بيروت) for 9 years, without identification papers or even an identity card (بطاقة هوية). The movie is very relatable and dives…