Browse Category
Orthography
7 posts
Articles on Arabic orthography: spelling conventions and written forms, including how hamza is represented and where it is placed.
Distinction Denied
A trading company in Istanbul aims for "Excellence" (al-Imtiyāz) but commits a classic orthographic error by forcing a Hamza onto a Form VIII verbal noun.
The Hamza Overcorrection
Trying to fix an Arabic typo can create a new one. On a Cairo street sign, a well-meant Hamza correction left one Hamza too many — turning a small spelling fix into a small spelling fight. Thanks to this sharp catch by Marnix Demesmaeker, let’s unpack the glottal-stop rules behind it.
Sick Hamza
Even grammar gets airsick. On this Emirates bag, one Hamza is missing and the other is sitting on a chair when it should be on the floor. We diagnose the "Sick Hamza".
Mind the Hamza
A sign in the Saudi desert warns drivers about camels, but doesn't stop at mistakes itself.
Hamza on Speed
Even on Saudi Arabia's modern high-speed train, spelling mistakes haunt you.
Why Do Some Arabic Verbs End With a Silent Aleph (ا)?
Why do some Arabic verbs end with a silent Aleph (ا) after the و, as in كَتَبُوا (they wrote)? This article explains the "guarding Aleph" (أَلِفُ الْوِقايةِ), a unique spelling rule that prevents confusion with the conjunction وَ.
Arabic “but” (لكن): the Dagger Aleph (أَلِف خَنْجَرِيَّة) explained
Many Arabic words, including لٰكن (but/however) and even "Allah" (اللّٰه)), are written with a subtle mark called the dagger Aleph (أَلِف خَنْجَرِيَّة). This article explains why these words appear different from their pronunciation, delving into the historical evolution of Arabic script and how this short vertical dash signifies a long vowel, especially in Quranic and common words.
