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“I’m a recovering polyglot” | Matthew Aldrich | 9273 Roots #7
Matthew Aldrich, the mind behind Lingualism, offers insights into learning Arabic dialects. He discusses his publishing work, favorite Egyptian Arabic expressions, and key language-learning moments.
This edition of 9273 Roots features Matthew Aldrich, the founder of Lingualism and a prolific publisher of language-learning materials.
Hailing from California, USA, Matthew has dedicated years to mastering various languages, living and teaching in countries across Asia, before focusing his expertise on making Arabic dialects more accessible.
His work with Lingualism, particularly his acclaimed resources for Egyptian Arabic, reflects his passion for linguistic exploration and his commitment to simplifying complex language concepts for learners worldwide.
Matthew Aldrich
ู ุงุซูู
The man who made learning Arabic dialects easy
- Year of birth: 1974
- Place of birth: California, USA
- Place of residence: Sonora, California
- Personal website: https://www.lingualism.com
- Matthew Aldrich’s author page on Amazon
How would you introduce yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
I’m Matthew Aldrich. I’m a recovering polyglot. I spent most of my adult life teaching in countries like Turkey, South Korea, China, and Thailand.
And now I’m back in my home state of California enjoying a more quiet life and publishing language-learning materials.
What was your first Arabic grammar book?
A Reference Grammar of Modern Standard Arabic by Karin C. Ryding.
Photo credit: lingualism.
What is your favorite Arabic book (novel, etc.)?
Taxi by Khaled al-Khamissi.
Remark: Taxi (published 2006) is a collection of 58 short stories – and was a bestseller in Egypt. The author tells the stories of taxi drivers in Cairo and gives the reader an idea about real life in Egypt. The dialogues in the book are written in very colloquial Egyptian Arabic.
The book was translated into several languages (e.g., English, German, French) and – together with the Arabic source – it is a great tool to study the Egyptian dialect.
How much time does a native speaker of English need to master Arabic?
A lifetime! โบ
What is your favorite Arabic word?
ูุชุจ. It’s such a basic word, but I have fond memories of learning for the first time how the root system in Arabic works using this word’s radicals, and when the concept clicked in my head, it was a magical moment!
Which Arabic word do you like least?
I’m not sure.
Which Arabic dialect do you like best?
Egyptian.
What is your favorite Arabic colloquial word or expression?
!ู ุนูุด
It is an Egyptian Arabic expression and means: Donโt worry about it! / Never mind!
What is your favorite Arabic quote or proverb?
.ุงูุชุญ ูู ู ููุท ุฅู ูุงู ู ุง ุณุชูููู ุฃุฌู ู ู ู ุงูุตู ุช
Only open your mouth if what you are going to say is more beautiful than silence.
About Sonora, California, where Matthew Aldrich lives: You have probably never heard of that village (4,500 inhabitants) – but I am sure you have seen it in films or movies (mainly from the ’70s and ’80s such as the A-Team).
Sonora is a historic Gold-Rush mining town. There are many old buildings dating back to the 19th century, and the scenery is really amazing as the mountains of the Sierra Nevada are pretty close. More than 300 films were shot in Sonora.
What is the best thing that was ever said about the Arabic language?
I have no idea.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
That failure is necessary for success.
Which three people would you like to invite for dinner?
Any old friends I haven’t seen in years.
What was the last great meal you had?
Thanksgiving dinner last month, surrounded by family.
What is your favorite city?
Istanbul
Which book would you give to a dear friend?
It depends on the friend! โบ
A groundbreaking work of Matthew Aldrich and Lingualism Arabic: The Big Fat Book of Egyptian Arabic Verbs.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Life of Pi.
What music do you listen to?
80s alternative and jazz.
When were you happiest?
In my 20s, when I was working abroad for the first time, in Turkey. Good times!
What is your greatest fear?
To suffer a chronic disease or injury and not have a good quality of life/health.
What is your life motto?
Just breathe.
Matthew Aldrich, thank you for your time.
CALL FOR SUGGESTIONS: Who should we interview soon?
Do you know an interesting person who has a special relationship with the Arabic language? Then tell us why we should interview this person!
People who were also interviewed in the 9273 roots series:
- “Arabic is dead โ and yet it keeps living” | Karina Karatamakova | 9273 Roots #40
- “Playing dominos gets you quick with Arabic numbers” | Andrew Cunningham | 9273 Roots #39
- “View Arabic as an identity you’re adopting” | Sherif Elmetwally | 9273 Roots #38
- “That sense of purpose, however small, is what makes me feel most alive” | Wan Amirul Asyraf | 9273 Roots #37
- “If you’re not studying, you’re dead” | Pierrick Jaouen | 9273 Roots #36
Wanna cite this article?
Driรner, G. (2019, February 24). “I’m a recovering polyglot” | Matthew Aldrich | 9273 Roots #7. Arabic for Nerds. https://arabic-for-nerds.com/interviews/9273-roots/matthew-aldrich-lingualism/
Published: February 24, 2019
Please check the citation before use, especially if your style guide has local requirements.
Publication ISSN: 3055-1730
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