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“Arabic grammar is a science” | Antoine-Robert (Abu Farès) El Dahdah | 9273 Roots #1
Antoine-Robert El Dahdah, a leading Arabic grammarian, made complex Arabic grammar accessible through innovative charts and tables. This 9273 Roots episode features his unique approach.
NOTE: Sadly, Antoine-Robert (Abu Farès) el-Dahdah passed away on November 14, 2021.
Welcome to “9273 Roots“, a new series diving into the passions of individuals deeply connected to the Arabic language, inspired by the 9273 roots of Classical Arabic in Lisān al-‘Arab.
For this inaugural episode, we are honored to feature Antoine-Robert (Abu Farès) El Dahdah, one of the most distinguished Arabic grammarians of our time.
Born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1930, Ambassador El Dahdah has revolutionized Arabic grammar instruction by presenting complex rules in clear, logical charts and tables, making them accessible to a wider audience. His lifelong dedication to learning and simplifying Arabic grammar continues to leave an indelible mark on linguistic studies.
Antoine-Robert (Abu Farès) El Dahdah
أنطوان الدَّحْداح
The man who put Arabic grammar in charts and tables
One of the greatest Arabic grammarians of the last decades
- Date of birth: 22nd of March 1930
- Place of birth: Beirut, Lebanon
- Place of residence: Beirut, Lebanon
- Personal website: arabic-grammar.org (formerly: www.arabic-grammar.com)
Born 1930; married to Lisette El Chemor; two children, Carole and Fares.
General El Dahdah is a graduate of: The Military Academy (Fayadieh, Lebanon); The Royal School of Artillery (Larkhill, England); L’École Navale (Brest, France); The Command and General Staff College (Fort Leavensworth, USA).
In the course of his career, Ambassador El Dahdah held the following posts: Aide-de-Camp to the President of Republic (1952). Artillery Battalion Commander in the Lebanese Army (1961). Commander of the Lebanese Navy (1963). Director Geographic Affairs, Ministry of Defense (1968). Director General of the General Security (1971). Lebanese Ambassador to Brazil (1987)
He has received the following decorations: Medal of Palestine 1948; Lebanese Merit; Order of the Cedar; Order of the Nile (Egypt); Order of the Independance (Jordan); Order of the Sun (Peru); Order of the Banner (China); Légion d’Honneur (France); Order of the Republic (Italy); Order Cruzeiro do Sul (Brazil).
How would you introduce yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
Still learning at 88 (years old).
What was the first Arabic grammar book you wrote
A Dictionary of Arabic Grammar in Charts and Tables.
What is your favorite Arabic book (novel, etc.)?
The prophet by Jibran Khalil Jibran (جبران خليل جبران).
Remark: Jibran Khalil Jibran was a Lebanese-American writer and poet (1883-1931).
How much time does a native speaker of English need to master Arabic?
Three months.
What is your favorite Arabic word?
“Ahlan wa sahlan”.
Which Arabic word do you like least?
Hanou – The sixth noun of the classical five nouns.
The five (six) nouns (الأسماء الخمسة)
If you don’t know what the five or six nouns are – here is a short explanation. The “five (six) nouns” (الأسماء الخمسة) are special in Arabic. They may mark cases by long vowels rather than short vowels. This happens in إضافة-constructions.
For example, her father: Nominative (مرفوع) is أبوها
Genitive (مجرور) is أبيها. Accusative (منصوب) is أباها.
The five nouns are: father (أب), brother (أخ), father-in-law (حم), mouth (فم), and possessor (ذو).
So, which one is the above-mentioned strange sixth noun? It is the classical word هَنٌ. It usually denotes a thing, often used as a euphemism for something one dislikes to mention, including private parts (penis, vulva). See Arabic for Nerds 2, page 42pp.
Which Arabic dialect do you like best?
Lebanese of course.
What is your favorite Arabic colloquial word or expression?
Khalleek Aal Khatt!
Stay tuned!
What is your favorite Arabic quote or proverb?
La Takrahu chay’an la’allahu khayron lakum (لا تَكْرَهُوا شَيْئًا لَعَلَّهُ خَيْرٌ لَكُم).
Meaning: A bad situation may have a silver lining.
What is the best thing that was ever said about the Arabic language?
Arabic grammar is a science.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
What someone else does, you too can do.
Which three people would you like to invite for dinner?
Any 3 classmates.
What was the last great meal you had?
Kafta and Hoummos.
What is your favorite city?
Beirut.
Which book would you give to a dear friend?
Syntax in color of the Holy Koran by Abou Fares El Dahdah.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
Gone with the wind.
What music do you listen to?
Neapolitan Italian.
A trademark of Antoine El Dahdah: tables and charts. He explains Arabic grammar in a visual and logical way which makes it easy to understand and remember.
When were you happiest?
When finishing a book.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my mind.
What is your life motto?
If you don’t progress, you regress.
Ambassador Antoine El Dahdah, 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!
Don’t miss the latest interviews:
- “Arabic is dead – 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?
Drißner, G. (2018, December 31). “Arabic grammar is a science” | Antoine-Robert (Abu Farès) El Dahdah | 9273 Roots #1. Arabic for Nerds. https://arabic-for-nerds.com/interviews/antoine-robert-el-dahdah/
Published: December 31, 2018
Please check the citation before use, especially if your style guide has local requirements.
Publication ISSN: 3055-1730
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