Browse Tag
anecdote
11 posts
Anecdotes related to the Arab world or the Arabic language.
Omar al-Mukhtar and the Airplanes Under the Throne
Omar al-Mukhtar, the Libyan resistance leader who fought Italian colonial rule, is credited with a famous reply about Italian airplanes and the Throne of God. But did he really say it?
Master Classical Arabic Through the Jahiz Institute
Brian Powell, founder of the Jahiz Institute, shares his journey in Arabic studies and talks about his innovative approach to teaching classical Arabic.
Why the Houthis Attack Ships and How Arab Media Views Trump’s Win | Media Arabic Booster 11/24
This issue investigates the real motives behind Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea and analyzes how Arabic media views the impact of Trump's US election win. Learn essential vocabulary for discussing maritime conflict, elections, and propaganda.
A Step-by-Step Method for Researching the Meaning of Ancient Arabic Words
Understanding words in old Arabic texts, especially pre-Islamic poetry, can be a challenge. This article provides a step-by-step approach to uncover the historical meanings of words like "مَخَارِيقٌ," guiding you through classical Arabic dictionaries and historical linguistic resources to accurately interpret ancient verses.
“Being a lexicographer is a lifelong sentence” | Jan Hoogland | 9273 Roots #31
He's the Dutch Arabist whose work forms the core of the legendary Oxford Arabic Dictionary. Jan Hoogland shares the inside story of its creation, his decades-long passion for Morocco and its Darija dialect, and why a single word's entry with 47 collocations is his absolute favorite.
The Islamic Basmala: Its Meaning, Use in the Qur’an, and a Surprising Link to Immanuel Kant
The Islamic Basmala, "In the name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful," found its way onto Immanuel Kant's doctoral invitation. This article delves into the Basmala's meaning, its presence in the Quran, and its unexpected appearance in popular culture.
Who Invented the Arabic Typewriter? The History of the Arabic Keyboard
The invention of the Arabic typewriter was a complex challenge due to letter shapes and spacing. This article details its history, the roles of Selim Haddad and Philippe Waked, and Theodor Herzl's unusual attempt to bribe the Ottoman Sultan with one.
The 5 Greatest Arabic Grammarians of the Classical Era
This subjective list ranks the top five Arabic grammarians from the classical Islamic era. It covers giants like Sibawayhi (al-Kitab) and Ibn Mansur (Lisan al-Arab), detailing their pivotal roles in shaping Arabic grammar and lexicography.
How One Vowel in the Quran Changes Everything: An Analysis of Sura 9:3
Small Arabic grammar differences, like a single case ending in Sura 9:3, can drastically alter Quranic meaning. A precise analysis details correct pronunciation and grammar to prevent misunderstandings.
“My greatest fear is that I won’t go back to my country and die in exile” | Widad Nabi | 9273 Roots #9
From the heart of war-torn Syria to the vibrant literary scene of Berlin, Widad Nabi's poetry offers a powerful voice for displacement, memory, and the enduring human spirit. In this deeply personal interview, the acclaimed Kurdish-Syrian poet and author opens up about her favorite Arabic words and literature, the cities that hold her heart, and her greatest fears and hopes for the future.
