Browse Tag
Arabic alphabet
17 posts
Arabic Alphabet (الأبجدية العربية): A script consisting of 28 letters, used for writing the Arabic language and several other languages.
A Few Arabic Letters, Estonia, and a 900-Year-Old Mystery | al-Idrisi’s Famous Map
In 1154, al-Idrisi mapped a land called “Astlanda” — likely Estonia, the Baltic country south of Finland. He also wrote down a strange Arabic name: “qlwn.” Was it an early trace of Tallinn, today’s Estonian capital? The puzzle still survives.
The Arabic Letter That Looks Like a Fist: Waw (و) in Kaomoji & Emoji
You've seen the "determined fist" smiley (- ̀ᴗ- ́)و online, but did you know that fist is actually the Arabic letter Waw (و)? From the "happy face" letter Ta (ت) to the "sweat drop" numeral Khamsa (٥), discover how Arabic characters are used in Japanese kaomoji to create expressive text art.
Why the “L” Disappears: The Logic Behind Arabic Sun and Moon Letters
You learn that ال means "the". But then you hear "Ash-Shams" for "the sun". Where did the ل go? This guide explains the phonetic logic of Sun and Moon letters (الحروف الشمسية والقمرية). Learn why tongue placement (Makhraj) determines pronunciation and why early grammarians debated the letter Jim.
Beyond Flashcards: How Ceramics Can Help Students Learn the Arabic Alphabet
Learning the Arabic alphabet can be tough. One Arabic teacher found a unique solution: combining Arabic script with ceramics! Students got to paint their own mugs with Arabic names, making learning engaging and memorable. This article shares the journey, challenges, and success of this interdisciplinary approach.
Lisa Schor on How to Get Started in Syrian Arabic
Lisa Schor, an Arabic teacher and doctoral candidate, shares her passion for transforming Arabic education. In this interview, she discusses her book "Akīd!," a textbook for Syrian Arabic beginners, highlighting its practical approach to conversational skills, basic vocabulary, and cultural understanding for A1 level learners.
SATTS: The Forgotten U.S. Military System for Transliterating Arabic in the Cold War
When Arabic characters couldn't be displayed, SATTS (Standard Arabic Technical Transliteration System) offered a solution. Reginald Hefner takes a historical look at this pre-digital military system, explaining how it allowed Arabic to be read and written in Latin characters without pronunciation cues, and its role during the Cold War era.
Learning Hebrew as an Arabic Speaker: A Practical Guide to Grammar, Vocabulary, and the Alphabet
Learning Hebrew is much easier if you already know Arabic. This article reveals the strong connections between these Semitic languages, from shared roots and grammatical structures to alphabet similarities. It also uncovers a fascinating mistranslation in the Old Testament concerning Moses and the "Red Sea."
How to Retain Multiple Languages: Tips from a Polyglot Who Mastered Arabic
Polyglot Reginald Hefner shares strategies for maintaining many languages. He offers practical tips on routines, methods for skill retention, and overcoming challenges to prevent language decay.
10 Unique Gift Ideas That Every Arabic Language Lover Will Adore (2023)
For Arabic enthusiasts, this gift guide offers unique ideas. Find authentic Palestinian Kufiyas, personalized Arabic calligraphy blankets, and specialized books. Perfect for Christmas or any occasion.
The Gray Zone: A New Technique for Teaching Arabic to Beginners
Learning the Arabic alphabet is tough. Dr. Roger Anderson's "Gray Zone" technique helps. It supports simultaneous alphabet and vocabulary learning by signaling unstudied letters. This method aims to reduce learner discomfort and improve foundational Arabic acquisition.
