Browse Tag
Aramaic
14 posts
Aramaic (الآرامية) is a Northwest Semitic language with a rich history, once widely spoken in the Near East and used in religious texts.
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".
Creaking ATM
In Istanbul's historic district of Eyüp, an ATM offers a masterclass in "Chronic Truncation Syndrome." It turns cash dispensing into a creaking sound and leaves words hanging in mid-air.
Why Arabic is the Master Key to Learning Swahili, Farsi, Hebrew & More
Ever noticed the echoes of Arabic in Swahili or Farsi? For the aspiring polyglot, Arabic provides a massive head start. In this guest article, Dr. Roger Anderson explores the fascinating and often surprising lexical ties to Swahili, Indonesian, Hebrew, and Farsi, showing how the 'master key' works.
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."
The Number 8 in Arabic: Grammar and Spelling
The number 8 in Arabic is tricky! This article breaks down its special grammatical rules, including why the masculine form is unique, how to correctly use 18, and why 800 often sounds the same. Master this challenging area of Arabic numbers.
Camels or Rain Clouds? The Surprising Meaning of ‘Ibil (إِبِل) in the Qur’an
The word Ibil (إبل) in the Qur'an has a debated meaning. This article, the last in our camel series, explores how Ibil can mean both "camels" and "rain clouds" in verses like 88:17, examining linguistic and contextual evidence for its interpretation
Who Was Sibawayhi? Meet the Persian Scholar Who Defined Arabic Grammar
"Al-Kitaab" is more than a textbook; it's Sibawayhi's monumental Arabic grammar. This article explores the life of the brilliant Persian grammarian and his enduring contribution to Arabic linguistic science.
Can You Find the Arabic Root? An Analysis of 5 Deceptively Complex Arabic Words
Beyond simple derivations, some Arabic words like اِزْدَحَمَ (to be crowded), تَارِيخٌ (history), and مِينَاءٌ (harbor) feature complex roots and morphological changes. This article deciphers their linguistic patterns for advanced learners.
“Learning (languages) should become a joy, your job, and a friend” | Andreas Dietrich | 9273 Roots #26
He studied Semitic languages in East Germany, worked for an Arab ambassador in Berlin, and now leads tours through the Middle East. Andreas Dietrich discusses the deep etymological links between Arabic, Hebrew, and Aramaic, and why the root system makes the language so predictable.
From Noah’s Son to a Language Family: The Surprising Origin of the Word ‘Semitic’
This article clarifies the term "Semitic" and its relation to Arabic. It explores the history and development of Semitic languages, including Akkadian, Hebrew, and Amharic, providing a brief overview.
