Browse Tag
dual
43 posts
The dual (المثنى) is a grammatical number used to refer to exactly two people or things, formed by adding specific suffixes to nouns, adjectives, and verbs
English Tenses In Arabic: A Guide to Expressing Time And Aspect
Unlike many languages, Arabic has only two basic verb forms for tense. This article explains how to convey complex English tenses, such as perfect, progressive, and conditional, using Arabic's unique aspect and mood system.
How to Form the Imperative of the Dual in Arabic: The Example of Qāla – قالَ
While rarely used in colloquial Arabic, forming the imperative dual (الْمُثَنَّى) tests your understanding of Arabic roots. This guide breaks down the steps to build the imperative, especially with weak letters, using clear examples.
Why Is Learning Arabic So Hard for Adults? (And What to Do About It)
Adult Arabic learners often struggle with being a beginner. This article explores how the aging brain processes new information, drawing lessons from fields like chess to provide practical study approaches for mastering Arabic.
Is Arabic a “Foreign Language” in America? Why ACTFL Should Rebrand to ‘World Languages’
This guest article argues the term "foreign language" is problematic in the U.S. due to its historical inaccuracy and marginalizing impact on bilingual individuals, including Arab-Americans. It advocates for ACTFL to adopt "World Languages" to reflect diverse linguistic realities.
The Grammar of لا سيما (la siyyama): Nominative, Accusative, or Genitive?
The Arabic expression لا سِيَّما (la siyyama) is common for emphasis. This article breaks down its components, clarifies the three possible case endings for the following word, and delves into its sophisticated underlying grammar.
The Ultimate Guide to Gender-Neutral Language in Arabic
This guest article by Lisa Schor examines gender-inclusive language in Arabic, discussing grammatical androcentricity, societal taboos, and how the Quran's language influences the debate. It offers practical strategies for gender-neutral communication.
Nunation (Tanween) Is Not Just an Indefinite Article: The True Role of تنوين Explained
This article explores the deeper meaning of Arabic nunation (تنوين), as defined by Sibawayhi's concept of "firm establishment." It explains nunation's role in case inflections, its presence in proper nouns, absence in diptotes, and behavior in Idafa constructions.
How to Get Dual Arabic & English Subtitles on Netflix with This Chrome Extension
Boost your Arabic studies on Netflix! This article introduces LLN, a Chrome extension enabling dual subtitles (Arabic and English) on desktop, with a popup dictionary and vocabulary highlighting.
How to Write Large Numbers in Arabic: A Detailed Grammatical Breakdown
Writing Arabic numbers involves intricate rules for singular, plural, gender, and case. This article details the construction of a challenging number like 22,222 men, offering a step-by-step grammatical analysis.
Deconstructing لَبَّيْكَ (labbaika): The Surprising Grammar Behind “Here I Am” in Arabic
لَبَّيْكَ (Labbaika), recited during Hajj before Mecca, means "Here I am! At your service!" What form is this key Arabic phrase? A linguistic breakdown explains its root, masdar, dual, and case.
