Browsing Tag
etymology
9 posts
Why do many superheros and villains have Arabic or Hebrew names?
Superman is called Kal El. Batman's enemy is Ra's al-Ghoul. Many names in the comic universe have an Arabic or Hebrew flavor. Why is that? And what do they mean?
How well can you identify Arabic roots?
Some letters can lead you in the wrong direction when trying to figure out the Arabic root. Some tricky examples.
20 questions for: Andreas Dietrich (#26)
"Obviously you collect languages", says Andreas Dietrich. Episode #26 of "9273 roots": The man who is interested in how Semitic languages are connected.
How to learn Arabic calligraphy – an introduction (part 1)
Arabic calligraphy is an exceptional art. Many Arabic students want to learn it - however, it is a long journey.
Why does the Arabic broken plural have a crucial role in the classification of Arabic?
The Arabic broken plural has the effect that scholars still debate how to properly classify the several branches of Semitic languages.
20 questions for: Ulric Shannon (#11)
Episode #11 of my series "9273 roots": 20 questions for the Western diplomat and Canadian ambassador who enjoys giving interviews in Arabic: Ulric Shannon.
Pasha, Mister, and Baksheesh – etymology of Arabic words (part 3)
In Arabic, there are words that don’t look Arabic - and they aren't. The etymology of basha, bakshish, sitt, efendim, khan, dulab, fingan and Khorchide.
Prison, ice cream, and shoes – etymology of Arabic words (part 2)
In Arabic there are words that don’t look Arabic - and they aren't. The etymology of liman, odah, dondurma, shish tawouk, gazma, dughry, fihris.
Jailbirds, thugs, and kufta – etymology of Arabic words (part 1)
In Arabic there are words that don’t look Arabic - and they aren't. The etymology of Baltagi, Idda, shanta, daftar, dukkan