Browsing Tag
etymology
15 posts
Etymology (علم أصول الكلمات): The study of the origin and historical development of words, tracing their evolution and changes in form and meaning over time.
An algorithm to find the ancient meaning of Arabic words
Reading old Arabic texts is often frustrating because you can't find the words in the dictionary. With the right tools and a clever approach, we can research what the words might have meant in certain periods. There are two fantastic databases for this task: The Doha and Sharjah Historical Arabic Dictionaries
Media Arabic Booster 07/24
This month (07/24) in Media Arabic Booster: The meaning of the word شرطة and how the drug Captagon affects the relations between Syria, Turkey and the Arab neighbors
Arabic Workout 01
This month in Arabic workout: the imperative of رَأَى, how to write the number 9,441,861 in Arabic, and the Egyptian-Arabic phrase "bala neela".
The Qur’an Revisited: Sura 76:18
The word Salsabil (سَلْسَبِيل) occurs only once in the Qur'an. It is often translated as a spring in Paradise. But it is not that simple.
Camels or rain clouds? The intriguing word إبل in the Qur’an
The word Ibil – إِبِل – appears twice in the Qur'an. But what does it mean? Camels or rain clouds? An investigation.
Understanding the levels of Hell in Islam
In Islam, there are many names for hell and hellfire. Most of them are found in the Holy Qur'an. A list.
Why do 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?
Exploring tricky Arabic roots and their meanings
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.
Comparing Arabic and Japanese calligraphy techniques
Arabic calligraphy is an exceptional art. Many Arabic students want to learn it - however, it is a long journey.
