Browse Tag
Hans Wehr
21 posts
Hans Wehr: A German Arabist best known for his work on the “Dictionary of Modern Written Arabic,” which is widely used for Arabic-English translation. His dictionary was first published in 1952.
The Truth About Emphatic Consonants in Arabic: Are They Really That Different?
While textbooks insist on the precise articulation of ṣād (ص), ḍād (ض), ṭāʾ (ط), and ẓāʾ (ظ), spoken Arabic tells a different story. Through vivid anecdotes of his respected teacher at the University of Exeter, guest author Andrew Cunningham explores how these rigid rules may soften in everyday conversation.
10 Unique Gifts for Arabic Learners: From Tatreez to Oud (2025 Guide)
What do you get someone obsessed with Arabic who already owns every grammar book? This 2025 gift guide features handcrafted Palestinian Tatreez from a Gaza artisan, the award-winning Omani novel Honey Hunger, Arabic-English pun mugs, Kashida calligraphy bookmarks, and a curated oud fragrance sampler. Skip the flashcards—these gifts teach culture, not just vocabulary.
“If you’re not studying, you’re dead” | Pierrick Jaouen | 9273 Roots #36
What connects a 1960s Egyptian radio program to modern language learning in Vietnam? For linguist Pierrick Jaouen, it’s all part of the journey. Explore his favorite resources, words, and practical advice for mastering Arabic on your own terms.
The Phrase الطرق السيارة: Is There a Mistake?
On road signs in Morocco, you'll see the phrase الطرق السيارة. At first glance, this looks like an Arabic grammatical error. Or is it correct?
The Ironic Arabic Origin of Donald Trump’s Favorite Word: ‘Tariff’
The word "tariff" has a rich linguistic history, coming from the Arabic root ع-ر-ف. Over the centuries, it evolved through Persian, Turkish, and Latin before becoming the English term we use today.
A Step-by-Step Method for Researching the Meaning of Ancient Arabic Words
Understanding words in old Arabic texts, especially pre-Islamic poetry, can be a challenge. This article provides a step-by-step approach to uncover the historical meanings of words like "مَخَارِيقٌ," guiding you through classical Arabic dictionaries and historical linguistic resources to accurately interpret ancient verses.
Decoding Syria’s Media Boycott of Nasrallah & UAE Consumer News | Media Arabic Booster 08/24
This issue decodes the Syrian regime's media boycott of Hezbollah's Nasrallah and examines a report on high car repair prices in the UAE. Learn the vocabulary for analyzing political rifts and understanding consumer affairs in Arabic.
Three Tough Arabic Challenges: Verb رَأَى, Numbers & Egyptian ‘Bala Neela’ | Arabic Workout #01
This Arabic Workout episode (#01) offers focused practice on key Arabic elements. Sharpen your skills with the tricky verb رَأَى, learn to write the complex number 9,441,861, and dive into the fascinating Egyptian-Arabic expression "بلا نيلة" (bala neela).
The Qur’an Revisited: Salsabil (سَلْسَبِيل) in Sura 76:17-18
The Qur'an is full of fascinating words, and "Salsabil" (سَلْسَبِيل) is one of them. Appearing only once in Sura 76:18, this article explores its mysterious origins, diverse interpretations, and the intriguing grammatical debate surrounding its form, including its connection to diptotes and rhyme in the Holy Book.
What Does “Marhaban” Really Mean? The Deep Story of an Arabic Greeting
"Marhaban" (مَرْحَبًا) is central to Arab hospitality. This article presents the greeting's linguistic origins, cultural significance, and grammatical aspects, offering a clear overview of this key Arabic word.
