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17 posts
Who invented the Arabic typewriter (keyboard)?
The Arabic keyboard we use today was invented in 1899 by two men who almost simultaneously worked on an Arabic typewriter: Selim Haddad and Philippe Waked.
What does nunation express in Arabic?
Nunation (تنوين) in Arabic is used when there is no definite article ال. But that is only half of the truth. The idea is much deeper.
What is the idea of tanween (تنوين) in Arabic?
Nunation (تنوين) can tell you something about the character and personality of a word. It is a deep idea developed by the first Arab grammarians.
The Evolution of an Arabic Course: how a US military Arabic course went around the world
In the 20th century, Arabic language material was scarce. During the Vietnam War, Reginald Hefner, had access to a language lab of the US military - and later discovered, how the Military's Arabic material was used by publishers around the world. He shares some reminiscences and anecdotes in this guest article.
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.
Did the first mosques in Islam have minarets?
Answer: Probably not. The minaret today is one of the most important and prominent symbols of Islam. But in the very beginning, this was different.
The “Knight’s Tour” – how an ancient Arab solved an intriguing chess puzzle
The Knight's Tour problem is a famous mathematical chess puzzle. The first solution provided an Arab philosopher in the 9th century from present-day Iraq.
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 is Arabic called a Semitic language?
The term Semitic Language was invented by a German scholar in 1781: August Ludwig von Schlözer.
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.