Browse Tag
Orientalism
3 posts
Orientalism (الاستشراق): Orientalism refers to the Western study and depiction of Eastern cultures, particularly those of the Middle East, Asia, and North Africa. This term gained prominence through Edward Said’s critique, which argued that Orientalism often involved stereotypical and patronizing representations that justified colonial and imperial ambitions.
Saracens in the Alps: Did Arabic Influence Mountain Names in Switzerland?
Names like Allalinhorn and Mischabel in the Swiss Alps sound suspiciously Arabic. Legends claim "Saracen" invaders from the 10th century left their mark on the language and people. But is there any truth to it? We debunk the myths of an "Alpine Arabia" and trace the real history of the raiders of Fraxinetum.
“My Russian teacher insisted we read texts aloud for 10 minutes every day” | Daniel Falk | 9273 Roots #19
He's a professional Arabic-German conference interpreter with a PhD from Leipzig University. Dr. Daniel Falk shares the challenges of his job, his love for Levantine and Gulf Arabic, and the single best piece of advice he ever received for mastering a language's flow.
“I expect to serve in the Arab world so this feels like a wise investment of my time” | Ulric Shannon | 9273 Roots #11
He's the Canadian ambassador to Egypt who has served across the Middle East. Ulric Shannon discusses why studying Arabic is a "wise investment," his experience at Middlebury College, and his love for the complex literature of Taha Hussein and the "swagger" of the Lebanese dialect.
