#Levantine Arabic Music

[haveyouheardthisband]

[haveyoulistenedtothisalbum-poll]

Tracklist:

Woledto • Ganeni • Callin' U (Tamally Maak) • Al Sham • Mama Eh • Kon Nafsak • Lel Ya Lel • Yabn El Eh • Sad In Pali

Spotify ♪ YouTube

[anemonecoronaria]

My music taste is so jumbled that whenever somebody asks me what I listen to i’m like wow nothing

[irhabiya]

So I live in the US and due to that I had to prioritize English over Arabic and thus I don’t really know how to read or write it. I’m trying to incorporate more Arabic in my spoken vocabulary and my family has been helping with that. I’m currently using duo lingo to help with learning written Arabic. They have a feature where your just learning the alphabet and that has helped.

But what I’m trying to get at here is do you have any resources to help me learn reading and writing Arabic? I seen courses available but they are out price range and so I wanted to see if you could point me to anything that could help me.

hi sweetheart <3

unfortunately, since i was born and raised in the middle east and speak arabic as my first language i don't have any resources for someone trying to learn as a beginner but!! i can point you towards some users/posts who provide resources that could be helpful to you

my mutual @ayin-me-yesh has many resources for learning arabic under the #arabic and #alif baa tags on their blog. here are some posts compiling resources and you can look through the rest [1], [2], [3]

in general though, i would recommend you learn msa to an intermediate level so you can have a good understanding of standard arabic syntax and grammar and then move on to learning dialect to be able to actually communicate with people. the best way to learn dialect imo is by consuming media in that dialect and practicing with someone and it's good that your family is willing to help you with that. i saw in your bio that you're palestinian-american so maybe look into palestinian films and music specifically and levantine media more broadly.

[thefty-o]

Arab uncle drains his nephew

Samir yawned and stretched as he got out of bed, his dusky olive skin contrasting against the crisp white of his cotton thobe. At 45, the Lebanese father of three was starting to feel his age. He caught a glimpse of himself in the ornate gilt-framed mirror and sighed. While he'd never been a large man, his formerly lean physique was starting to soften, his stomach rounding out above his sirwal and his arms losing their wiry tone.

"Yallah, I need to start exercising again," he muttered to himself, stroking his neatly trimmed beard.

As he headed to the bathroom, he nearly collided with a wall of tawny muscle. His nephew Tariq, who was staying with them for the summer, loomed in the doorway, his skin gleaming with a sheen of sweat from his morning prayers and calisthenics. The 20-year-old was an absolute Adonis, his tall, powerful frame packed with perfectly sculpted brawn, straining the seams of his sleeveless white thobe. His traditional red and white shemagh was slightly askew, untamed black curls peeking out, framing his striking aquiline features and smoldering dark eyes.

"Sabah al-khair, 'Ammu Samir," Tariq rumbled in his deep, resonant baritone, his voice rich with the musical cadence of Levantine Arabic. "You look like you could use some cardamom coffee to put some pep in your step, old man. I know your constitution isn't what it used to be."

Samir flushed, biting back a retort. "Shukran, but I think I can manage," he said stiffly. It was just good-natured ribbing, he told himself, even as he felt a pang of envy at Tariq's effortless virility. What he wouldn't give for a taste of that youthful power and vigor.

As he brushed past Tariq into the bathroom, their bare arms touched. Instantly, Samir felt a jolt of electricity crackle through him. He gasped, bracing himself against the marble sink as a wave of dizziness washed over him. In the mirror, he swore his reflection was... changing?

Before his eyes, the soft flab melted off his frame. His midsection tightened, hints of abs peeking through the gap in his thobe. His arms and legs regained the lean, wiry musculature of his youth, his biceps filling out the sleeves of his undershirt. His slouched shoulders straightened and broadened, his posture improving to project a newfound confidence. He looked robust, vital, like a man ten years younger.

Tariq suddenly shuddered in the mirror behind him and Samir startled. Was his nephew slouching? Samir could have sworn that he used to be eye level with the boy's plump pecs, but now he was staring right into their center.

"Mashallah, 'Ammu, looking good," Tariq said, clapping a massive paw on Samir's newly sturdy shoulder. "A few months training with me and inshallah, you'll be almost as big and strong as your nephew, eh?"

He threw Samir a wink and sauntered out, his sandaled feet nearly cracking the marble tile with each heavy step. Samir shook his head wryly. Tariq had always been a big boy - clearly took after his father's side. Perhaps with this newfound energy, he would take the young man up on his offer to get back in shape.

...

A few days later, Samir found himself in the makeshift gym in the garage, spotting Tariq as he benched a truly prodigious amount of weight, grunting Arabic encouragements. Tariq's performance was flagging slightly, his reps slower and more labored than last week. He was still monstrously strong, but perhaps not the utterly untouchable mountain of power he'd been before.

As they racked the weights and sat up, Tariq's sweaty arm brushed Samir's... and again, that electric jolt, that head rush. Samir watched in awe as his own arms seemed to swell before his eyes, his biceps and triceps growing, pulsing with vascular striations. His shoulders broadened, stretching his sweat-soaked sleeveless tee. Pectoral muscles barreled out above his tight six-pack, two brawny slabs of beef heaving with new mass.

It was as if he'd gained 20 lbs of muscle on the spot. He looked like he lifted seriously now, his frame dense with carved, powerful sinew and brawn. Tariq, on the other hand, while still unquestionably huge and imposing, seemed slightly... diminished. A little shorter, a tad less impossibly broad and thick. He looked more like the biggest, buffest guy at the mosque now rather than an avatar of masculine perfection.

"Wallahi, 'Ammu!" Tariq exclaimed, a note of surprise and something almost like unease creeping into his usually unflappably cocky tone. "What's your secret? I swear you get bigger by the day!"

Samir just smirked and flexed a bulging bicep, feeling a thrill as he watched his nephew's gaze widen with shock and awe at the size and definition. "Maybe you've been slacking on the halal meat, son," he teased. "Need to get more protein to maintain those gains."

Tariq just laughed, but there was a strained quality to it, his dark eyes flickering with an unsettled light. "We'll see, old man. Race you to the shisha lounge?"

He took off, and if his stride was a bit less than its usual loping, ground-devouring, leg-powered swagger, Samir didn't comment. He followed at an easier pace, enjoying the unfamiliar heft and solidity of his new, enhanced muscles. Something had shifted between them, and they could both feel it.

...

A week later, Samir woke up feeling like a new man. No, like a king, a titan, a conqueror of old. He practically bounded out of bed, 250 lbs of densely packed, heavily striated Arab muscle quivering and flexing with coiled power. He felt invincible, brimming with vitality, virility, and masculine energy straining to be unleashed.

He caught sight of himself in the mirror and had to stifle a shout of triumphant joy. He was magnificent, his tall, heroically proportioned body an anatomy chart of musculature, all broad planes and deep cuts and hulking, vein-streaked brawn. His thobe had ridden up as he slept, exposing a mastodon cock throbbing half-mast against his deeply corrugated abs, a thick, wrist-thick pillar of pride and potency. His heavy balls churned visibly in their overstuffed sack, swollen with seed and the sacred essence of a true alpha.

"Allahu akbar," Samir breathed reverently. He was a living incarnation of the male ideal now, a pinnacle of strength and virility that surpassed any man he had ever known - including, he realized with a dark thrill, his nephew Tariq. He could feel it in his gigantic, steel-cable muscles, his raging monsoon of testosterone-fueled might - he was the dominant one now, the apex predator. Tariq had nothing on him anymore.

As if on cue, there was a tentative knock on the door. "'Ammu Samir?" came Tariq's voice, reedy and thin in contrast to the booming bass Samir remembered. "I, uh, I think there may have been a mixup with our clothes at the laundry. I seem to have shrunk out of a lot of mine somehow..."

"Faddal," Samir called, his voice a low, authoritative rumble that vibrated through his cavernous chest. Enter.

The boy who slunk through the door was barely recognizable as the swaggering erotic demigod of a few weeks ago. Oh, he was still handsome enough in a coltish, pretty boy way, with an athletic swimmer's build, but next to Samir's towering, mega-muscled hypermasculinity he looked downright scrawny. His eyes widened to saucers and his full lips parted in an audible gasp as he took in his uncle's massive, naked body, his gaze immediately drawn to the throbbing log of manflesh sitting heavily atop Samir's deeply ribbed washboard midsection.

"M-Maa shaa' Allah, 'Ammu," Tariq stammered, face flushed, a visible tenting rising in his loose sirwal. "You... what... I mean... Subhan Allah, you're enormous..."

"Alhamdulillah," Samir purred, flexing his planetoid biceps with a low growl of power, his pecs and lats flaring out even wider, his cock jumping and pulsing against his abs. "What's wrong, little one? Never seen a real man before? Intimidated to be in the presence of your true alpha uncle?"

Tariq made a small, choked noise, his eyes glazing over with lust and worship, his lithe body trembling. The boy was clearly in thrall to Samir's extreme muscularity, the raw sexual power and masculinity rolling off him in waves. He looked ready to fall to his knees and service his supreme elder on the spot.

"Don't worry, nephew. You'll have plenty of time to get acquainted with your new place," Samir rumbled, voice thick with sadistic amusement, reaching out to roughly palm Tariq's pretty face with one huge, calloused mitt. "Wallahi, I'm going to enjoy breaking you in. By the time I'm done with this little zakar of yours, you'll be my perfect little eromenos. The only thing that overactive aql of yours will be able to think about is worshipping your 'Ammu's ripped, massive body."

Slowly, almost tenderly, he pushed his thumb into Tariq's slack mouth, making the boy gag and sputter as he forced it in up to the knuckle.

"Shh, shh, just submitted," Samir crooned darkly as Tariq's eyes bulged and watered, weakly trying to pull away. "Salim and accept your place, little one. You're going to become very familiar with parts of 'Ammu much bigger than this."

And with his other hand, he reached down and grabbed the root of his titanically engorged manhood, slowly, almost lovingly smacking his nephew's spit-slick cheek with the girthy, vein-ravaged shaft.

"Mmm, such a pretty little face," he groaned, his voice a low Arabic growl. "Going to look even better stretched around my horse cock. Open up, 'azizi. Your new life as 'Ammu's sharmuta starts now."

And with that, he pulled his thumb out only to replace it with the blunt, leaking head of his inhumanly huge erection, groaning in pure alpha male bliss as he watched his nephew's throat visibly distend and bulge obscenely around his girth.

Oh yes, this was going to be very good indeed, Samir thought as he prepared to orally break in his new fuck toy. And it was only the beginning of Tariq's training to be the perfect submissive receptacle for his dominant alpha seed...

[soll-amca]

Do you have any Alessi headcanons for someone desperate ?🫣 Too shy to come off anon to ask ..

uHHHHHHHH MAYHAps :) Thank you for the ask! I’ve been dying to write for awhile :) !

I legit don’t know what I have and haven’t posted yet since I haven’t been on tumblr for a hot minute but uhhh uhhhhhhhh. There’s lore-dumps near the top, but it gets better near the end I promise

Obligatory song for my headcanon posts. There’s no specific reason for this song, it’s just a banger, and I’m also trying to be very normal about Walid Toufic and not put his music for every single Alessi post

Alessi’s of Lebanese-Armenian descent, but extremely estranged from his Armenian roots due to internal family issues — mostly his father facing scorn from his intolerant side of the family for marrying an Armenian woman. Despite this, Alessi was very close with his mother and, even as a grown man, regrets not learning more from her. Of course, he’s never going to admit this, no matter how obvious it may be that he tries to pick up parts of the Armenian language and culture 

Alessi was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1951, but was eventually forced out due to a civil war in 1975. Though, what gave him the final push to leave was a falling out with his siblings. With both their parents gone, his sister going off to a loveless marriage, and his brother wanting to join the war effort, Alessi loses control of Sethan during a confrontation and turns them into children. This ends up as a strange, happy accident as he would try keeping up the charade for a few days, exploiting their memory being reverted to fake a “happy family” in an effort to keep the last remnants of his old life from slipping away 

Things end horribly for Alessi as his siblings eventually find out and oust him from the home they all grew up in. With nothing left for him, he leaves and dedicates himself to mercenary work throughout the Middle East and Northern Africa to keep himself afloat

With fourteen years under his belt by SDC, Alessi’s considered one of the best in the region. And since he’s well-traveled, he’s proficient in a majority of the Arabic dialects, so nine times out of ten, nothing got past him in Dio’s mansion regardless of where the other assassins were from

The joke is that most Arabs don’t understand North Africans, but everyone can understand Egyptians, so whenever Alessi wants to phase out of a conversation, he’ll slowly change to to a dialect that’s “further out” and difficult to understand despite Levantine being his first

Since French is a secondary language in Lebanon, much more prevalent during Alessi’s time in schooling, and especially North Africa for mercenary work. He knows enough to get around like the basics, but can’t read or write for shit. His little brother was easily more fluent than him, so he has a weird sort of resentment yet fondness for the language. Whatever French he knew definitely came back when he was chasing around Polnareff in the Sethan arc

Very, very curly hair, but he doesn’t take care of it. Back as a kid, when he had his mom, she would help him and he was basically a puff-ball, but as an adult, he doesn’t have the slightest clue on how to style it while also maintaining his hair. If you catch him when he just wakes up, or immediately after a shower, it’s seemingly perfect but then he’ll proceed to douse himself in a can of hairspray 

The gun he uses in SDC isn’t his, it’s his late brother’s. But going into that right now on why and how he even got it should be it’s entirely own post so —

Any endearment at all related to babe/baby will have him throwing up in his mouth. It’s one thing to mention a child, it’s another to somehow relate it back to HIM. Honestly, Alessi doesn’t read as a “habibi” person to me, he’s too bitter to be a “habibi” person. Albi and eini come much more easily to him as petnames to call someone

He’s a sucker for trashy American television. He used to think he was above it, but now if you leave him alone for long enough, he’ll put on TLC and binge whatever’s on. Although back home, he had a thing for spaghetti westerns even if they were horribly dubbed in Arabic

Adding to the Western trend, he was super into Lucky Luke comics as a kid. Since they were really popular in the Middle East, and the translated ones were produced in Egypt. It’s definitely not a stretch that during the 80s and SDC, his grown, mercenary ass sat down to watch cartoons of his favorite cowboy. Would Alessi hog the mansion’s TV to watch Lucky Luke? Perchance. Would he stay cooped up in his Luxor hotel room to watch it? Also perchance

Tintin was popular, too, but I think I need an outside opinion on that. If a Tintin person could come back to me about this please help

Hol Horse fascinates him. Not in an admiration sort of way, but a “holyshit a real cowboy” sort of way. To Alessi, it’s like Hol crawled out of his family television and old comic books

I don’t know who it was, but I want to say back in like,, 2016ish one of the original Dio’s Fuckhouse blogs had a headcanon that Hol was actually from New England or something, but basically nowhere near “the Wild West” or even the South. So the image of Alessi being interested and asking him stuff while Hol Horse is just,, sweating bullets because he’s not a “real cowboy” is hilarious to me

Because of what happened with his sister, Alessi’s very standoffish when it comes to love. He’ll take any chance he can get to mock touchy couples and heckle anyone that he thinks is getting “too intimate” in public, but I think we all know he’s compensating for something

But the moment someone touches him or is very direct about making a move, he flusters and doesn’t know what to do with himself. Cheesy pick-up lines will only embarrass him and he can’t tell whether or not you’re making fun of him

Having gone through wide extremities of emotions when he was younger, and then having to suppress them all as a mercenary, Alessi wouldn’t understand sensitivities. Especially since he’d have to adopt a pragmaticism in his line of work to keep himself alive — and arguably sane. He’d get confused over someone being upset over an inconvenience that isn’t “up to par” to what he went through, but at the same time fly off the handle at small things happening to him since he bottles up all his emotions

If someone cries around him, he falls into the routine of having this initial frustration, stuffing it down to not make things worse, and eventually follow through with a weird shoulder pat — sorta like “there, there”. After that, he’s clueless

[namiek-studies]

langblr intro ❀

hey!! im a language enthusiast, and i started this blog to motivate me to study :-)

(pronouns are she/her)

my languages:

german is the main language i’m studying, i’ve been learning it for a while now (B2)

french, i used to speak it very well but i barely remember anything so i’m trying to relearn!!

i also dabble a bit in levantine arabic, absolutee beginner

i’m interested in reading, history, literature, philosophy, writing, art, music, languages (duh), and learning different perspectives

don’t be shy to interact!! i’d love to chitchat with u (in a TL, or not :D)!

[lessthanthreelalli]

~About

hi, im kinkri and im greek-american (god willing one day i will just be greek) i really like final fantasy and other video games. my favorite band right now is HEALTH, but please; recommend me music; i like everything nothing is off limits the more obscure (and worse) the better

im not practicing greek orthodox but obviously i was raised orthodox so i tend to have strong opinions about christianity. just know it’s all in good fun, i dont really think any of it is "true"

learning greek, finnish, and kind of japanese right now! i want to learn türkçe and levantine arabic, and tamil! so if you have any learning resources :3c...

i post politics pretty often, and I’m a commie of whatever variety you personally disagree with the most (anarcho-tankie) that being said, I'm always open to people putting commentary on my posts if you think I'm on the wrong track!

neuroatypical gay girl prettyboy (she/he) (maybe. for now)

tma

not gonna post my exact age cuz fuck updating this page but I’m early 20’s

[sherryzade]

Hit me with those music recs, darling, my family forbid nonAmerican music when I turned 14 lest it make me Less Well Assimilated and I need to catch up

i gotchu friend, it's a crime that u were robbed of experiencing arab music and we must right this injustice !!!!

pls note that its late and i am who i am meaning i will gush endlessly abt my love for arab music and culture so there is a read more. also i'm MUCH less familiar with farsi and persian music than i am with arab music so i can't give many recs for that but spotify has a nice persian essentials playlist and a contemporary farsi playlist, and rly if you look up iranian/persian/farsi music, you will find a TON.

dammi falasteeni (my blood is palestinian) by mohammad assaf ⁠— [youtube w translation] ⁠— i think this is like. THE quintessential arab song. the unofficial palestinian national anthem. absolutely no one is normal about this song, and why would you be when it slaps so hard? a huge symbol of palestinian resistance, and recently removed from spotify for "antisemitism" (huge lie, the song is just a celebration of palestine)

nassam alayna el-hawa (the wind blew over us) by fairuz ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— fairuz is one of the most iconic arab singers and she drops classic after classic. her music is v traditional and i always joke that it's old ppl music (bc all arab parents adore her) but she's universally beloved. also translation note: in arabic, "hawa" i.e. wind is a metaphor for love!

yalla tenam reema (let reema sleep) — [spotify] [translation] ⁠— very popular levantine lullaby that feels like home 🥲❤ lots of versions of this song exist, but this is the most popular. fun fact: i forgot abt this song for a long time until i read it in a book documenting syrian culture and it unlocked hidden childhood memories.

sah sah (wake up) by nancy ajram ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— nancy ajram is a rly popular contemporary arab musicians, very hip w the youngins on the tikky takky, and her music is a blend of traditional arab elements with western pop! very fun, very upbeat, immaculate vibes

lamma bada yatathana ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— ik i said fairuz is "old ppl music (affectionate)", but this song is like. about 800 years old so it takes the cake lol. it's from ye olde andalusia, so lots of versions of it exist. the singer here is lena chamamyan, a syrian singer whomst i adore.

cha'am (damascus) by lena chamamyan ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— i have to include this song in particular bc i'm incapable of listening to it without tearing up. it's about the experience of being displaced from syria, and lena sings it with so much emotion that it's just. very cathartic and painful and beautiful all at once.

el hantoor by saad el soghayar ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— this song is so unbelievably cute and also like. the VIBES. what else is there to say. i, too, wanna ride a carriage around egypt.

el tannoura (the skirt) by fares karam ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— listen. yes this song feels a little sexist but like. it fucks so hard and it is my feminist kryptonite. also, PS on the translation: it says that he calls her "conceited" but imo that's not a great translation. the song more has a vibe of "oh she's hot shit and she knows it," but its not like outright insulting. you could very much make the argument that this song is not objectifying and more just sex positive.

the police are not ours by jowan safadi ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— remember kids: acab applies to west asia too !!!

boshret khair (good tidings) by hussain aljassmi ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— gang i'm so normal about this song (lie). literally such a bop with such a lovely message about solidarity among your countrymen and beyond. if i wasn't so busy shaking ass i'd be crying. s tier song, this is what healthy patriotism looks like !!

hadal ahbek (i will still love you) by issam alnajjar ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— this song blew up on the tikky takky and i mean. for good reason. so catchy, so wholesome, so romantic. literally no notes, its a perfect song.

fawda (chaos) by carole samaha ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— absolutely banging song with the sole message of "get these drama queens away from me, god i need to breathe" and she's so real for that

holm (dream) by emel ⁠— [spotify] [translation] ⁠— tbh i just stumbled across this song and thought it was dope, but just now i checked the singer's about page on spotify and i need to listen to more of her stuff cause she's got an amazing history. she's a tunisian singer and was a huge voice for the tunisian revolution. her voice is fr angelic, so its dope to know that she's an incredible person on top of being an incredible singer.

fuqaati (my bubble) by ruba shamshoum ⁠— [spotify] [translation + interview] ⁠— this is a very small niche artist but she's literally so talented and has a more jazzy style than the other recs on this list so !! i had to include her bc her style is super unique and pretty. also we always hype up palestinian artists in this household !!

there's literally no shortage of dope arab music basically, this is literally just a sampling of my faves. spotify has a bunch of dope arab music playlists that they update weekly and if you like the general sound then i highly recommend listening to more of it! also even though arab music def has its own like. unique sound, there's tons of artists that do tons of various genres. there's arab jazz, arab reggae, arab rap, etc etc etc, we love cultural exchange and cultural appreciation, amen

[krispyweiss]

Silkroad Ensemble Re-records Two Traditional Pieces as “Palestinian Lullabies”

Silkroad Ensembe re-recorded two traditional Arabic folk songs - “Khet el Sobeh” and “Wa’ouyouneha” - and released them as one piece titled “Palestinian Lullabies.”

“These lullabies belong to Palestinian and Levantine Arab folk repertoire, traditionally transmitted orally for generations in the whole region of the Arab Levant,” the global confederation of musicians under the leadership of artistic director Rhiannon Giddens said in a statement.

Silkroad issued the pieces as war rages between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip. The exotic-to-Westerners music is hypnotic, much of it improvised, and made more entrancing via an accompanying animated video that finds images of sleeping children under the care of loving adults morphing into a city on fire and back again.

Sung in Arabic by Giddens, Layale Chaker and Nora Fischer, accompanied by a mix of strings, woodwinds, percussion and keyboard instruments, the songs are translated as “Thread of the Morning” and “Her Eyes,” respectively.

His eyes are full of sleep/oh thread of the morning/oh separator between him and I/his eyes are full of sleep/if only morning did not start appearing/his eyes are full of sleep, goes the first, as translated by Silkroad.

Goes the second: My bird, you’d say that her eyes are like cups/cups full of coffee/your beautiful, black eyes/your beautiful, black eyes/oh your eyes

3/4/24

[pargolettasworld]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqmNLCT1wkg

One of the most striking things about Jerusalem, which really just smacks you in the face when you’re there, is how old the city is.  The Old City, of course, is the part that’s really old.  It’s small and cramped, full of little twisty alleys, and you do kind of get a sense that its old-ness is a little bit artificially preserved, much like, say, the city center of a place like Venice.  But even the New City doesn’t always look or feel particularly new.  New-er, certainly, but even in the New City, there’s a sense of weight and age that hangs over things.  Like Ankh-Morpork, Jerusalem is heavily built on itself.  There are layers to the city.  Jewish, Arab, Crusader, Ottoman, British . . . they’re all there, and they’re all indelibly a part of the place.

Even Shrulik Lefkovitz’s violin music contains layers.  There’s the melodies of Eastern Europe, the Levantine flavor of the accompaniment.  There’s the violin itself, and there’s the presentation of the player, all reflecting layers of Jewish life that may or may not have their roots in Jerusalem itself, but which are all tightly bound up with that city.  This performance could only be about Jerusalem -- Tel Aviv is not like this, and I don’t think many other places in Israel are, either.

[maiega]

Effective Strategies for Teaching the Arabic Language

Teaching the Arabic language can be a fulfilling and enriching experience, both for instructors and learners. Arabic, with its rich cultural heritage and intricate grammar, offers a unique challenge, but it also opens up a world of understanding and connection. Whether you're a seasoned educator or someone new to teaching, here are some practical and approachable ways to help students learn this beautiful language. Plus, we’ll introduce a great resource, Kalimah Center, which can support your teaching journey.

Understanding the Basics: What Makes Arabic Unique

Arabic is known for its distinctive alphabet, sounds, and grammar structures. Its script is written from right to left, which can be quite different for learners used to languages like English. One of the first steps in understanding how to teach Arabic language is to recognize these differences and prepare students for them.

For example, the Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters, many of which have sounds that don't have direct equivalents in English. Teaching these sounds might involve breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts, or using comparison with familiar sounds. This approach helps learners build their skills gradually, without feeling overwhelmed.

Tailoring Your Teaching Approach

When considering how to teach Arabic language, it's important to adapt your methods to the needs and goals of your students. A classroom full of young children, for instance, might need a playful, interactive approach with songs and games. Adult learners might benefit from a more structured approach, with emphasis on grammar rules and conversation practice.

Here are some effective teaching techniques to consider:

Start with Spoken Arabic: Many learners find it easier to begin with spoken Arabic rather than immediately diving into Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Spoken Arabic, like Egyptian or Levantine dialects, can be more practical for everyday conversations. It also helps build confidence before tackling the complexities of MSA.

Incorporate Visual Aids: Arabic is a highly visual language, so make use of flashcards, charts, and videos. Visual aids can be especially helpful when teaching the Arabic script, as they allow students to see how each letter connects to others in different forms (initial, medial, final, and isolated).

Practice Writing Regularly: Learning to write in Arabic can be challenging, especially since it involves a different script. Encourage students to practice writing simple words and sentences every day. This not only helps with memorizing vocabulary but also aids in recognizing the shape and flow of letters.

Focus on Everyday Vocabulary: Building a solid foundation of commonly used words and phrases can help students feel more comfortable with the language. Words for greetings, directions, food, and everyday objects can be great starting points. This practical vocabulary can then be expanded as learners grow more confident.

The Role of Cultural Context in Learning Arabic

Arabic is not just a language; it's deeply intertwined with the history, traditions, and cultures of many regions. Integrating cultural context into lessons can make learning more engaging. This might include introducing Arabic poetry, discussing important historical figures, or even exploring regional cuisine.

By bringing culture into the classroom, teachers can make lessons feel more relevant and enriching. Students might enjoy learning the words for traditional foods, listening to Arabic music, or understanding the cultural significance of certain phrases. This approach can make the learning process feel more like a journey than a chore.

Use Online Resources for Support

For those exploring how to teach Arabic language effectively, leveraging online tools can be a game-changer. A platform like Kalimah Center offers an array of resources that can support both teachers and students. It provides structured courses, interactive lessons, and personalized guidance, making it easier to navigate the complexities of Arabic. Whether you are looking for materials to supplement your lessons or need a structured course to follow, Kalimah Center can be an excellent addition to your teaching toolkit.

Encourage a Supportive Learning Environment

Learning Arabic, or any new language, can be daunting. Creating a supportive environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes is crucial. Encourage them to speak, even if they make errors, and emphasize the importance of practice and persistence. Remind students that progress in language learning often comes slowly but surely.

In addition, pair or group activities can foster a sense of community among learners. It allows them to practice conversation, help each other with tricky concepts, and share the excitement of mastering new vocabulary together.

Conclusion: Patience and Passion Are Key

Teaching the Arabic language requires patience, a deep understanding of the language itself, and a willingness to adjust methods based on students' needs. But with the right approach, you can make learning Arabic an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Remember, resources like Kalimah Center can provide valuable support, offering structured lessons and a wealth of learning materials. By blending structured teaching with cultural insights and interactive methods, you can inspire your students to see Arabic not just as a language to learn, but as a gateway to a rich cultural tapestry.

[maigamal]

Top Resources for Learning Arabic

Learning Arabic can be a rewarding journey, whether you're doing it for personal interest, travel, or to engage more deeply with Arabic-speaking cultures. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you along the way. Here are some of the best resources to learn Arabic that cater to different learning styles and needs.

Online Courses

One of the most accessible ways to learn Arabic is through online courses. Websites like Coursera and Udemy offer a range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels. These platforms often include video lectures, quizzes, and forums where you can interact with other learners.

For a more structured approach, consider enrolling in a course specifically focused on Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect that interests you, like Egyptian or Levantine Arabic. Many of these courses are designed by experienced educators and can provide a solid foundation in grammar and vocabulary.

Language Apps

Language learning apps are great for on-the-go practice. Duolingo and Rosetta Stone have Arabic courses that make learning fun and engaging. These apps often use gamification to keep you motivated, allowing you to practice vocabulary and grammar in a relaxed environment.

Additionally, Memrise is another app that uses spaced repetition to help you remember words and phrases more effectively. It's a handy tool for building your vocabulary in a way that feels less overwhelming.

YouTube Channels

YouTube is a treasure trove of resources for learning Arabic. Channels like ArabicPod101 and Learn Arabic with Maha offer a mix of lessons on vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Watching these videos can provide you with real-life contexts and cultural insights, which can enhance your understanding of the language.

Podcasts

If you enjoy learning through listening, there are several podcasts dedicated to teaching Arabic. Coffee Break Arabic and ArabicPod101 offer episodes ranging from beginner to advanced levels. Listening to native speakers can help improve your listening skills and pronunciation while exposing you to different accents and dialects.

Books and Textbooks

For those who prefer traditional study methods, a good textbook can be invaluable. Books like "Alif Baa" (for beginners) and "Al-Kitaab" series provide structured lessons with exercises. These books often come with CDs or online resources to enhance your learning experience.

If you want to dive into literature, exploring children's books in Arabic can be a gentle way to ease into reading. They often have simple vocabulary and clear illustrations.

Cultural Immersion

Engaging with Arabic culture is a powerful way to enhance your learning experience. Watching Arabic films, listening to Arabic music, or even cooking Arabic dishes can deepen your understanding of the language. It also makes learning more enjoyable and relatable.

Quran Learning

For those interested in Islamic studies, learning Arabic through the Quran can be particularly rewarding. The Quran is written in Classical Arabic, and many resources are available for those wishing to study its language and meaning. A great platform for this is Shaykhi.com. This website offers courses that focus on Quranic Arabic, making it easier to understand and appreciate the text.

Community and Language Exchange

Finding a language partner can significantly boost your learning. Websites like Tandem and HelloTalk connect you with native Arabic speakers who want to learn your language. This exchange allows you to practice speaking and gain insight into everyday language use.

Conclusion

With so many resources available, learning Arabic can be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. From online courses and apps to cultural immersion and community support, there’s something for everyone. Whether you're looking to read the Quran or converse with native speakers, exploring these resources will help you on your language-learning journey. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the process!

[coconutsplit]

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Learning Arabic can be a fascinating and rewarding journey, whether you're interested in the language for travel, business, religious studies, or cultural reasons. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose Your Dialect

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA): This is the formal version used in writing, news, and formal speech across the Arab world. It’s a good starting point for beginners.

Dialects: Arabic has many dialects, like Egyptian, Levantine (spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan), Gulf, and Maghrebi (North African). Choose one based on where you plan to use the language.

2. Learn the Arabic Script

Alphabet: Arabic has 28 letters, written from right to left. Start by learning the alphabet and understanding how letters change shape depending on their position in a word (initial, medial, final, or isolated).

Vowels: Arabic has short and long vowels, often represented by diacritical marks. Focus on mastering these early on.

3. Use Language Learning Resources

Apps: Apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Rosetta Stone offer Arabic courses. Drops and LingQ are also useful for vocabulary building.

Websites:

Alif Baa: A widely used resource for beginners.

Madinah Arabic: A free resource with courses ranging from beginner to advanced.

YouTube: Channels like ArabicPod101 or Learn Arabic with Maha offer lessons on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

4. Take a Course

Language Institutes: Consider enrolling in a course at a local language institute, university, or community college.

Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or EdX offer structured Arabic courses, often in partnership with universities.

5. Practice Listening and Speaking

Language Exchange: Platforms like Tandem, HelloTalk, or Speaky allow you to practice speaking with native Arabic speakers.

Media Consumption: Watch Arabic movies, TV shows, or news channels like Al Jazeera to immerse yourself in the language.

Podcasts and Music: Listening to Arabic music or podcasts helps with pronunciation and understanding different dialects.

6. Read and Write Regularly

Children’s Books: Start with simple Arabic children’s books to build your reading skills.

News Websites: Read Arabic news websites like Al Jazeera Arabic or BBC Arabic to practice reading more complex texts.

Writing Practice: Practice writing short essays, diary entries, or even social media posts in Arabic.

7. Immerse Yourself in the Culture

Travel: If possible, visit an Arabic-speaking country to practice the language in a natural setting.

Cultural Engagement: Participate in Arab cultural events, try Arabic cuisine, or connect with the local Arab community.

8. Use Flashcards for Vocabulary

Flashcards: Use apps like Anki or Quizlet to create flashcards for Arabic vocabulary. Regular review is key to retention.

Daily Practice: Set a goal to learn a certain number of new words each day.

9. Get a Tutor

Online Tutoring: Websites like iTalki, Preply, or Verbling allow you to connect with Arabic tutors who can tailor lessons to your needs.

10. Be Consistent and Patient

Daily Practice: Dedicate time every day to practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Set Goals: Set short-term goals, such as learning to introduce yourself or ordering food in Arabic.

11. Advanced Resources

Grammar Books: For those looking to dive deeper, books like “Arabic Grammar in Context” or “A New Arabic Grammar of the Written Language” can be helpful.

Online Communities: Join online forums or Reddit communities like r/learn_arabic for advice, resources, and support from other learners.

Learning Arabic can be challenging, but with consistent effort and the right resources, you can achieve proficiency. Focus on practicing regularly and immersing yourself in the language as much as possible.

[thecairomuse]

Please recommend me some romantic or beautiful arabica songs 💜

Romantic songs:

Sherine - Hobbo Ganna (has subtitles)

This song is literal poetry plus the instrumentals are phenomenal. Sherine is my fav female Egyptian singer and this is probably my favorite song from hers. The title translates to "His love is heaven"

Nancy Ajram - Salamat

I shared this song in this post: A simple tip to become more cultured - Week 3. I love this song, it's so upbeat and makes me very happy; it's been on repeat ALL summer.

Elissa - Hob Kol Hayaty

The title literally translates to "Love of all my life"

Nancy Ajram - Albi Ya Albi (has subtitles, auto-translate, not very accurate)

This is super different from Nancy Ajram's usual songs and it makes it that much special. This song definitely has a western touch to it as compared to her other songs. And again, the music video is SO cute. Reminds me of Video Games by Lana del Rey in a weird way.

Nancy Ajram - Hassa Beek (has subtitles)

The music video is set in what I assume to be the 20s/ 50s. Definitely a sadder love song.

Amr Diab - Odam Merayetha

Ahhh I LOVE this song so so much! It was playing 24/7 when I was in Egypt this summer. It's such a cute song, the title translates to "Infront of her mirror" and the song is admiring "her" beauty of. Sadly this song doesn't have any subtitles but definitely search around for a translation because the lyrics are pretty good. A nice song to dance to.

Nancy Ajram - 3am Bet3alla2 Feek (has subtitles, auto-translate, not very accurate)

One of Nancy Ajram's few songs where she sings in a Lebanese dialect as opposed to an Egyptian dialect.

Hussain Al Jassmi - Piece Of My Heart

I'll save my thoughts on this for later, bc I am planning to make a full post on this song.

Jannat - Ana nesetak

The instrumentals of this song are so beautiful. This is also a sadder love song.

Haifa Wehbe - Mosh Adra Istanna

The type of song that makes you sway your head.

3 Daqat - Abu Ft. Yousra (has subtitles)

This song was also super popular in Egypt this summer. The lyrics of this song are amazing, and there are subtitles! I love the music video, mostly bc I think it was filmed in El Sahel El Shamally (North coast of Egypt), as are most songs on this list now that I think about it.

Haifa Wehbe - Hassa

I love Haifa Wehbe, also, love her outfit in this videos. Fun fact, I am pretty sure she got seriously injured while filming the last scene of this music video (where the plane flies above her). Def have to make a full post on this song.

Nancy Ajram - Ana Yalli Bahebak

This song is also sung in a Lebanese dialect, although a part of me wants to say it's a mix between Egyptian and Lebanese but maybe that has more to do with the similarities of the dialects. The title translates to "I'm the one who loves you".

Amr Diab - Zay Manty

This was also filmed in the North coast of Egypt, the color of the water gives it away; th3 Mediterranean sea is SO blue. A very very nice love song.

Elyanna - Youm Wara Youm

I have to start of by saying, the visuals are INSANE, the music video is a must-watch. Elyanna is a fairly new singer. She's half Palestinian, half Chilean but she was born in Los Angeles. This song is a cover of Samira Said's "Youm Wara Youm" by Elyanna

Nancy Ajram - Eini Alik

The title of this song translates to "My eyes are on you". This song is super catchy and very fun to dance to.

Nancy Ajram - El Hob Zay El Watar

Such a beautiful song! It's the type of song that you can feel in your heart, and the lyrics are amazing, if you can find a translation definitely do so.

Nancy Ajram - Hobbak Bi Ye'wa

If you couldn't tell already I love Nancy Ajram. The title of this song translates to "Your love is getting stronger". The melody is fantastic; I love upbeat songs, you can definitely party to this. I originally shared this song in this post: A simple tip to become more cultured.

Nancy Ajram - W Maak

Love the music video; very retro

Elissa - Halet Hob (has subtitles, too small to read)

My favorite song from Elissa, and the only one that I can constantly listen to

Other Songs I love:

Amr Diab - Amaken El Sahar

I LOVE this song. And I LOVE the music video, it was definitely filmed in the North coast of Egypt. This song was also very popular this summer in Egypt and was played everywhere.

Elyanna - Ahwak

This song is a cover of Abdel Halim Hafez's "Ahwak". Elyanna has such a mesmerising voice and her songs/ covers have been some of my favorites ever since I discovered her. Also, love the music video.

Amr Diab - Amarain

This song is super catchy and is constantly stuck in my mind. Surprisingly the song is a mix of Egyptian/ Levantine/ Gulf dialects which is not usual for Amr Diab, who mostly sings in Egyptian Arabic. The music video is surprisingly very nostalgic.

Haifa Wehbe - Mateegy Nor2os

The title translates to "Come dance"/ "Let's dance". I love the rhythm

Sherine- Mesh Ad El Hawa

I just love Sherine's voice and her songs always remind me of Cairo.

Nancy Ajram Feat K'naan - Waving Flag

Basically the original Waving Flag song but with Nancy in it, which makes it so much better! Love love love this song.

Nancy Ajram feat Cheb Khaled - Shajea Helmak

The music video was filmed/ set in Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt and Brazil. It's very football focused and even features the Brazilian Carnival.

Khaled - C'est La Vie

You've probably heard this song before. I am going to add that the Arabic in the song is in Maghrebi Arabic (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria), how do I know? Because I don't understand any of it.

Hassan Abou El Seoud - Shek Shak Shok

Pretty much everyone's favorite song to belly dance to. I seriously can't get enough of this song. So fun to dance to!

Amr Diab - El Gaw Gameel

What a beautiful song; reminds me of summer

Hussain Al Jassmi - Ser el Sada

Just wow, completely obsessed with this song, it reminds me of when I was in the North Coast this summer. I wrote more about this song in this post: A simple tip to become more cultured

Amr Diab - Yetalemo

Always puts me in a good mood

There's lots more, but I'll save those for later ;) plus this made me realize that some of these songs need full posts.

Enjoy ;)

[learnarabiconline]

Learn Arabic Language

What is the charm of the Arabic language? Why would anyone invest effort and time to learn it?

Is it difficult to learn Arabic? Yes, it is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. Arabic is not just a spoken language among people, like other languages, rather it is the language through which Almighty Allah spoke with to our prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). It is the language of the Qur'an.

Arabic is one of the Semitic languages, the fourth most spoken language in the world, with nearly 467 million people speaking it worldwide and the official language for the Arab and some other countries.

Indeed, learning a new language is always a courageous step, but when a new language does not share roots with your native language, it is even more difficult. So, as a beginner, how can one learn Arabic? What are the most useful steps that simplify the learning process?

Arabic has an entirely different system of alphabets, and there are almost no shared words between it and the English language. Fortunately, there are useful steps for a learner to make the learning method easier. Without a doubt, these steps need perseverance, commitment, hard work, and time.

You have to choose which type of the Arabic language you need to learn since there are three types; which are:

The old standard Arabic language

The new standard Arabic language

The non-standard Arabic (which has many dialects such as the Egyptian, Levantine, Moroccan, Iraqi, and others)

Sometimes an Arabic speaker cannot understand other dialects even if both have the same origin, Arabic. A very critical reason that may help a foreigner to choose which type to learn is the purpose he/ she seeks. For instance, if you are a Muslim and you want to learn how to read the Holy Qur'an, to feel the sweetness of the words of the Almighty Allah, and to understand his teachings, you need to learn the old standard Arabic. Also, if you want to learn Arab history or science, the new standard Arabic will be sufficient for this purpose. Whereas if you want to know the Arab culture, understand their music and films hence the dialectic language should be your choice. You need to choose which one is suitable for you to learn; the Egyptian and Levantine are the most popular ones.