Should Dialects Replace Standard Arabic as Official National Languages?
Part 4 in the “Arabs Say…” series: Imagine that your government made your dialect the official language of your country (instead of MSA). It would have a new, standardized spelling system and grammar rules and be used in newspapers and books. What is your opinion?
Egyptian Arabic Reading Practice: Saturated Fats May Affect Concentration
Practice reading Egyptian Arabic.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Greeting (and Kissing!) in Lebanon
We take a look at the customs for greeting in Lebanon. Know what to say in Arabic, when to shake hands, how to kiss Lebanese style.
A Child in My Parents’ Eyes
Rita and her mom had a lovely evening at a restaurant. But who ended up paying for dinner? (Hint: It wasn’t Rita or her mother!)
Lebanese Arabic Song: Khalik Bel Bait (Fairuz)
Learn Lebanese Arabic with Fairuz’s classic song Khalik Bel Bait (video with lyrics, English translation, and language notes).
Salman and Captain America
Salman, age 7, has a story for us. What was Captain America’s fate?
Around the World Without Leaving Cairo
Mostafa traveled around the world without leaving Cairo. But how?
Should I Learn Modern Standard Arabic or a Dialect?
Part 3 in the “Arabs Say…” series: If a foreigner comes to work or live in your country, should they learn Modern Standard Arabic or the dialect?
Lebanese Arabic Song: Majnoun (Ramy Ayach)
Learn Lebanese Arabic with Ramy Ayach’s hit song Majnoun (video with lyrics, English translation, and language notes).
Egyptian Arabic Song: Ashrab Shai (Hamada Helal)
Learn Egyptian Arabic with Hamada Helal’s catchy Ashrab Shai (video with lyrics, English translation, and language notes).
Alexandria: The Bride of the Mediterranean
Yomna (from Cairo) has never cared for Alexandria. How does she feel after her most recent trip there?
Do Arabs Write in Their Dialects of Arabic?
Part 2 in the “Arabs Say…” series: Do you ever write in your dialect? In what situations? How do you know or decide how to spell words?