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Only in Egypt
Esraa shares with us some things she thinks are unique to Egypt and teaches us some useful vocabulary in the process.
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Key Egyptian Arabic Expression: معلِشّ ma3alíšš
معلِشّ is used to downplay a situation, whether to console, sympathize, or apologize. The word originally comes from the Modern Standard Arabic phrase ما عليه شيء, which literally means nothing against it.
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Key Egyptian Arabic Expression: كِده kida
كِده is likely the most quintessentially Egyptian word there is. Not only is it very high frequency in everyday speech, but it is unique to the Egyptian Arabic dialect. كِده is related to the Modern Standard Arabic word هكذا like this but takes on a range of idiomatic meanings on its own and in phrases.
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Levantine Arabic Orthography
Learn how to read the Arabic script and tashkeel (voweling) used in Lingualism materials.
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Egyptian Arabic Pronunciation
Learn how to pronounce Egyptian Arabic and about the sound changes that distinguish it from other varieties of Arabic.
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Expressions with the Eyes in Levantine Arabic
Nadine tells us about dozens of expressions and idioms in Levantine Arabic using the word eye(s) and other words related to seeing. Can you guess their meanings?
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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.
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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?
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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?
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Variations in Spoken Arabic within Countries
Part 1 in the “Arabs Say…” series: Does everyone in your country use the same dialect? Are there any differences in speaking styles between urban and rural areas, regions, social classes, religions, or generations?
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Egyptian Arabic Orthography
Learn how to read the Arabic script and tashkeel (voweling) used in Lingualism materials.
![](https://lingualism.com/wp-content/uploads/yomna-buses-blog-300x180.jpg)
Getting Around in Cairo: Buses
Getting around Cairo can sometimes be tricky. Yomna tells us about taking buses in the bustling metropolis. Listen and learn some useful Egyptian Arabic words.