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?
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?
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?
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?
Visiting the Dreaded Mogamma in Tahrir
If you’ve ever had the “pleasure” of visiting the dreaded Mogamma, you’ll empathize with Ahmed and understand why he had to make three trips just to get one document issued.
Alaa in Nubia
Alaa falls in love with Nubia and its culture. But what about the crocodiles?
My Friend’s Big Day
Alaa’s best friend had to defend her thesis to receive her Master’s degree. Was she successful?
Darwin at the Library
Ahmed didn’t get much studying done before the exam. What distracted him? And how was the exam?
Hamza in Hurghada
Hamza (age 7) tells us about a recent family trip to Hurghada (on the Red Sea coast of Egypt). Hamza is the son of Yomna, a regular contributor to the blog and Lingualism publications.