Arabic Misc.
Sarah

My Journey Learning Arabic

My struggle with Arabic began in October 2012, with a couple of false starts. I tried initially to find a private tutor for Egyptian Arabic

Arabic Misc.
Lingualism

Is Modern Standard Arabic Difficult for Arabs?

Part 7 in the “Arabs Say…” series, we ask: How proficient are you in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)? What is difficult for you? Do you make any mistakes?

Arabic Misc.
Lingualism

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?

Levantine Arabic
Rita

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!)

Arabic Misc.
Lingualism

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?

Arabic Misc.
Lingualism

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?

Levantine Arabic
Eman

Around Dubai

Eman tells us about Dubai, the city she lives in, and why she thinks it’s so amazing.