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Practical Guide to
Learning
Arabic
By Abu Rayhan
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 2
Abu Rayhan
COPYRIGHT © 2023 BY ABU RAYHAN
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form
or by any means, including photocopying, recording,
or other electronic or mechanical methods, without
the prior written permission of the publisher, except
in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical
reviews and certain other noncommercial uses
permitted by copyright law.
For permissions requests, please contact the
publisher at the following address:
RAYHANS
20/7, Road 5, Sector 6
Uttara, Dhaka 1230
Bangladesh
Email: info@rayhans.com.bd
Website: www.rayhans.com.bd
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 3
Abu Rayhan
CONTENTS
Preface.............................................................................................10
Part 1: Introduction to Arabic Language and Script ..................14
Chapter 1: Arabic Alphabet and Pronunciation......................14
Section 1: Introduction to Arabic Script ..............................14
Section 2: Arabic Vowels and Diacritical Marks.................17
Section 3: Consonants and Letter Forms ............................20
Section 4: Pronunciation Tips and Common Sounds ........24
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Alphabet and
Pronunciation.........................................................................27
Chapter 2: Basic Arabic Grammar ...........................................29
Section 1: Nouns and Gender in Arabic...............................29
Section 2: Arabic Definite and Indefinite Articles..............32
Section 3: Singular and Plural Forms of Nouns .................36
Section 4: Introduction to Arabic Verbs..............................38
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Basic Grammar Concepts
..................................................................................................49
Chapter 3: Arabic Vocabulary Building...................................52
Section 1: Common Arabic Words and Phrases..................52
Section 2: Arabic Numbers and Counting...........................56
Section 3: Colors, Days, and Months in Arabic ..................59
Section 4: Basic Arabic Expressions and Greetings ...........62
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Vocabulary Expansion...64
Chapter 4: Arabic Sentence Structure .....................................68
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 4
Abu Rayhan
Section 1: Subject-Verb Agreement in Arabic.....................68
Section 2: Basic Sentence Order in Arabic..........................71
Section 3: Questions and Interrogative Words ..................74
Section 4: Negation in Arabic Sentences.............................77
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Sentence Construction ..81
Chapter 5: Introduction to Arabic Writing .............................84
Section 1: Arabic Handwriting and Calligraphy .................84
Section 2: Arabic Punctuation Marks and Symbols...........87
Section 3: Arabic Writing Styles and Formats....................90
Section 4: Writing Dates, Addresses, and Numbers..........93
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Arabic Writing Skills .....95
Part 2: Building Vocabulary and Expressions............................98
Chapter 6: Essential Arabic Verbs ...........................................98
Section 1: Regular Verbs and Verb Conjugation ................98
Section 2: Common Irregular Verbs in Arabic .................118
Section 3: Verb Tenses and Moods in Arabic ...................121
Section 4: Using Verbs in Sentences and Questions........123
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Verb Usage and
Conjugation ..........................................................................137
Chapter 7: Arabic Nouns and Adjectives...............................143
Section 1: Forms and Patterns of Arabic Nouns...............143
Section 2: Adjective Agreement in Arabic.........................175
Section 3: Describing People, Places, and Objects...........179
Section 4: Practice Exercises for Nouns and Adjectives..181
Chapter 8: Arabic Prepositions and Pronouns.....................184
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 5
Abu Rayhan
Section 1: Common Arabic Prepositions and Usage ........184
Section 2: Demonstrative Pronouns in Arabic..................187
Section 3: Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives................190
Section 4: Using Pronouns with Verbs and Nouns ..........195
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Prepositions and Pronouns
................................................................................................199
Chapter 9: Arabic Idioms and Expressions...........................202
Section 1: Idiomatic Phrases and Proverbs in Arabic ......202
Section 2: Expressing Emotions and Feelings..................205
Section 3: Arabic Idioms for Everyday Situations............211
Section 4: Cultural Context and Etiquette in Expressions
................................................................................................214
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Idioms and Expressions
................................................................................................220
Chapter 10: Advanced Vocabulary Expansion......................224
Section 1: Specialized Terminology in Arabic ...................224
Section 2: Academic and Professional Vocabulary ..........227
Section 3: Arabic Vocabulary for Travel and Tourism.....230
Section 4: Arabic Vocabulary for Business and Commerce
................................................................................................233
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Advanced Vocabulary ..239
Part 3: Mastering Arabic Grammar ...........................................245
Chapter 11: Verb Conjugation and Moods.............................245
Section 1: Advanced Verb Forms and Conjugation..........245
Section 2: Conditional and Subjunctive Moods................315
Section 3: Imperative and Jussive Forms .........................318
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Section 4: Verbal Nouns and Infinitives ...........................320
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Verb Conjugation and
Moods....................................................................................323
Chapter 12: Advanced Sentence Structure............................331
Section 1: Complex Sentence Construction.......................331
Section 2: Relative Clauses and Adverbial Phrases..........340
Section 3: Comparison and Superlative Structures .........342
Section 4: Passive Voice and Causative Verbs..................345
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Advanced Sentence
Structure ...............................................................................347
Chapter 13: Arabic Pronouns and Pronoun Suffixes ...........351
Section 1: Personal Pronouns and Possession..................351
Section 2: Object Pronouns and Pronoun Suffixes ..........356
Section 3: Demonstrative and Relative Pronouns ...........359
Section 4: Interrogative and Indefinite Pronouns ...........363
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Pronouns and Pronoun
Suffixes..................................................................................365
Chapter 14: Arabic Adverbs and Conjunctions.....................371
Section 1: Common Arabic Adverbs and Usage................371
Section 2: Adverbial Phrases and Time Expressions.......376
Section 3: Comparative and Intensive Adverbs ...............379
Section 4: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions
................................................................................................381
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Adverbs and Conjunctions
................................................................................................384
Chapter 15: Arabic Word Formation and Derivatives .........391
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Section 1: Root System and Word Families in Arabic......391
Section 2: Forming Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives ...........393
Section 3: Augmentatives and Diminutives in Arabic .....397
Section 4: Reduplications and Intensifiers .......................400
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Word Formation and
Derivatives ............................................................................403
Part 4: Developing Language Skills ...........................................406
Chapter 16: Arabic Listening Comprehension......................406
Section 1: Strategies for Improving Listening Skills ........406
Section 2: Listening to Arabic Conversations and Dialogues
................................................................................................410
Section 3: Audio Resources and Language Learning Tools
................................................................................................413
Section 4: Note-taking and Transcription Exercises........415
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Listening Comprehension
................................................................................................418
Chapter 17: Arabic Speaking and Conversation Practice.....422
Section 1: Oral Expression and Pronunciation Practice ..422
Section 2: Role-playing and Everyday Conversations .....425
Section 3: Participating in Discussions and Debates .......429
Section 4: Giving Presentations and Speeches .................432
Chapter 18: Arabic Reading Comprehension........................436
Section 1: Developing Reading Strategies and Skills .......436
Section 2: Reading Arabic Texts and Articles ...................442
Section 3: Understanding Literary and Poetic Texts .......448
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Section 4: Reading Comprehension Exercises and
Questions ..............................................................................454
Chapter 19: Arabic Writing and Composition ......................458
Section 1: Improving Arabic Writing Skills and Style......458
Section 2: Writing Essays and Opinion Pieces .................461
Section 3: Letter Writing and Correspondence in Arabic465
Section 4: Creative Writing and Expressive Language....483
Chapter 20: Arabic Cultural and Contextual Understanding
....................................................................................................489
Section 1: Cultural Customs and Traditions in Arabic-
Speaking Countries..............................................................489
Section 2: Arabic Literature, Art, and Music ....................492
Section 3: Arab-Islamic History and Civilization.............499
Section 4: Social Etiquette and Communication Norms.508
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Cultural and Contextual
Understanding......................................................................513
Part 5: Mastery and Beyond .......................................................517
Chapter 21: Advanced Grammar and Syntax........................517
Section 1: Advanced Verb Forms and Irregularities ........517
Section 2: Advanced Sentence Structures and Complex
Syntax....................................................................................525
Section 3: Idiomatic Expressions and Figurative Language
................................................................................................531
Section 4: Stylistic Devices and Rhetorical Techniques ..534
Section 5: Practice Exercises for Advanced Grammar and
Syntax....................................................................................538
Chapter 22: Arabic Dialects and Regional Variations .........541
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Section 1: Overview of Arabic Dialects and Regions ........541
Section 2: Distinguishing Features of Major Dialects......545
Section 3: Communicating in Different Arabic Dialects..547
Chapter 23: Arabic for Specific Purposes..............................555
Section 1: Arabic for Business and Professional
Communication....................................................................555
Section 2: Arabic for Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality...561
Section 3: Arabic for Media and Journalism ....................564
Section 4: Arabic for Academic and Research Purposes .573
Chapter 24: Arabic Language Proficiency Tests and
Certifications.............................................................................580
Section 1: Overview of Arabic Language Proficiency Tests
................................................................................................580
Section 2: Preparing for and Taking the Arabic Language
Exams ....................................................................................588
Section 3: Common Language Certifications and
Accreditation.........................................................................592
Section 4: Test Strategies and Tips for Success ................595
Chapter 25: Resources for Continued Arabic Learning.......599
Section 1: Online and Digital Arabic Learning Tools.......599
Section 2: Arabic Language Books, Dictionaries, and
References.............................................................................602
Conclusion: Your Journey to Arabic Mastery.......................605
About The Author ........................................................................609
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Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 11
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PREFACE
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.
Marhaban!
In this introductory section, we will provide you with
an overview of what to expect from this book and why
learning Arabic is important and beneficial.
Why Learn Arabic?
Arabic is a language of great importance, not only
because it is the language of the Quran and Islamic
traditions, but also because of its cultural significance
and the practical benefits of learning it.
From a cultural standpoint, learning Arabic opens up
new horizons of knowledge and understanding of the
Islamic world. It allows you to appreciate the rich
literary heritage of Arabic literature and poetry, as
well as the music, art, and architecture of Arabic-
speaking countries.
From a practical perspective, Arabic is a language that
is widely used in business, politics, and diplomacy.
Arabic-speaking countries have a rapidly growing
economy and are becoming important players on the
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 12
Abu Rayhan
global stage. Learning Arabic can give you a
competitive edge in the job market and open up new
opportunities for travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
Overview of the Book
In this book, we have organized our content into five
parts, each covering a specific aspect of learning
Arabic:
Part 1: Arabic Basics - In this part, we will start with
the basics of the Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, and
basic grammar.
Part 2: Vocabulary Building - In this part, we will focus
on expanding your Arabic vocabulary, with emphasis
on common words and phrases used in everyday
communication.
Part 3: Arabic Grammar - In this part, we will delve
deeper into Arabic grammar, covering topics such as
verbs, tenses, and sentence structure.
Part 4: Cultural and Contextual Understanding - In
this part, we will explore the cultural and historical
context of the Arabic language, including literature,
art, music, and social norms.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 13
Abu Rayhan
Part 5: Mastery and Beyond - In this part, we will
provide advanced learning resources for those who
want to take their Arabic language skills to the next
level, including dialects, specific language needs, and
language proficiency tests.
Throughout the book, we will provide numerous
examples, exercises, and activities to help you
practice and reinforce your learning. We encourage
you to take your time and work through each section
systematically, and to be patient with yourself as you
progress through the material.
Insha'Allah, by the end of this book, you will have a
solid foundation in Arabic language and culture, and
the skills and confidence to communicate effectively
in Arabic-speaking contexts.
Bismillah! Let us begin our journey to learning Arabic.
May Allah help us!
Abu Rayhan
The Author
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PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC
LANGUAGE AND SCRIPT
CHAPTER 1: ARABIC ALPHABET AND
PRONUNCIATION
SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC SCRIPT
The Arabic script is a unique and beautiful writing
system used to represent the Arabic language. It is
written from right to left, and its letters are
connected, forming a cursive script. In this section,
we will explore the basics of the Arabic script and
familiarize ourselves with its letters and
pronunciation.
1.1 Arabic Alphabet ( ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫د‬َ‫ج‬ْ‫ب‬َ‫أل‬‫ا‬
‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫ال‬ )
The Arabic alphabet is the basis of the Arabic script,
and it consists of 28 letters. Each letter in the Arabic
alphabet has a unique shape, and it is important to
learn how to write and read them correctly.
Arabic Alphabet (with English transliteration):
‫ا‬ (alif), ‫ب‬ (ba), ‫ت‬ (ta), ‫ث‬ (tha), ‫ج‬ (jim), ‫ح‬ (ha), ‫خ‬ (khah), ‫د‬
(dal), ‫ذ‬ (dhal), ‫ر‬ (ra), ‫ز‬ (zayn), ‫س‬ (seen), ‫ش‬ (sheen), ‫ص‬
(sad), ‫ض‬ (dad), ‫ط‬ (ta), ‫ظ‬ (za), ‫ع‬ (ayn), ‫غ‬ (ghayn), ‫ف‬ (fa), ‫ق‬
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 15
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(qaf), ‫ك‬ (kaf), ‫ل‬ (lam), ‫م‬ (meem), ‫ن‬ (noon), ‫ه‬ (ha), ‫و‬ (waw),
‫ي‬ (ya)
Remember, learning the Arabic alphabet is the
foundation for your Arabic language journey. Take
your time to familiarize yourself with the shapes and
sounds of each letter. Practice writing the letters and
pronouncing them correctly.
The letters are classified into two categories:
Sun Letters ( ‫الحروف‬
‫الشمسية‬ )
These are the letters that are pronounced differently
when they come after certain letters. There are 14 sun
letters in the Arabic alphabet, which are: ‫ت‬
‫ث‬
‫د‬
‫ذ‬
‫ر‬
‫ز‬
‫س‬
‫ش‬
‫ص‬
‫ض‬
‫ط‬
‫ظ‬
‫ل‬
‫ن‬ .
Moon Letters ( ‫الحروف‬
‫القمرية‬ )
These are the letters that are pronounced the same
way no matter what letter comes before them. There
are 14 moon letters in the Arabic alphabet, which are:
‫أ‬
‫ب‬
‫ج‬
‫ح‬
‫خ‬
‫ع‬
‫غ‬
‫ف‬
‫ق‬
‫ك‬
‫م‬
‫و‬
‫ي‬ .
1.2 Arabic Vowels and Diacritical Marks ( ‫َات‬‫ك‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ح‬
‫ِيالت‬‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬َ‫ت‬‫و‬
‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬ْ‫ل‬‫)ا‬
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 16
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Arabic vowels are represented by diacritical marks
known as "harakat." These marks indicate the short
vowels "a," "i," and "u" that accompany the
consonants. Examples of Arabic diacritical marks
include "َ‫"ـ‬ for "a," "ِ‫ـ‬" for "i," and "‫"ـ‬ for "u."
1.3 Consonants and Letter Forms ( ‫وف‬‫ر‬‫ح‬
‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬ْ‫ل‬‫ا‬
‫وأشكالها‬ )
Arabic consonants are the core building blocks of the
language. They are written using the 28 letters of the
Arabic alphabet. Each letter has a unique shape and
pronunciation. Some letters share similar shapes but
differ in dots or other distinguishing features. For
example, "‫"ت‬ (ta) and "‫"ث‬ (tha) havesimilar shapes, but
"‫"ث‬ has an additional dot above it.
1.4 Pronunciation Tips and Common Sounds ( ‫ِح‬‫ئ‬‫ا‬َ‫ص‬َ‫ن‬
‫ق‬ْ‫ط‬ُّ‫ن‬‫ِل‬‫ل‬
‫ات‬َ‫و‬ْ‫ص‬‫وأ‬
‫ة‬َ‫ع‬ِ‫ئ‬‫َا‬‫ش‬ )
Learning proper pronunciation is crucial for
mastering Arabic. In this section, we will delve into
the pronunciation of Arabic sounds, including
guttural sounds like "‫"ح‬ (ha) and "‫"ع‬('ayn). We will also
cover the correct articulation of letters with similar
sounds, such as "‫"ص‬ (sad) and "‫"س‬ (seen).
1.5 Practice Exercises for Alphabet and Pronunciation
( ‫ين‬ ِ
‫ار‬َ‫م‬َ‫ت‬
‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ل‬َ‫م‬َ‫ع‬
‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫د‬َ‫ج‬ْ‫ب‬َ ْ
‫ِْل‬‫ل‬
‫ق‬ْ‫ط‬ُّ‫ن‬‫وال‬ )
To reinforce your understanding of the Arabic
alphabet and pronunciation, this section includes
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 17
Abu Rayhan
various practice exercises. You will have the
opportunity to write and pronounce Arabic letters,
identify their initial, medial, and final forms, and
practice the correct pronunciation of different Arabic
sounds.
By the end of this section, you will have gained a solid
foundation in the Arabic script, enabling you to read
and write Arabic words and sentences accurately.
Remember, practice is key to mastering the
intricacies of the Arabic script, so make sure to
dedicate time to regular writing and pronunciation
exercises.
SECTION 2: ARABIC VOWELS AND DIACRITICAL
MARKS
In Arabic, vowels play a crucial role in determining
the pronunciation and meaning of words. Unlike the
consonants, which are represented by letters, Arabic
vowels are indicated using diacritical marks called
"ḥarakāt." These diacritical marks are essential for
accurate pronunciation and comprehension of the
Arabic language.
1. Short Vowels (Ḥarakāt)
Arabic has three short vowel sounds, also known as
"ḥarakāt al-maḍī" or past tense vowels. They are as
follows:
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 18
Abu Rayhan
- Fatḥah (َ‫)ـ‬: Represents the short vowel "a" as in "cat."
It appears as a diagonal stroke placed above a letter.
- Kasrah (ِ‫ـ‬): Represents the short vowel "i" as in "sit."
It appears as a diagonal stroke placed below a letter.
- Ḍammah (‫)ـ‬: Represents the short vowel "u" as in
"put." It appears as a small curl placed above a letter.
These short vowels indicate the pronunciation of
individual letters within words and are essential for
correct word formation and understanding.
2. Long Vowels (Ḥarakāt al-mudāriʿ)
Arabic also has long vowel sounds, referred to as
"ḥarakāt al-mudāriʿ" or present tense vowels. Unlike
short vowels, long vowels are not represented by
diacritical marks but are written using specific
letters. The long vowels are as follows:
- Alif (‫)ا‬: Represents the long vowel "ā" as in "father."
Alif is written as a vertical stroke without any
diacritical mark.
- Wāw (‫)و‬: Represents the long vowel "ū" as in "soon."
Wāw appears as a rounded letter resembling the
English letter "w."
- Yāʾ (‫)ي‬: Represents the long vowel "ī" as in "see." Yāʾ
is written as a letter resembling the English letter "y."
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Long vowels are important in Arabic to distinguish
between words with similar consonantal structures
and to convey correct pronunciation.
3. Diacritical Marks (Ḥarakāt al-tashkīl)
In addition to vowel marks, Arabic employs
diacritical marks known as "ḥarakāt al-tashkīl" to
indicate the absence of certain vowels, provide
emphasis, or specify correct pronunciation. The
diacritical marks used in Arabic include:
- Shaddah (ّ): Represents gemination or the
doubling of a consonant. It appears as a small vertical
stroke written above a letter.
- Sukūn (ّ): Indicates the absence of any vowel
sound after a consonant. It appears as a small circle
placed above a letter.
- Tanwīn (ّّّ): Represents the nasalization of a
vowel sound. Tanwīn appears as three small dashes
written above a letter, each indicating a different
nasalization: "un" for fatḥah, "in" for kasrah, and "an"
for ḍammah.
The use of diacritical marks enhances clarity and
ensures accurate pronunciation, especially in texts
where vowel marks are omitted.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 20
Abu Rayhan
By understanding and recognizing these Arabic
vowels and diacritical marks, you will be able to read
and pronounce Arabic words accurately. Practice
reading and writing words with different vowel
sounds and diacritical marks to improve your
proficiency in Arabic pronunciation and
comprehension.
SECTION 3: CONSONANTS AND LETTER FORMS
In Arabic, consonants play a fundamental role in the
language's phonetic system. Understanding the
various consonant sounds and letter forms is crucial
for mastering Arabic pronunciation and reading
skills. In this section, we will explore the different
consonants in Arabic and their corresponding letter
forms.
Arabic Consonant Sounds:
The Arabic language consists of a rich inventory of
consonant sounds, each with its unique
pronunciation. Here are some of the most common
consonant sounds in Arabic:
1. ‫ب‬ (Bāʾ): This sound is similar to the English "b"
sound, as in "book."
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 21
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2. ‫ت‬ (Tāʾ): It is pronounced like the English "t" sound,
as in "tea."
3. ‫ث‬ (Thāʾ): This sound is similar to the English "th"
sound in "thing."
4. ‫ج‬ (Jīm): Pronounced like the soft "g" sound in "gel."
5. ‫ح‬ (Ḥāʾ): This sound is a guttural fricative, with no
direct equivalent in English. It is pronounced from
the back of the throat, similar to the "ch" sound in
Scottish "loch."
6. ‫خ‬ (Khāʾ): Also a guttural fricative, this sound is
pronounced similarly to the "ch" sound in German
"Bach" or the Spanish "j" sound in "jalapeño."
7. ‫د‬ (Dāl): Pronounced like the English "d" sound, as in
"door."
8. ‫ر‬ (Rāʾ): It is pronounced as a rolled "r" sound, similar
to the Spanish "rr" in "perro."
9. ‫ز‬ (Zāy): This sound is like the English "z" sound in
"zebra."
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10. ‫س‬ (Sīn): Pronounced like the English "s" sound, as
in "sun."
Arabic Letter Forms:
Each Arabic consonant has a specific letter form,
which may change depending on its position within a
word. The letter forms are written differently when
they occur at the beginning, middle, or end of a word.
For example, the letter ‫ب‬ (Bāʾ) has the following
forms:
1. ‫بـ‬: When appearing at the beginning of a word, it is
written as ‫بـ‬. For instance, ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ (bayt), meaning "house."
2. ‫ـبـ‬: When occurring in the middle of a word, it takes
the form ‫ـبـ‬. For example, ‫ح‬َ‫ب‬ْ‫ذ‬َ‫م‬ (maḏbaḥ), meaning
"slaughterhouse."
3. ‫ـب‬: When it appears at the end of a word, it is written
as ‫ـب‬. For instance, ‫يد‬ ِ
‫ص‬َ‫ر‬ (raṣīd), meaning "balance."
It is essential to practice writing and recognizing
these different letter forms to develop a solid
foundation in Arabic reading and writing.
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Abu Rayhan
In the next section, we will delve further into Arabic
pronunciation and vowel sounds, which, when
combined with consonants, form the basis of Arabic
words and phrases.
Practice Exercise:
1. Write the letter forms of the following consonants
in Arabic:
a. ‫ت‬ (Tāʾ)
b. ‫خ‬ (Khāʾ)
c. ‫ر‬ (Rāʾ)
d. ‫س‬ (Sīn)
2. Identify the positions of the given consonants in
the following words:
a. ‫باب‬ (bāb)
b. ‫اء‬َ‫م‬َ‫س‬ (samāʾ)
c. ‫س‬َ‫ر‬
‫ول‬ (rasūl)
d. ‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasa)
Remember to practice these consonant sounds and
letter forms regularly to strengthen your Arabic
language skills.
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SECTION 4: PRONUNCIATION TIPS AND COMMON
SOUNDS
In this section, we will delve into important
pronunciation tips and explore the common sounds
in the Arabic language. Pronunciation plays a crucial
role in mastering any language, and Arabic is no
exception. Understanding the correct pronunciation
of Arabic sounds will greatly enhance your ability to
communicate effectively.
1. Arabic Sounds and Letters:
Arabic has unique sounds that may not exist in other
languages. It is important to familiarize yourself with
these sounds to ensure accurate pronunciation. Here
are some key sounds and their corresponding Arabic
letters:
- ‫ق‬ (Qaf): This is a guttural sound that is pronounced
by constricting the back of the throat. It is similar to
the "k" sound in the English word "kick" but with a
deeper emphasis on the throat.
- ‫ع‬ ('Ayn): This is another guttural sound, often
challenging for non-native speakers. It is a voiceless
pharyngeal fricative and does not have an exact
equivalent in English.
- ‫ح‬ (Ha): This is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative
similar to the "h" sound in "hello" but produced from a
deeper place in the throat.
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Abu Rayhan
2. Vowels and Diacritical Marks:
Arabic has three short vowels, known as fatha,
kasra, and damma, represented by diacritical marks
above or below the consonants. It is essential to
differentiate between these vowel sounds to
pronounce words accurately.
- ّ (Fatha): This is the short "a" sound, as in "cat."
- ّ (Kasra): This represents the short "i" sound, as in
"sit."
- ّ (Damma): This denotes the short "u" sound, as in
"put."
3. Emphasis on Letters:
Arabic is an emphatic language, meaning some
letters have a stronger emphasis or articulation.
Emphasizing these sounds correctly enhances the
clarity of your speech. Here are some notable
emphatic letters:
- ‫ط‬ (Ta): This is a heavy "t" sound pronounced by
placing the tip of the tongue on the upper teeth and
applying firm pressure.
- ‫ص‬ (Sad): This is a voiceless "s" sound produced by
placing the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth
and pushing air out forcefully.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 26
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- ‫ض‬ (Dad): This is a heavy "d" sound articulated by
placing the tip of the tongue on the upper teeth and
applying firm pressure, similar to the sound of "d" in
"David."
4. Syllable Stress:
Arabic words have a stress pattern, with stress
usually falling on the last or second-to-last syllable.
Paying attention to syllable stress is crucial for proper
word pronunciation and comprehension.
5. Practice Exercises:
To improve your pronunciation skills, engage in
regular practice exercises. Listen to native speakers,
repeat words and phrases, and record yourself to
identify areas for improvement. Practice
differentiating between similar sounds and pay
attention to correct letter articulation.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to
Arabic sounds will enhance your pronunciation skills
over time. Embrace the unique sounds of Arabic and
strive for clarity and accuracy in your speech.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 27
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SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR ALPHABET
AND PRONUNCIATION
In this section, we will provide a series of practice
exercises to help you master the Arabic alphabet and
pronunciation.
Exercise 1:
Identify the following Arabic letters:
،‫أ‬
،‫ب‬
،‫ت‬
،‫ث‬
،‫ج‬
،‫ح‬
،‫خ‬
،‫د‬
،‫ذ‬
‫ر‬
Exercise 2:
Arrange the following Arabic letters in the correct
order:
،‫ب‬
،‫ت‬
،‫ج‬
،‫ح‬
،‫د‬
،‫خ‬
،‫ر‬
،‫ز‬
،‫س‬
‫ش‬
Exercise 3:
Write the following Arabic letters:
،‫ء‬
،‫آ‬
،‫ب‬
،‫ت‬
،‫ث‬
،‫ج‬
،‫ح‬
،‫خ‬
،‫د‬
‫ذ‬
Exercise 4:
Pronounce the following Arabic words and identify
the vowel sound:
‫ْح‬‫ي‬ِ‫ف‬َ‫ص‬ (a), ‫ْل‬‫ي‬ِ‫و‬َ‫ط‬ (i), ‫ْر‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ك‬ (i), ‫ْر‬‫ي‬ِ‫د‬َ‫ق‬ (a), ‫ْض‬‫ي‬ ِ
‫ر‬َ‫ع‬ (i)
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Exercise 5:
Repeat the following Arabic words several times:
،َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬
، َ
‫س‬َ‫ل‬َ‫ج‬
،َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫ق‬
،َ‫َب‬‫ه‬َ‫ذ‬
َ‫ب‬ ِ
‫َر‬‫ش‬
By practicing these exercises regularly, you will
improve your proficiency in Arabic alphabet and
pronunciation. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as
they are an important part of the learning process.
Keep practicing and you will be well on your way to
mastering the Arabic language.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 29
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CHAPTER 2: BASIC ARABIC GRAMMAR
SECTION 1: NOUNS AND GENDER IN ARABIC
In Arabic, nouns play a fundamental role in
constructing sentences and conveying meaning.
Understanding how nouns are formed and how
gender is expressed is essential for building a strong
foundation in the language.
1.1 Introduction to Nouns (‫األسماء‬ - al-asmāʾ)
Nouns in Arabic are known as "ism" (‫)اسم‬ and they refer
to people, places, objects, and concepts. They function
as the subjects or objects of sentences and are crucial
for expressing ideas and describing the world around
us.
1.2 Gender in Arabic (‫الجنس‬ - al-jins)
Unlike some other languages, Arabic assigns gender
to nouns. Nouns in Arabic are either masculine (‫مذكر‬ -
mudhakkar) or feminine (‫مؤنث‬ - mu'annath). The
gender of a noun is not always predictable, so it is
important to learn the gender of nouns alongside
their meanings.
1.3 Masculine Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬
‫المذكرة‬ - al-asmāʾ al-
mudhakkara)
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Masculine nouns in Arabic are characterized by
specific endings, patterns, or the absence of certain
vowel sounds. For example, many masculine nouns
end with the letter "‫"ـ‬ (tanwīn), which indicates the
nominative case.
Examples of masculine nouns:
- ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - book
- ‫ل‬‫ج‬َ‫ر‬ (rajulun) - man
- ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ (baytun) - house
1.4 Feminine Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬
‫المؤنثة‬ - al-asmāʾ al-
mu'annatha)
Feminine nouns in Arabic also have distinctive
endings and patterns that differentiate them from
masculine nouns. Many feminine nouns end with the
letters "‫"ـة‬ (ta marbuta), which indicates the feminine
gender.
Examples of feminine nouns:
- ‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasatun) - school
- ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ (bintun) - girl
- ‫ة‬َ‫َّار‬‫ي‬َ‫س‬ (sayyaratun) - car
1.5 Gender Agreement ( ‫َاق‬‫ف‬ِ‫ِت‬‫ا‬
‫س‬ْ‫ن‬ ِ‫الج‬ - ittifāq al-jins)
Gender agreement is an important concept in Arabic
grammar. Adjectives, verbs, pronouns, and articles
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 31
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must agree in gender with the noun they modify or
refer to. This means that the form of these words will
change depending on whether the noun is masculine
or feminine.
For example:
- The adjective "‫يل‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬" (jamīlun) meaning "beautiful" is
used with masculine nouns, like " ‫ل‬‫ج‬َ‫ر‬
‫يل‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬ " (rajulun
jamīlun) - a handsome man.
- The adjective "‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ي‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬" (jamīlatun) meaning "beautiful"
is used with feminine nouns, like " ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬
‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ي‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬ " (bintun
jamīlatun) - a beautiful girl.
1.6 Practice Exercises for Nouns and Gender
To reinforce your understanding of nouns and gender
in Arabic, practice identifying and categorizing nouns
as masculine or feminine. Create sentences using
masculine and feminine nouns, and ensure that
adjectives and verbs agree in gender with their
respective nouns.
Remember, mastering the concept of nouns and
gender in Arabic is crucial for developing strong
language skills. By familiarizing yourself with the
patterns and rules associated with masculine and
feminine nouns, you will be able to express yourself
accurately and confidently in Arabic.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 32
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SECTION 2: ARABIC DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE
ARTICLES
In Arabic, just like in many other languages, articles
play an important role in determining the specificity
or general nature of a noun. In this section, we will
explore the usage and forms of the definite and
indefinite articles in Arabic.
2.1 Definite Article: "Al-" (‫)الـ‬
The definite article in Arabic is represented by the
letter "alif lam" (‫)الـ‬ which is transliterated as "al-". It is
equivalent to the English definite article "the". The
definite article is used to indicate that the noun it
precedes refers to a specific or known entity.
For example:
- ‫الكتاب‬ (alkitāb) - "The book"
- ‫البيت‬ (albayt) - "The house"
The definite article "al-" undergoes assimilation
(Idghām) with certain letters. When the following
noun starts with one of the assimilation letters, the
"lam" (‫)لـ‬ assimilates with that letter, resulting in a
geminated or doubled sound.
For example:
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 33
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- ‫الجبل‬ (aljabal) - "The mountain"
- ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫الك‬ (alkutub) - "The books"
In Arabic, the definite article must agree with the
number and gender of the noun it precedes.
a. Agreement with Number:
Singular: When the noun is singular, the definite
article is "al" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ل‬ ).
Example: ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬‫ال‬ (alkitābu) - "the book"
Dual: When the noun is dual, indicating two of
something, the definite article changes to "al" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ل‬ ) as
well.
Example: ِ‫ان‬َ‫ب‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬‫ال‬ (alkitābāni) - "the two books"
Plural: When the noun is plural, the definite article
becomes "al" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ل‬ ).
Example: ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫الك‬ (alkutubu) - "the books"
2.2 Indefinite Article: "Un" (‫)ـ‬ / "An" (‫ا‬ً‫ـ‬) / "A" (َ‫)ـ‬
The indefinite article in Arabic is used to indicate a
nonspecific or unidentified noun. It does not have a
fixed form like the definite article but is marked by
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 34
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the case endings or tanwīn. The three forms of the
indefinite article are:
- "Un" (‫)ـ‬ - Used for masculine nouns ending in a
tanwīn.
- "An" (‫ا‬ً‫ـ‬) - Used for feminine nouns ending in a
tanwīn.
- "A" (َ‫)ـ‬ - Used for nouns in the nominative case.
For example:
- ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - "A book"
- ً‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasatan) - "A school"
- ً‫ة‬َ‫د‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫و‬ (wardatan) - "A rose"
Similar to the definite article, the indefinite article
also agrees with the number and gender of the noun it
modifies.
a. Agreement with Number:
Singular: The indefinite article for singular nouns is
"un" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ن‬ ).
Example: ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - "a book"
Dual: The indefinite article for dual nouns is "un" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ن‬ ).
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Example: ِ‫ان‬َ‫ب‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābāni) - "two books"
Plural: The indefinite article for plural nouns is "un"
( ‫ٱ‬
‫ن‬ ).
Example: ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫ك‬ (kutubun) - "books"
b. Agreement with Gender:
Masculine: Masculine singular nouns take the
indefinite article "un" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ن‬ ).
Example: ‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫و‬ (waladun) - "a boy"
Feminine: Feminine singular nouns also use "un" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ن‬ )
as the indefinite article.
Example: ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ (bintun) - "a girl"
Plural: Both masculine and feminine plural nouns are
introduced by "un" ( ‫ٱ‬
‫ن‬ ).
Example: ‫ال‬َ‫ج‬ ِ
‫ر‬ (rijālun) - "men"
‫اء‬َ‫س‬ِ‫ن‬ (nisā'un) - "women"
It is important to note that the indefinite article is not
used in Arabic when referring to general or abstract
concepts. In such cases, the noun stands alone
without any article.
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Understanding the usage of definite and indefinite
articles in Arabic is crucial for constructing accurate
and meaningful sentences. Practice using the definite
and indefinite articles in various contexts to solidify
your understanding and improve your Arabic
language skills.
SECTION 3: SINGULAR AND PLURAL FORMS OF
NOUNS
‫أشكال‬
‫المفرد‬
‫والجمع‬
‫لْلسماء‬ (Ashkāl al-mufrad wa-l-jamʿ li-l-
asmāʾ)
In this section, we will explore the singular and plural
forms of nouns in Arabic. Nouns in Arabic, like in
many languages, can have different forms depending
on whether they are referring to a single entity or
multiple entities. Understanding and correctly using
singular and plural forms is essential for effective
communication in Arabic.
1. Singular Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬
‫المفردة‬ / al-asmāʾ al-mufrada):
In Arabic, singular nouns represent a single object,
person, or concept. They have a default form that
usually ends in a short vowel sound (i.e., Fatḥah,
Kasrah, or Ḍammah) depending on the case and vowel
harmony rules. For example:
- ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - a book
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 37
Abu Rayhan
- ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ (baytun) - a house
- ‫س‬ْ‫َم‬‫ش‬ (shamsun) - the sun
2. Sound Plural Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬
‫المجموعة‬
‫المنصوبة‬ / al-asmāʾ
al-mujammatu al-mansūba):
Sound plural nouns in Arabic are formed by adding
specific endings or patterns to the singular nouns.
These patterns vary based on the noun's root letters
and gender. Some common sound plural patterns
include:
- ‫ـون‬
/
‫ـين‬ (ūn / īn) for masculine plural: ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬
→
‫َب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬
(kitābun → kitabun) - books
- ‫ة‬َ‫ـ‬ (atun) for feminine plural: ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬
→
‫وت‬‫ي‬‫ب‬ (baytun →
buyūtun) - houses
- َ‫ين‬ِ‫ـ‬ (īna) for dual plural: ‫س‬ْ‫م‬َ‫ش‬
→
ِ‫ْن‬‫ي‬َ‫س‬ْ‫م‬َ‫ش‬ (shamsun →
shamseyni) - two suns
3. Broken Plural Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬
‫المجموعة‬
‫المكسورة‬ / al-asmāʾ
al-mujammatu al-maksūra):
Broken plural nouns in Arabic do not follow regular
patterns and require memorization. They have
unique forms and can be derived from singular nouns
in various ways. Here are a few examples:
- ‫ل‬‫ج‬َ‫ر‬ (rajulun) - a man → ‫ال‬َ‫ج‬ ِ
‫ر‬ (rijālun) - men
- ‫ب‬ْ‫ل‬َ‫ك‬ (kalbun) - a dog → ‫ب‬ َ
‫ِال‬‫ك‬ (kilābun) - dogs
- ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ (bintun) - a girl → ‫َات‬‫ن‬َ‫ب‬ (banātun) - girls
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 38
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4. Irregular Plural Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬
‫المجموعة‬
‫الخاصة‬ / al-asmāʾ
al-mujammatu al-khāṣa):
Some nouns in Arabic have irregular plural forms
that do not follow regular patterns. These irregular
plurals must be learned individually. Examples
include:
- ‫َاب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - a book → ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫ك‬ (kutubun) - books
- ‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫و‬ (waladun) - a boy → ‫د‬ َ
‫َل‬ ْ‫و‬َ‫أ‬ (awlādun) - boys
- ‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasatun) - a school → ‫س‬ ِ
‫ار‬َ‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madārisun) -
schools
By studying the singular and plural forms of nouns in
Arabic, you will be able to construct grammatically
correct sentences and effectively communicate in
various contexts. Practice exercises will help
reinforce your understanding and usage of these
forms, enabling you to expand your vocabulary and
express yourself fluently in Arabic.
SECTION 4: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC VERBS
4.1: ‫ما‬
‫هي‬
‫األفعال‬
‫في‬
‫اللغة‬
‫العربية؟‬ (Ma hiya al-af'al fi al-lughah
al-'arabiyyah?) - What are Verbs in Arabic?
In Arabic grammar, verbs play a fundamental role in
expressing actions, states, and conditions. Verbs are
considered the heart of a sentence, providing crucial
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 39
Abu Rayhan
information about what is happening or being
described. They are dynamic and versatile, allowing
speakers to communicate a wide range of meanings.
In Arabic, verbs are known as "‫ال‬َ‫ع‬ْ‫ف‬َ‫أل‬‫"ا‬ (al-af'al). Each
verb consists of a three-letter root, referred to as "‫ر‬ْ‫ذ‬ ِ‫"الج‬
(al-jidhr), which carries the core meaning of the verb.
For example, the verb "َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) meaning "to
write" has the root letters " ‫ك‬
-
‫ت‬
-
‫ب‬ " (k-t-b).
Arabic verbs undergo modifications or inflections to
indicate various grammatical features such as tense,
aspect, mood, voice, and subject agreement. These
modifications are achieved through the addition of
prefixes, suffixes, and internal vowel changes.
Arabic verbs are conjugated according to different
patterns, referred to as "‫"األوزان‬ (al-awzaan). These
patterns determine the arrangement of prefixes,
suffixes, and vowel changes to create different verb
forms and convey specific meanings. Common verb
patterns include "َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬َ‫ف‬" (fa'ala), "َ‫ل‬ِ‫ع‬َ‫ف‬" (fa'ila), and "َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬‫ا‬َ‫ف‬"
(faa'ala).
Verbs in Arabic are also classified into different
moods or verbal states, such as indicative,
subjunctive, imperative, and conditional, each
serving different communicative purposes.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 40
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Understanding Arabic verbs is essential for
constructing meaningful sentences and expressing
oneself accurately in Arabic. Mastery of verb
conjugation, including the various patterns and
modifications, allows learners to form grammatically
correct sentences and convey precise meanings.
In the following chapters, we will delve deeper into
the world of Arabic verbs, exploring their
conjugation, tenses, moods, and usage in different
sentence structures. By gaining a solid understanding
of Arabic verbs, you will unlock the power to express
yourself fluently and confidently in Arabic.
4.2: ‫نظرة‬
‫عامة‬
‫على‬
‫أشكال‬
‫األفعال‬
‫العربية‬ (Nazrat 'amah 'ala
Ashkāl al-'Af'al al-'Arabiyyah) - Overview of Arabic
Verb Forms
In Arabic, verbs are an essential component of the
language and play a vital role in constructing
sentences and conveying meaning. Understanding
the different verb forms is crucial for effective
communication and expression in Arabic. This
section provides an overview of the various verb
forms found in the Arabic language.
4.2.1: ‫مصادر‬
‫األفعال‬ (Maṣādir al-'Af'al) - Verb Roots
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 41
Abu Rayhan
Arabic verbs are derived from triliteral or
quadriliteral roots, known as ‫مصادر‬
‫األفعال‬ (Maṣādir al-
'Af'al). These roots consist of three or four consonants
that form the core meaning of the verb. For example,
the root " ‫ك‬
-
‫ت‬
-
‫ب‬ " (k-t-b) represents the concept of
writing.
4.2.2: ‫األ‬
‫زمنة‬
‫الثالث‬ (Al-'Azmanah al-Thalāth) - The Three
Verb Tenses
Arabic verbs are conjugated according to three main
tenses, known as ‫األزمنة‬
‫الثالث‬ (Al-'Azmanah al-Thalāth).
They are:
1. ‫الماضي‬ (Al-Māḍī) - Past Tense: Used to describe
actions that have already occurred. For example, "‫"كتبت‬
(katabtu) means "I wrote."
2. ‫الحاضر‬ (Al-Ḥāḍir) - Present Tense: Used to describe
actions that are happening currently or are habitual.
For example, "‫"أكتب‬ (aktubu) means "I write."
3. ‫المستقبل‬ (Al-Mustaqbal) - Future Tense: Used to
describe actions that will occur in the future. For
example, "‫"سأكتب‬ (sa'aktubu) means "I will write."
4.2.3: ‫أشكال‬
‫األفعال‬ (Ashkāl al-'Af'al) - Verb Forms
Arabic verbs can take different forms, known as ‫أشكال‬
‫األف‬
‫عال‬ (Ashkāl al-'Af'al), which convey variations in
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 42
Abu Rayhan
meaning, intensity, and causation. These forms are
derived by adding specific patterns and vowels to the
verb root.
Some common verb forms include:
1. ‫المجرد‬ (Al-Mujarrad) - Form I: The simplest form,
where the verb root remains unchanged. For example,
"‫"كتب‬ (kataba) means "he wrote."
2. ‫المزيد‬ (Al-Mazīd) - Form II: Adds an extra "‫"ي‬ (yā') after
the second consonant of the root. For example, "‫"كتب‬
(kataba) becomes "‫"كتبي‬ (katabī) which means "he
wrote repeatedly" or "he wrote more."
3. ‫األمر‬ (Al-'Amr) - Form III: Adds a "‫"ي‬ (yā') between the
first and second consonant of the root. For example,
"‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"اكتب‬ (iktab) which means
"write!"
4. ‫التفاعل‬ (Al-Tafā'ul) - Form IV: Adds a "‫"ت‬ (tā') before
the first consonant of the root.
For example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"تكتب‬ (taktub)
which means "you write."
5. ‫النفاصل‬ (Al-Nafāṣil) - Form V: Adds a "‫"ت‬ (tā') between
the first and second consonant of the root. For
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 43
Abu Rayhan
example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"كتتب‬ (kattab) which
means "you caused to write."
Understanding these verb forms and their
corresponding meanings is crucial for
comprehending and producing accurate Arabic
sentences. By familiarizing yourself with these
patterns, you can effectively express actions, states,
and intentions in Arabic. Practice exercises will be
provided to reinforce your understanding and
application of these verb forms.
4.3: ‫نظام‬
‫الجذر‬
‫ذو‬
‫الثالثة‬
‫أحرف‬ (Nazam al-Jidhr al-Thalatha)
In Arabic grammar, the three-letter root system ( ‫نظام‬
‫الجذر‬
‫ذو‬
‫الثالثة‬
‫أحرف‬ , Nazam al-Jidhr al-Thalatha) forms the
foundation of word formation and meaning in the
Arabic language. It is a fundamental concept that
plays a crucial role in understanding Arabic
vocabulary and constructing various word forms.
The Arabic language consists of a vast number of
words derived from a relatively small set of three-
letter roots. These roots, composed of consonants,
provide the basic semantic and grammatical
structure for words. Each root carries a core meaning
that can be expanded and modified by adding vowels,
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 44
Abu Rayhan
additional consonants, or affixes to create different
words and forms.
For example, let's consider the three-letter root ‫ك‬
-
‫ت‬
-
‫ب‬
(k-t-b), which carries the basic meaning of "writing."
By changing the vowels and adding prefixes or
suffixes, we can derive numerous words related to
writing:
- ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitāb): book
- ‫َب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬ (maktab): office
- ‫ِب‬‫ت‬‫َا‬‫ك‬ (kātib): writer
- ‫ة‬َ‫ب‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābah): writing
- ‫وب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬ (maktūb): written
- َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ (kataba): he wrote
- ‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬ (yaktubu): he writes
As you can see, by manipulating the three consonants
and employing different vowel patterns, we can
generate a wide range of words that share a common
semantic field.
Understanding the root system is essential for
vocabulary expansion and comprehension in Arabic.
By recognizing the root letters in a word, learners can
decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and infer
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 45
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connections between related terms. This knowledge
also facilitates the acquisition of new vocabulary and
assists in forming sentences and expressing ideas
accurately.
To deepen your understanding of the three-letter root
system, it is beneficial to study common roots and
their derived words systematically. By exploring
various patterns and observing how words are
constructed, you can enhance your ability to
recognize and utilize Arabic vocabulary effectively.
Practice exercises involving word derivations and
root analysis can greatly reinforce your grasp of the
three-letter root system. By engaging in activities that
involve manipulating roots, such as forming nouns,
verbs, and adjectives from a given root, you can
strengthen your language skills and broaden your
vocabulary.
Developing proficiency in navigating the three-letter
root system opens the door to a more profound
understanding of the Arabic language and its
linguistic richness. Embrace this fundamental aspect
of Arabic grammar, and you will gain confidence in
exploring and mastering the intricacies of the
language.
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4.4: ‫أنواع‬
‫األفعال‬
‫في‬
‫اللغة‬
‫العربية‬ (Anwa' al-af'al fi al-lughah al-
'arabiyyah) - Types of Arabic Verbs
The Arabic language has three types of verbs, which
are classified based on their root letters and how they
are conjugated in different tenses and moods.
1. ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬
‫ع‬ ِ‫ار‬َ‫ض‬‫م‬ (fi'lun mudari'un) - Present Tense Verbs
The present tense verbs in Arabic are used to describe
actions that are currently happening or ongoing.
They are formed by adding different subject
pronouns to the root letters of the verb and following
specific conjugation patterns. For example, the
present tense of the verb "‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬" (yaktubu) meaning "he
writes" is formed by adding the subject pronoun "َ‫"ي‬
(ya) and the conjugation pattern " َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) to the
root letters " ‫ك‬
‫ت‬
‫ب‬ " (k t b).
2. ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬
‫ي‬ ِ
‫اض‬َ‫م‬ (fi'lun maadiyyun) - Past Tense Verbs
The past tense verbs in Arabic are used to describe
actions that have already happened or completed in
the past. They are formed by adding different subject
pronouns to the root letters of the verb and following
specific conjugation patterns. For example, the past
tense of the verb "‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬" (yaktubu) meaning "he writes"
is formed by adding the subject pronoun "َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba)
and the conjugation pattern "‫ا‬َ‫"ـ‬ (-aa) to the root letters
" ‫ك‬
‫ت‬
‫ب‬ " (k t b).
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3. ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬
‫ر‬ْ‫م‬َ‫أ‬ (fi'lun 'amrun) - Imperative Verbs
The imperative verbs in Arabic are used to give
commands, orders, or requests to someone. They are
formed by using the root letters of the verb and
following specific conjugation patterns. For example,
the imperative form of the verb "‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬" (yaktubu)
meaning "he writes" is formed by using the root
letters " ‫ك‬
‫ت‬
‫ب‬ " (k t b) and adding the command suffix
"-ّ" (-u) to the end, resulting in " ْ‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬ِ‫ا‬" (iktbu) meaning
"write!"
Learning and understanding the types of Arabic verbs
is essential in mastering the language. By practicing
and memorizing the conjugation patterns and forms,
one can effectively communicate and express
themselves in Arabic.
4.5: ‫تصريف‬
‫األفعال‬
‫في‬
‫اللغة‬
‫العربية‬ (Taṣrīf al-afʿāl fī al-lughah
al-ʿarabīyah) - Verb Conjugation in Arabic
In Arabic, verbs are conjugated to match the subject of
the sentence in gender, number, and person. This
means that each verb must be conjugated based on
who is performing the action, whether it's a singular
or plural subject, and whether it's masculine or
feminine.
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Arabic verbs are made up of three root letters, which
are the foundation of the verb and determine its
meaning. The most common verb form is the past
tense, which is used to describe actions that have
already happened. In order to conjugate a verb in the
past tense, the root letters are combined with specific
prefixes and suffixes that indicate the subject and the
tense.
For example, the verb "َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) means "he wrote".
To conjugate this verb in the past tense for a female
subject, we would add the prefix " َ‫"ت‬ (ta-) and the
suffix " ّ
ْ‫ت‬ " (-at) to the root letters, resulting in " ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬"
(katabat), which means "she wrote".
There are ten main forms of Arabic verbs, each with
its own set of rules for conjugation. In addition to the
past tense, there are also present, future, and
imperative tenses, as well as various other forms such
as the active participle and the verbal noun.
Learning the rules of verb conjugation is essential for
mastering Arabic grammar and communication.
Practice exercises and drills can help learners
memorize the various verb forms and gain
proficiency in their use.
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SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR BASIC
GRAMMAR CONCEPTS
In this section, you will find a variety of practice
exercises designed to reinforce your understanding
and application of basic grammar concepts in Arabic.
These exercises will help you solidify your knowledge
and improve your ability to form grammatically
correct sentences.
‫تمرين‬
1
:
‫استخدام‬
‫األدوات‬
‫النحوية‬ (Tamrīn 1: Istikhdām al-
'adwāt al-nahwiyya)
Exercise 1: Using Grammar Particles
In this exercise, you will be provided with sentences
containing gaps. Your task is to choose the
appropriate grammar particle to complete each
sentence. Pay attention to the context and the
intended meaning of the sentence.
Example:
‫الطالب‬
‫يقرأ‬
‫ًا‬‫ب‬‫كتا‬ __________.
a) ‫ا‬ً‫كبير‬ (kabīran) - big
b) ‫ا‬ً‫صغير‬ (ṣaghīran) - small
c) ‫ًا‬‫د‬‫جدي‬ (jadīdan) - new
d) ‫ًا‬‫د‬‫مفي‬ (mufīdan) - useful
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‫تمرين‬
2
:
‫التعرف‬
‫على‬
‫أزمنة‬
‫األفعال‬ (Tamrīn 2: al-Taʿrīf ʿalá
Azmān al-Afʿāl)
Exercise 2: Identifying Verb Tenses
In this exercise, you will be presented with a set of
sentences, and your task is to identify the tense of the
underlined verb. Choose the correct answer from the
given options.
Example:
‫أنا‬
‫أكتب‬
ً‫ة‬‫رسال‬
‫ًا‬‫ي‬‫حال‬ .
a) ‫مضارع‬ (muḍāriʿ) - present
b) ‫ماضي‬ (māḍī) - past
c) ‫مستقبل‬ (mustaqbil) - future
d) ‫مضارع‬
‫مستمر‬ (muḍāriʿ mustamirr) - present
continuous
‫تمرين‬
3
:
‫تحويل‬
‫الجمل‬
‫من‬
‫المفرد‬
‫إلى‬
‫الجمع‬ (Tamrīn 3: Taḥwīl al-
jumal min al-mufrad ʾilá al-jamʿ)
Exercise 3: Changing Sentences from Singular to
Plural
In this exercise, you will practice changing sentences
from singular to plural form. Pay attention to the
noun endings and any changes required in the
accompanying words.
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Example:
‫هذا‬
‫الكتاب‬
‫جديد‬ .
Translate the sentence to its plural form:
a) ‫هؤَلء‬
‫الكتب‬
‫جديدة‬ . (Hāʾulāʾ al-kutub jadīda)
b) ‫هذه‬
‫الكتب‬
‫جديدة‬ . (Hādhih al-kutub jadīda)
c) ‫هؤَلء‬
‫الكتاب‬
‫جديد‬ . (Hāʾulāʾ al-kutāb jadīd)
d) ‫هذه‬
‫الكتاب‬
‫جديد‬ . (Hādhih al-kutāb jadīd)
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CHAPTER 3: ARABIC VOCABULARY BUILDING
SECTION 1: COMMON ARABIC WORDS AND PHRASES
‫الكلمات‬
‫والعبارات‬
‫العربية‬
‫الشائعة‬ (Al-Kalimat wal-'Ibaraat al-
'Arabiyyah al-Sha'ina)
In this section, we will introduce you to common
Arabic words and phrases that are essential for
building a strong foundation in the language.
Learning these words and phrases will enable you to
engage in basic conversations and navigate everyday
situations in Arabic-speaking countries. Each word or
phrase will be presented in Arabic script,
transliteration, and English translation to facilitate
your understanding and pronunciation.
1. ‫التحية‬
‫والترحيب‬ (Al-Tahiyyah wal-Tarhib) - Greetings
and Welcoming
- ‫السالم‬
‫عليكم‬ (As-salāmu ʿalaykum) - Peace be upon you
(Islamic greeting)
- ‫ًا‬‫ب‬‫مرح‬ (Marhaban) - Hello
- ً‫ال‬‫أه‬
ً‫ال‬‫وسه‬ (Ahlan wa sahlan) - Welcome
2. ‫التعارف‬ (Al-Ta'āraf) - Introductions
- ‫ما‬
‫اسمك؟‬ (Mā ismuka?) - What is your name? (to a male)
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- ‫ما‬
‫اسمك؟‬ (Mā ismuki?) - What is your name? (to a
female)
- ‫يسعدني‬
‫التعرف‬
‫عليك‬ (Yasʿadnī al-taʿrīf ʿalayk) - Nice to
meet you
3. ‫األرقام‬
‫والتعداد‬ (Al-Arqaam wal-Taʿaddad) - Numbers
and Counting
- ‫واحد‬ (Wāḥid) - One
- ‫اثنان‬ (Ithnān) - Two
- ‫ثالثة‬ (Thalātha) - Three
- ‫عشرة‬ (ʿAshrah) - Ten
- ‫مائة‬ (Miʾah) - One hundred
4. ‫األيام‬
‫والشهور‬ (Al-Ayām wal-Shuhūr) - Days and Months
- ‫األحد‬ (Al-ʾAḥad) - Sunday
- ‫اَلثنين‬ (Al-ʾIthnayn) - Monday
- ‫يوم‬
‫الجمعة‬ (Yawm al-Jumʿah) - Friday
- ‫يناير‬ (Yanāyir) - January
- ‫سبتمبر‬ (Sibtambir) - September
5. ‫العائلة‬ (Al-ʿĀʾilah) - Family
- ‫أب‬ (Ab) - Father
- ‫أم‬ (Umm) - Mother
- ‫أخ‬ (Akh) - Brother
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- ‫أخت‬ (Ukht) - Sister
- ‫ولد‬ (Walad) - Son
- ‫بنت‬ (Bint) - Daughter
6. ‫األلوان‬ (Al-Alwān) - Colors
- ‫أحمر‬ (Aḥmar) - Red
- ‫أزرق‬ (Azraq) - Blue
- ‫أخضر‬ (Akhdar) - Green
- ‫أصفر‬ (Asfar) - Yellow
- ‫أسود‬ (Aswad) - Black
- ‫أبيض‬ (Abyaḍ) - White
7. ‫الطعام‬
‫والشراب‬ (Al-Ṭa
ʿām wal-Sharāb) - Food and Drinks
- ‫طعام‬ (Ṭaʿām) - Food
- ‫ماء‬ (Māʾ) - Water
- ‫خبز‬ (Khubz) - Bread
- ‫حليب‬ (Ḥalīb) - Milk
- ‫شاي‬ (Shāy) - Tea
- ‫قهوة‬ (Qahwah) - Coffee
8. ‫التسوق‬ (Al-Tasawwūq) - Shopping
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- ‫متجر‬ (Matjar) - Store
- ‫سعر‬ (Siʿr) - Price
- ‫اشتري‬ (Ishtri) - Buy
- ‫ممتاز‬ (Mumtaaz) - Excellent
- ‫َل‬
‫أريد‬ (Lā ʾurīd) - I don't want
9. ‫التوجيهات‬ (Al-Tawjīhāt) - Directions
- ‫يمين‬ (Yameen) - Right
- ‫يسار‬ (Yasaar) - Left
- ‫أمام‬ (Amām) - Front
- ‫خلف‬ (Khalf) - Behind
- ‫انعطف‬
‫هنا‬ (Inʿaṭaf huna) - Turn here
10. ‫الوداع‬
‫والتحية‬
‫النهائية‬ (Al-Wadāʿ wal-Tahīyah al-
Nihāʾiyah) - Farewell and Final Greetings
- ‫مع‬
‫السالمة‬ (Maʿa al-salāmah) - Goodbye
- ‫إلى‬
‫اللقاء‬ (ʾIlā al-liqāʾ) - Until we meet again
- ‫ا‬ً‫شكر‬ (Shukran) - Thank you
- ‫ا‬ً‫عفو‬ (ʿAfwan) - You're welcome
- ً‫ال‬‫أه‬
ً‫ال‬‫وسه‬
‫م‬
‫رة‬
‫أخرى‬ (Ahlan wa sahlan marrah ukhra) -
Welcome back
By familiarizing yourself with these common Arabic
words and phrases, you will be able to communicate
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 56
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effectively in various everyday situations. Practice
using them in context and expand your vocabulary
gradually to enhance your overall Arabic language
skills.
SECTION 2: ARABIC NUMBERS AND COUNTING
Arabic numbers are an essential part of learning the
Arabic language. In this section, we will explore the
Arabic numeral system and learn how to count in
Arabic.
‫األرقام‬
‫العربية‬ (al-arqam al-'arabiyyah) - Arabic Numbers:
Arabic numbers are written from left to right, just like
in English. Here are the Arabic numerals from zero to
ten:
0 - ‫صفر‬ (sifr) - Zero
1 - ‫واحد‬ (wahid) - One
2 - ‫اثنان‬ (ithnan) - Two
3 - ‫ثالثة‬ (thalathah) - Three
4 - ‫أربعة‬ (arba'ah) - Four
5 - ‫خمسة‬ (khamsah) - Five
6 - ‫ستة‬ (sittah) - Six
7 - ‫سبعة‬ (sab'ah) - Seven
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8 - ‫ثمانية‬ (thamaniyah) - Eight
9 - ‫تسعة‬ (tis'ah) - Nine
10 - ‫عشرة‬ ('asharah) - Ten
Counting in Arabic:
To count beyond ten, you can simply combine the
Arabic numbers. For example:
11 - ‫أحد‬
‫عشر‬ (ahad 'ashar) - Eleven
12 - ‫اثنا‬
‫عشر‬ (ithna 'ashar) - Twelve
20 - ‫عشرون‬ ('ishrun) - Twenty
30 - ‫ثالثون‬ (thalathun) - Thirty
40 - ‫أربعون‬ (arba'un) - Forty
50 - ‫خمسون‬ (khamsun) - Fifty
100 - ‫مئة‬ (mi'ah) - One hundred
1000 - ‫ألف‬ (alf) - One thousand
Ordinal Numbers:
Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of
something. Here are a few examples:
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First - ‫أول‬ (awwal)
Second - ‫ثاني‬ (thanawi)
Third - ‫ثالث‬ (thalith)
Tenth - ‫عاشر‬ ('ashir)
Twentieth - ‫عشرون‬ (‘ishrun)
Practice Exercises:
1. Write the following numbers in Arabic:
a) 15
b) 37
c) 64
d) 99
2. Translate the following numbers from Arabic to
English:
a) ‫عشرين‬
b) ‫خمسمائة‬
c) ‫ألف‬
‫ان‬
d) ‫سابع‬
Remember to practice counting in Arabic regularly to
improve your skills. The more you practice, the more
natural counting in Arabic will become to you.
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SECTION 3: COLORS, DAYS, AND MONTHS IN ARABIC
،‫األلوان‬
،‫األيام‬
‫والشهور‬
‫في‬
‫اللغة‬
‫العربي‬
‫ة‬ (Al-Alwan, Al-Ayyam, wal-
Shuhur fi al-Lughah al-Arabiyyah)
In this section, we will explore the vocabulary related
to colors, days of the week, and months of the year in
Arabic. Learning these words will enhance your
ability to describe objects, express time, and engage in
conversations about the calendar.
‫األلوان‬ (Al-Alwan) - Colors
Colors add depth and vibrancy to our descriptions.
Here are some common colors in Arabic along with
their transliteration and English translation:
1. ‫األحمر‬ (Al-Ahmar) - Red
2. ‫األزرق‬ (Al-Azraq) - Blue
3. ‫األصفر‬ (Al-Asfar) - Yellow
4. ‫األخضر‬ (Al-Akhdar) - Green
5. ‫األبيض‬ (Al-Abiad) - White
6. ‫األسود‬ (Al-Aswad) - Black
7. ‫الرمادي‬ (Ar-Ramadi) - Gray
8. ‫البني‬ (Al-Buni) - Brown
9. ‫البرتقالي‬ (Al-Burtuqali) - Orange
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10. ‫الوردي‬ (Al-Wardi) - Pink
11. ‫البنفسجي‬ (Al-Banafsaji) - Purple
‫األيام‬ (Al-Ayyam) - Days
Knowing the days of the week is essential for
scheduling appointments, making plans, and
discussing weekly activities. Here are the days of the
week in Arabic:
1. ‫األحد‬ (Al-Ahad) - Sunday
2. ‫اَلثنين‬ (Al-Ithnayn) - Monday
3. ‫الثالثاء‬ (Ath-Thulatha') - Tuesday
4. ‫األربعاء‬ (Al-Arba'a') - Wednesday
5. ‫الخميس‬ (Al-Khamis) - Thursday
6. ‫الجمعة‬ (Al-Jumu'ah) - Friday
7. ‫السبت‬ (As-Sabt) - Saturday
‫الشهور‬ (Ash-Shuhur) - Months
Knowledge of the months of the year enables you to
discuss dates, plan events, and refer to specific times.
Here are the months of the year in Arabic:
1. ‫يناير‬ (Yanayir) - January
2. ‫فبراير‬ (Fibrair) - February
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3. ‫مارس‬ (Maris) - March
4. ‫أبريل‬ (Abril) - April
5. ‫مايو‬ (Mayu) - May
6. ‫يونيو‬ (Yuniyu) - June
7. ‫يوليو‬ (Yulyu) - July
8. ‫أغسطس‬ (Agustus) - August
9. ‫سبتمبر‬ (Sabtimbir) - September
10. ‫أكتوبر‬ (Aktubir) - October
11. ‫نوفمبر‬ (Nufimbir) - November
12. ‫ديسمبر‬ (Dismbir) - December
By familiarizing yourself with these words, you will
be able to describe objects by their colors, talk about
the days of the week, and refer to specific months in
Arabic. Practice using these terms in sentences and
engage in conversations to reinforce your
understanding.
‫مع‬
‫التدريب‬
،‫والممارسة‬
‫ستصبح‬
‫ا‬ً‫قادر‬
‫على‬
‫استخدام‬
‫هذه‬
‫المصطلحات‬
‫بثقة‬
‫وإثراء‬
‫مفرداتك‬
‫العربية‬ . (Ma'a at-tadrib wal-mumarisah, sataṣbaḥ
qadiran 'ala istikhdam hadhih al-mustalaḥat bithiqah
wa 'ithra' mufarradatika al-'Arabiyyah) - With
practice and repetition, you will become confident in
using these terms and enriching your Arabic
vocabulary.
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SECTION 4: BASIC ARABIC EXPRESSIONS AND
GREETINGS
In this section, we will explore essential Arabic
expressions and greetings that will help you initiate
conversations and engage in basic social interactions.
Learning these expressions will enable you to connect
with Arabic speakers and make a positive impression.
Remember to pay attention to pronunciation and
intonation while practicing these greetings.
1. Greetings (‫)التحية‬:
- ‫ًا‬‫ب‬َ‫ح‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬ (Marhaban) - Hello
- ‫اح‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ص‬
ِ
‫ْر‬‫ي‬َ‫خ‬ْ‫ل‬‫ا‬ (Sabāhul khayr) - Good morning
- ‫اء‬َ‫س‬َ‫م‬
ِ
‫ْر‬‫ي‬َ‫خ‬ْ‫ل‬‫ا‬ (Masā'ul khayr) - Good evening
- ‫ا‬ً‫ير‬ِ‫ب‬ْ‫ص‬َ‫ت‬ (Tasbīran) - Goodbye
- ‫م‬ َ
‫َّال‬‫س‬‫ال‬
‫ْك‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬
ْ‫م‬ (As-salāmu 'alaykum) - Peace be upon you
(common Islamic greeting)
- ‫م‬‫ْك‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬ َ‫و‬
‫م‬ َ
‫َّال‬‫س‬‫ال‬ (Wa 'alaykumus salām) - And peace be
upon you (response to the above greeting)
2. Polite Expressions ( ‫التعابير‬
‫المهذبة‬ ):
- ْ‫ن‬ِ‫م‬
َ‫ِك‬‫ل‬ْ‫ض‬َ‫ف‬ (Min fadlika) - Please (to a male)
- ْ‫ن‬ِ‫م‬
ِ‫ِك‬‫ل‬ْ‫ض‬َ‫ف‬ (Min fadliki) - Please (to a female)
- ‫ا‬ً‫ر‬ْ‫ك‬‫ش‬ (Shukran) - Thank you
- ‫ا‬ً‫و‬ْ‫ف‬َ‫ع‬ (Afwan) - You're welcome
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- ‫َل‬
‫ة‬َ‫ل‬ِ‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬‫م‬ (Lā mushkila) - No problem
3. Introductions (‫)التعارف‬:
- ‫ْمِي‬‫س‬ِ‫ا‬ (Ismī) - My name is...
- ‫ا‬َ‫م‬
‫؟‬َ‫ك‬‫ْم‬‫س‬‫ا‬ (Mā ismuka?) - What is your name? (to a
male)
- ‫ا‬َ‫م‬
‫؟‬ِ‫ك‬‫ْم‬‫س‬‫ا‬ (Mā ismuki?) - What is your name? (to a
female)
- ‫ت‬ْ‫ف‬َّ‫َر‬‫ش‬َ‫ت‬
َ‫ِك‬‫ت‬َ‫ف‬ ِ
‫ر‬ْ‫ع‬َ‫م‬ِ‫ب‬ (Tasharraftu bima'rifatika) - Nice to
meet you (to a male)
- َّ‫َر‬‫ش‬َ‫ت‬
‫ت‬ْ‫ف‬
ِ‫ِك‬‫ت‬َ‫ف‬ ِ‫ر‬ْ‫ع‬َ‫م‬ِ‫ب‬ (Tasharraftu bima'rifatiki) - Nice to
meet you (to a female)
4. Expressing Gratitude and Apologies ( ‫اَلمتنان‬
‫واَلعتذار‬ ):
- َ‫ك‬‫ر‬‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬َ‫أ‬ (Ashkuruka) - I thank you (to a male)
- ِ‫ك‬‫ر‬‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬َ‫أ‬ (Ashkuruki) - I thank you (to a female)
- ‫ا‬ً‫ف‬ْ‫س‬َ‫أ‬ (Asfan) - Sorry
- ‫َا‬‫ن‬َ‫أ‬
‫ِف‬‫س‬‫آ‬ (Anā āsifun) - I'm sorry
5. Well Wishes ( ‫التمنيات‬
‫الجيدة‬ ):
- ‫وك‬‫ْر‬‫ب‬َ‫م‬ (Mabruk) - Congratulations
- ‫ْد‬‫ي‬َ‫ع‬
‫ك‬َ‫ار‬َ‫ب‬‫م‬ (ʿĪdu mubārak) - Happy Eid (Islamic holiday
greeting)
- ‫ظ‬َ‫ح‬
‫ِيد‬‫ع‬َ‫س‬ (Haẓẓun saʿīdun) - Good luck
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- ‫ى‬َّ‫ن‬َ‫م‬َ‫ت‬َ‫أ‬
َ‫ك‬َ‫ل‬
‫ا‬ً‫م‬ ْ‫و‬َ‫ي‬
‫ًا‬‫د‬‫ِي‬‫ع‬َ‫س‬ (Atamannā laka yawman saʿīdan) - I
wish you a happy day
Remember to practice these expressions regularly to
become comfortable using them in conversations.
Additionally, being mindful of cultural norms and
customs when greeting and interacting with Arabic
speakers will further enhance your language learning
experience.
SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR VOCABULARY
EXPANSION
‫تمارين‬
‫عملية‬
‫لتوسيع‬
‫المفردات‬ (Tamārīn ʿamaliyya li-tawsiʿ al-
mufraḍāt)
In this section, you will find a variety of practice
exercises designed to help you expand your Arabic
vocabulary. These exercises are designed to reinforce
your understanding of new words and phrases, and to
improve your ability to use them in context.
Remember to refer back to the previous chapters for
guidance and to consult the glossary for any
unfamiliar terms. Let's get started!
Exercise 1: Matching Words
Instructions: Match the Arabic words on the left with
their English translations on the right.
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1. ‫كتاب‬ (kitāb) a. Car
2. ‫مدرسة‬ (madrasa) b. House
3. ‫سيارة‬ (sayyāra) c. Book
4. ‫بيت‬ (bayt) d. School
Exercise 2: Sentence Completion
Instructions: Complete each sentence with the
appropriate Arabic word from the given options.
1. ‫أنا‬
‫ذاهب‬
‫إلى‬ _________. (al-madrasa, al-bayt, al-sayyāra)
Translation: I am going to _________.
Answer: ‫المدرسة‬ (al-madrasa) (the school)
2. ‫هذا‬
_______
‫كبيرة‬ . (al-kitāb, al-sayyāra, al-bayt)
Translation: This _______ is big.
Answer: ‫البيت‬ (al-bayt) (the house)
Exercise 3: Word Association
Instructions: Associate the given Arabic word with
the most appropriate category.
1. ‫شمس‬ (shams) a. Animals
2. ‫كتاب‬ (kitāb) b. Colors
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3. ‫قطة‬ (qitta) c. Nature
4. ‫أحمر‬ (aḥmar) d. Objects
Exercise 4: Synonyms and Antonyms
Instructions: Identify the synonym or antonym for
each given Arabic word.
1. ‫سريع‬ (sariʿ) a. Slow
2. ‫صغير‬ (ṣaghīr) b. Big
3. ‫قوي‬ (qawiyy) c. Weak
4. ‫جميل‬ (jamīl) d. Ugly
Exercise 5: Contextual Usage
Instructions: Use the provided Arabic word in a
sentence that demonstrates its meaning in context.
1. ‫الطالب‬
‫يقرأ‬
‫الكتاب‬ . (al-ṭālib yaqraʾ al-kitāb)
Translation: The student is reading the book.
Contextual Usage: ‫يحب‬
‫الطالب‬
‫قراءة‬
‫الكتب‬
‫ألنه‬
‫يحب‬
‫القراءة‬
‫بشكل‬
‫عام‬ .
(The student enjoys reading books because he/she
loves reading in general.)
2. ‫الورد‬
‫أحمر‬
‫وجميل‬ . (al-waraḍ aḥmar wa-jamīl)
Translation: The rose is red and beautiful.
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Contextual Usage: ‫اشتريت‬
‫وردة‬
‫حمراء‬
‫وجميلة‬
‫لصديقتي‬
‫في‬
‫عيد‬
‫ميالدها‬ .
(I bought a red and beautiful rose for my friend on her
birthday.)
These practice exercises are meant to reinforce your
vocabulary knowledge and provide you with
opportunities to apply what you've learned. Make
sure to practice regularly and review your progress.
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CHAPTER 4: ARABIC SENTENCE STRUCTURE
SECTION 1: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT IN ARABIC
‫التوافق‬
‫بين‬
‫الفاعل‬
‫والفعل‬
‫في‬
‫اللغة‬
‫العربية‬ (Al-Tawāfuq Bayn al-Fā'il
wal-Fi'l fil-Lughah al-'Arabīyah)
In Arabic grammar, subject-verb agreement plays a
crucial role in constructing grammatically correct
sentences. Proper agreement between the subject and
the verb ensures clarity and coherence in
communication. In this section, we will explore the
rules and patterns governing subject-verb agreement
in Arabic.
1.1 ‫الفاعل‬ (Al-Fā'il) - The Subject
The subject of a sentence in Arabic can be either a
noun or a pronoun. It serves as the doer of the action
or the entity being described. The subject can be
singular (‫واحد‬ wahid) or plural (‫جمع‬ jam'). It is
important to identify the number and gender of the
subject in order to determine the appropriate verb
form.
1.2 ‫الفعل‬ (Al-Fi'l) - The Verb
The verb in Arabic undergoes changes based on the
subject it agrees with. The verb must match the
number and gender of the subject. Arabic verbs can
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 69
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have various forms and conjugations, and the choice
of the correct form depends on the subject's
characteristics.
1.3 ‫توافق‬
‫الفاعل‬
‫والفعل‬ (Tawāfuq al-Fā'il wal-Fi'l) -
Agreement between the Subject and the Verb
To ensure subject-verb agreement in Arabic, we
follow these general rules:
1.3.1 ‫توافق‬
‫العدد‬ (Tawāfuq al-'Adad) - Number Agreement
- A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a
plural subject requires a plural verb.
- Examples:
- ‫المدرس‬
‫يشرح‬
‫الدرس‬ . (Al-Mudarris yusharrih al-dars.) -
The teacher explains the lesson. (singular subject and
verb)
- ‫الطالب‬
‫يذهبون‬
‫إلى‬
‫المدرسة‬ . (Al-ṭullāb yadhhabūn ilā al-
madrasah.) - The students go to school. (plural subject
and verb)
1.3.2 ‫توافق‬
‫الجنس‬ (Tawāfuq al-Jins) - Gender Agreement
- The gender of the subject determines the gender of
the verb. In Arabic, there are two genders: masculine
(‫مذكر‬ mudhakkar) and feminine (‫مؤنث‬ mu'annath).
- Examples:
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- ‫هو‬
‫يكتب‬
‫رسالة‬ . (Huwa yaktub risālah.) - He writes a
letter. (masculine subject and verb)
- ‫هي‬
‫تقرأ‬
‫ًا‬‫ب‬‫كتا‬ . (Hiya taqra'u kitāban.) - She reads a book.
(feminine subject and verb)
1.4 ‫الحاَلت‬
‫الخاصة‬ (Al-Ḥalāt al-Khāṣah) - Special Cases
Certain Arabic constructions have unique subject-
verb agreement patterns. These include dual subjects,
compound subjects, and negated subjects. It is
important to understand these cases to form accurate
sentences.
1.5 ‫التطبيقات‬
‫العملية‬ (Al-Tatbīqāt al-'Amaliyyah) - Practical
Applications
This section will provide you with ample
opportunities to practice subject-verb agreement in
Arabic. Through exercises and examples, you will
strengthen your understanding of the concepts
discussed in this section.
Mastering subject-verb agreement in Arabic is
essential for constructing grammatically sound
sentences. By grasping the rules and patterns
governing this aspect of Arabic grammar, you will
enhance your overall language proficiency and
communicate effectively in Arabic.
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SECTION 2: BASIC SENTENCE ORDER IN ARABIC
‫ترتيب‬
‫الجمل‬
‫األساسي‬
‫في‬
‫اللغة‬
‫العربية‬
(Tartib al-jumal al-asasi fi al-lughah al-'arabiyyah)
In this section, we will focus on the basic sentence
order in Arabic, which is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO)
like in English. However, there are some differences
in the structure of Arabic sentences that we need to
explore.
‫الجمل‬
‫العربية‬
‫األساسية‬ (Al-Jumal al-'arabiyyah al-asasiyyah)
(Basic Arabic Sentences)
Arabic sentences are constructed differently from
English sentences. In Arabic, the verb usually comes
before the subject, and the object comes after the verb.
The basic sentence order is as follows:
‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬
+
‫ِل‬‫ع‬‫ا‬َ‫ف‬
+
‫ول‬‫ع‬ْ‫ف‬َ‫م‬
‫ه‬ِ‫ب‬ (Fi'l + Fa'il + Maf'ul bih)
(Verb + Subject + Object)
For example:
َ‫ب‬َ‫َر‬‫ش‬
‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫الو‬
َ‫ِيب‬‫ل‬َ‫ح‬‫ال‬ (Sharaba al-waladu al-halib)
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(The boy drank the milk)
In this sentence, "َ‫ب‬َ‫َر‬‫ش‬" (sharaba) is the verb, "‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫"الو‬ (al-
waladu) is the subject, and "َ‫ِيب‬‫ل‬َ‫ح‬‫"ال‬ (al-halib) is the
object.
‫األسماء‬
‫و‬
‫الضمائر‬ (Al-Asma' wa al-Dama'ir)
(Nouns and Pronouns)
Arabic nouns are divided into three categories:
masculine, feminine, and plural. The masculine form
is used for males and masculine objects, while the
feminine form is used for females and feminine
objects. The plural form is used for more than one
object, regardless of gender.
Arabic pronouns are used to replace nouns in a
sentence. There are separate pronouns for each
gender and number (singular and plural). The subject
pronouns are used before the verb, while the object
pronouns are used after the verb.
For example:
‫ة‬َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬‫ال‬
ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬
َ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫س‬ ِ
‫الر‬ (Al-mar'atu katabat al-risalah)
(The woman wrote the letter)
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In this sentence, "‫ة‬َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬‫"ال‬ (al-mar'atu) is the subject, and
"َ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫س‬ ِ
‫"الر‬ (al-risalah) is the object. If we want to replace
these nouns with pronouns, we can say:
َ‫ِي‬‫ه‬
‫ا‬َ‫ه‬ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ (Hiya katabathaa)
(She wrote it)
In this sentence, "َ‫ِي‬‫ه‬" (hiya) is the subject pronoun for
"‫ة‬َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬‫"ال‬ (al-mar'atu), and "‫ا‬َ‫ه‬ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (katabathaa) is the verb
with the object pronoun "‫َا‬‫ه‬" (ha) for "َ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫س‬ ِ
‫"الر‬ (al-risalah).
‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬ِ‫ف‬‫َا‬‫ن‬
ِ‫ة‬َ‫ك‬َ‫ب‬َّ‫ش‬‫ال‬
‫ة‬َ‫ور‬‫س‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬ (Nafidhatu al-shabakah maksurah)
(The window of the network is broken)
In this sentence, "‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬ِ‫ف‬‫َا‬‫ن‬" (nafidhah) is the subject
, and "ِ‫ة‬َ‫ك‬َ‫ب‬َّ‫ش‬‫"ال‬ (al-shabakah) is the genitive noun phrase
indicating possession. The verb "‫ة‬َ‫ور‬‫س‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬" (maksurah)
agrees in gender and number with the subject.
‫م‬َّ‫ل‬َ‫ك‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ت‬
‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ْ‫س‬‫أ‬
ِ‫ة‬َّ‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫ال‬ (Tatakallamu ustathat al-'arabiyyah)
(The Arabic teacher speaks)
In this sentence, "‫م‬َّ‫َل‬‫ك‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ت‬" (tatakallamu) is the verb, and
" ‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ْ‫س‬‫أ‬
ِ‫ة‬َّ‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫ال‬ " (ustathat al-'arabiyyah) is the subject,
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 74
Abu Rayhan
consisting of the noun "‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ْ‫س‬‫"أ‬ (ustathah) meaning
"teacher" and the genitive noun phrase "ِ‫ة‬َّ‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫"ال‬ (al-
'arabiyyah) meaning "of Arabic."
By understanding the basic sentence order in Arabic
and the role of nouns and pronouns, you will be able
to construct clear and meaningful sentences in
Arabic. Practice forming various sentences and
continue to expand your vocabulary and grammar
knowledge to enhance your language skills.
SECTION 3: QUESTIONS AND INTERROGATIVE
WORDS
‫األسئلة‬
‫وكلمات‬
‫اَلستفهام‬ (al-as'ilah wa kalamat al-istifham)
In this section, we will explore the different types of
questions in Arabic and learn about the interrogative
words used to form these questions. Asking questions
is an essential part of effective communication, and
understanding how to ask questions will greatly
enhance your ability to engage in conversations and
gather information in Arabic.
1. ‫أنواع‬
‫األسئلة‬ (Anwa' al-as'ilah) - Types of Questions
- ‫أسئلة‬
‫التحقق‬ (As'ilat al-tahqiq) - Yes/No Questions:
These questions are answered with either "‫"نعم‬ (na'am)
for yes or "‫"َل‬ (la) for no. They are formed by using the
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 75
Abu Rayhan
verb at the beginning of the sentence followed by the
subject.
- ‫أسئلة‬
‫اَلستفسار‬ (As'ilat al-istifsar) - Information
Questions: These questions seek specific information
and typically start with question words.
- ‫أسئلة‬
‫اَلختيار‬ (As'ilat al-ikhtiyar) - Choice Questions:
These questions present options and require the
respondent to choose among them.
2. ‫كلمات‬
‫اَلستفهام‬ (Kalamat al-istifham) - Interrogative
Words
- ‫ما‬ (ma) - What
- ‫من‬ (man) - Who
- ‫أين‬ (ayn) - Where
- ‫متى‬ (mata) - When
- ‫لماذا‬ (limadha) - Why
- ‫كم‬ (kam) - How much/many
- ‫كيف‬ (kayfa) - How
- ‫هل‬ (hal) - Is/Does
- ‫أي‬ (ay) - Which
3. ‫صياغة‬
‫األسئلة‬ (Sayaghah al-as'ilah) - Forming Questions
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- To form information questions, the interrogative
word is placed at the beginning of the sentence,
followed by the verb and the subject.
- Example: " ‫ماذا‬
‫تفعل؟‬ " (Mada taf'al?) - What are you
doing?
- Yes/No questions can be formed by placing the verb
at the beginning of the sentence followed by the
subject, without the need for an interrogative word.
- Example: " ‫هل‬
‫تتكلم‬
‫العربية؟‬ " (Hal tatakallam al-
arabiyya?) - Do you speak Arabic?
- Choice questions are formed by using the
interrogative word and presenting the options using
the word "‫"أم‬ (am) between them.
- Example: " ‫أين‬
‫ترغب‬
‫في‬
‫الذهاب؟‬
‫أم‬
‫إلى‬
‫السينما‬
‫أم‬
‫المطعم؟‬ " (Ayna
tureed fi al-thahab? Am ila al-sinema am al-mat'am?)
- Where do you want to go? To the cinema or the
restaurant?
4. ‫إجراء‬
‫المحادثات‬ (Ijra' al-muhadathat) - Conducting
Conversations
- Knowing how to ask questions is crucial for
engaging in meaningful conversations. Practice using
different types of questions and interrogative words
to initiate discussions and gather information.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 77
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- Pay attention to the appropriate use of question
words based on the context and the information you
seek.
Continue practicing these skills, and you will become
proficient in asking questions and using interrogative
words effectively in Arabic conversations. Enjoy
honing these abilities and expanding your proficiency
in the Arabic language.
SECTION 4: NEGATION IN ARABIC SENTENCES
‫النفي‬
‫في‬
‫الجمل‬
‫العربية‬ (An-Nafī fī al-Jumal al-'Arabiyyah)
In this section, we will explore the concept of
negation in Arabic sentences. Negation is an essential
aspect of language, allowing us to express negated
statements and convey negation in various contexts.
Understanding how to form negative sentences in
Arabic is crucial for effective communication.
4.1 ‫تعريف‬
‫النفي‬ (Ta'rīf an-Nafī) - Definition of Negation
Before we delve into the specifics of negation in
Arabic, let us define what negation means. Negation
is the process of expressing the opposite or denying
the truth of a statement. In Arabic, negation is
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 78
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accomplished by using specific words or structures to
indicate the negated form of a verb, noun, or
sentence.
4.2 ‫تشكيل‬
‫الجمل‬
‫النفي‬ (Tashkīl al-Jumal an-Nafī) - Forming
Negative Sentences
To create a negative sentence in Arabic, we typically
use the word "‫"َل‬ (lā) before the verb or adjective we
want to negate. "‫"َل‬ (lā) translates to "no" or "not" in
English. Here is an example:
- ‫الكتاب‬
‫موجود‬ . (Al-kitāb mawjūd.) - The book is present.
- ‫َل‬
‫يوجد‬
‫الكتاب‬ . (Lā yujad al-kitāb.) - The book is not
present.
In the example above, we added "‫"َل‬ (lā) before the verb
"‫"يوجد‬ (yujad), which means "is present." By doing so,
we negated the statement and expressed the opposite
meaning.
4.3 ‫األدوات‬
‫النافية‬ (Al-Adwāt an-Nāfiyah) - Negative
Particles
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In addition to "‫"َل‬ (lā), Arabic has other negative
particles that can be used to express negation. Some
common negative particles include:
- ‫ما‬ (mā) - not
- ْ‫م‬َ‫ل‬ (lam) - not (past tense)
- َ
‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬ (laysa) - not (copula verb)
These negative particles can be used in different
contexts and with different verb tenses to convey
negation. It's important to understand their usage
and application in various sentence structures.
4.4 ‫النفي‬
‫والتأكيد‬ (An-Nafī wal-Ta'kīd) - Negation and
Emphasis
In Arabic, negation can also be used for emphasis. By
negating a statement, we can draw attention to its
opposite or emphasize the denial of a particular action
or state. This emphasis is achieved by employing the
appropriate negative particle along with the verb or
adjective.
For example:
- ‫أنا‬
‫ذاهب‬
‫إلى‬
‫المدرسة‬ . (Anā dhāhib ilā al-madrasah.) - I am
going to school.
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- ‫لست‬
ً‫ا‬‫ذاهب‬
‫إلى‬
‫المدرسة‬ . (Lastu dhāhiban ilā al-madrasah.) -
I am not going to school.
In the second sentence, by negating the verb "‫"ذاهب‬
(dhāhib), we create emphasis on the action of not
going to school.
4.5 ‫النفي‬
‫في‬
‫األسئلة‬ (An-Nafī fī al-As'ilah) - Negation in
Questions
Negation is also used in forming negative questions in
Arabic. When asking a negative question, we often
use the negative particles " َ
‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬َ‫أ‬" (alaysa) or "ْ‫م‬َ‫أ‬" (am) at
the beginning of the question.
For example:
- ‫أليس‬
‫الكتاب‬
‫على‬
‫الطاولة؟‬ (Alaysa al-kitāb 'alā aţ-ţāwīlah?) -
Isn't the book on the table?
- ‫أم‬
‫َل‬
‫تريد‬
‫الذهاب؟‬ (Am lā turīd adh-dhahab?) - Don't you
want to go?
By incorporating negation into questions, we can seek
confirmation or emphasize the negated aspect of the
question.
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Understanding negation in Arabic is essential for
constructing accurate and meaningful sentences. By
employing the appropriate negative particles and
sentence structures, you can convey negation,
emphasize certain actions or states, and form
negative questions effectively. Practice using
negation in various contexts to enhance your Arabic
language skills and broaden your linguistic abilities.
SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SENTENCE
CONSTRUCTION
‫قسم‬
5
:
‫تمارين‬
‫عملية‬
‫لبناء‬
‫الجملة‬ (Tamārīn ʿamaliyya li-bināʾ al-
jumla)
In this section, you will find a variety of practice
exercises to enhance your skills in constructing
Arabic sentences. These exercises are designed to
reinforce the concepts and structures covered in
Chapter 4: Arabic Sentence Structure. By engaging in
these exercises, you will gain confidence in your
abilityto form grammatically correct and meaningful
sentences in Arabic.
Exercise 1: Sentence Formation with Subject-Verb
Agreement
- Form sentences using the given subjects and verbs,
ensuring proper subject-verb agreement.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 82
Abu Rayhan
Example: ‫الطالب‬
‫يدرس‬ . (Al-ṭālibu yadrusu.) - The student
studies.
Exercise 2: Sentence Order and Adjective Placement
- Rearrange the given words to form coherent
sentences, paying attention to the correct order of
words and proper placement of adjectives.
Example: ‫في‬
‫المكتبة‬
‫الكبيرة‬
‫الجديدة‬
‫نقرأ‬ . (Fī al-maktaba al-kabīra
al-jadīda naqraʾ.) - We read in the big new library.
Exercise 3: Forming Questions in Arabic
- Convert the given statements into questions by
changing the word order or using question words ( ْ‫ن‬َ‫م‬
/
‫ا‬َ‫م‬
/
ْ‫م‬َ‫ك‬
/
ْ‫َل‬‫ه‬ ).
Example: ‫تدرس‬
‫الطالبة‬
َ‫ة‬‫العربي‬ . (Tadrusu al-ṭālibatu al-
ʿarabiyya.) - Does the student (female) study Arabic?
Exercise 4: Negative Sentences in Arabic
- Transform the given affirmative sentences into
negative ones by adding the appropriate negation
word ( َ
‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬
/
‫ا‬َ‫م‬ ).
Example: ‫أنا‬
‫ذاهب‬
‫إلى‬
‫المدرسة‬ . (Anā dhāhibun ilā al-
madrasa.) - I am going to school. (Negative: َ
‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬
‫أنا‬
‫ذاهب‬
‫إلى‬
‫المدرسة‬ . - I am not going to school.)
Exercise 5: Combining Sentences with Conjunctions
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 83
Abu Rayhan
- Connect the given sentences using appropriate
conjunctions ( َ‫و‬
/
ْ‫و‬َ‫أ‬
/
ِ‫ك‬َ‫ل‬
ْ‫ن‬
/
‫ـ‬َ‫ف‬ ).
Example: ‫أحمد‬
‫يذهب‬
‫إلى‬
‫المدرسة‬
.
‫فاطمة‬
‫تدرس‬
‫في‬
‫البيت‬ . (Aḥmad
yadhhab ilā al-madrasa. Fāṭima tadrusu fī al-bayt.) -
Ahmad goes to school, but Fatima studies at home.
Exercise 6: Writing Complex Sentences
- Write complex sentences by combining the provided
clauses, using relative pronouns ( ‫الذي‬
/
‫التي‬
/
‫الالتي‬ ) or
subordinating conjunctions ( ‫إذا‬
/
َ‫د‬ْ‫ع‬َ‫ب‬
/
َ‫ل‬ْ‫ب‬َ‫ق‬ ).
Example: ‫الكتاب‬
‫الذي‬
‫اشتريته‬
‫هو‬
‫مفيد‬ . (Al-kitābu al-ladhī
ishtaraytuhu huwa mufīdun.) - The book that I
bought is useful.
These practice exercises will allow you to apply your
knowledge of Arabic sentence construction and
reinforce your understanding of the grammar
concepts covered. Regular practice will help you
develop fluency and confidence in forming well-
structured sentences in Arabic.
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 84
Abu Rayhan
CHAPTER 5: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC WRITING
SECTION 1: ARABIC HANDWRITING AND
CALLIGRAPHY
Arabic handwriting and calligraphy have been
essential components of Arabic culture and art for
centuries. In this section, we will explore the history,
importance, and different styles of Arabic
handwriting and calligraphy.
‫تاريخ‬
‫الخط‬
‫العربي‬
‫والخطاطية‬ (Tarikh al-Khat al-'Arabi wal-
Khattatiyah) - History of Arabic Handwriting and
Calligraphy
Arabic handwriting has a rich and complex history
that dates back to the pre-Islamic era. The earliest
known Arabic inscriptions were found in the Arabian
Peninsula and date back to the 4th century CE. Arabic
handwriting and calligraphy evolved and flourished
during the Islamic Golden Age, where it became an
integral part of Islamic art, architecture, and
literature.
‫أهمية‬
‫الخط‬
‫العربي‬
‫والخطاطية‬ (Ahmiyat al-Khat al-'Arabi wal-
Khattatiyah) - Importance of Arabic Handwriting and
Calligraphy
Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 85
Abu Rayhan
Arabic handwriting and calligraphy hold significant
cultural and religious importance in the Arab and
Muslim world. It is considered a form of visual
expression and a means of preserving the Arabic
language and Islamic heritage. The art of Arabic
handwriting and calligraphy is also associated with
spirituality, as many Quranic verses and religious
texts are beautifully rendered in calligraphy.
‫أساليب‬
‫الخط‬
‫العربي‬
‫والخطاطية‬ (Asaliyib al-Khat al-'Arabi wal-
Khattatiyah) - Styles of Arabic Handwriting and
Calligraphy
Arabic handwriting and calligraphy have several
different styles, each with its unique characteristics
and origins. The most famous styles of Arabic
calligraphy include:
1. Kufic Calligraphy (al-Khatt al-Kufi) - A square,
angular style that dates back to the 7th century CE
and was commonly used for writing Quranic verses
and inscriptions on mosques and other buildings.
2. Naskh Calligraphy (al-Khatt al-Naskhi) - A cursive
style that emerged in the 10th century CE and is still
widely used today for writing Arabic texts.
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Practical Guide to Learning Arabic

  • 1.
  • 3. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 2 Abu Rayhan COPYRIGHT © 2023 BY ABU RAYHAN All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permissions requests, please contact the publisher at the following address: RAYHANS 20/7, Road 5, Sector 6 Uttara, Dhaka 1230 Bangladesh Email: info@rayhans.com.bd Website: www.rayhans.com.bd
  • 4. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 3 Abu Rayhan CONTENTS Preface.............................................................................................10 Part 1: Introduction to Arabic Language and Script ..................14 Chapter 1: Arabic Alphabet and Pronunciation......................14 Section 1: Introduction to Arabic Script ..............................14 Section 2: Arabic Vowels and Diacritical Marks.................17 Section 3: Consonants and Letter Forms ............................20 Section 4: Pronunciation Tips and Common Sounds ........24 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Alphabet and Pronunciation.........................................................................27 Chapter 2: Basic Arabic Grammar ...........................................29 Section 1: Nouns and Gender in Arabic...............................29 Section 2: Arabic Definite and Indefinite Articles..............32 Section 3: Singular and Plural Forms of Nouns .................36 Section 4: Introduction to Arabic Verbs..............................38 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Basic Grammar Concepts ..................................................................................................49 Chapter 3: Arabic Vocabulary Building...................................52 Section 1: Common Arabic Words and Phrases..................52 Section 2: Arabic Numbers and Counting...........................56 Section 3: Colors, Days, and Months in Arabic ..................59 Section 4: Basic Arabic Expressions and Greetings ...........62 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Vocabulary Expansion...64 Chapter 4: Arabic Sentence Structure .....................................68
  • 5. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 4 Abu Rayhan Section 1: Subject-Verb Agreement in Arabic.....................68 Section 2: Basic Sentence Order in Arabic..........................71 Section 3: Questions and Interrogative Words ..................74 Section 4: Negation in Arabic Sentences.............................77 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Sentence Construction ..81 Chapter 5: Introduction to Arabic Writing .............................84 Section 1: Arabic Handwriting and Calligraphy .................84 Section 2: Arabic Punctuation Marks and Symbols...........87 Section 3: Arabic Writing Styles and Formats....................90 Section 4: Writing Dates, Addresses, and Numbers..........93 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Arabic Writing Skills .....95 Part 2: Building Vocabulary and Expressions............................98 Chapter 6: Essential Arabic Verbs ...........................................98 Section 1: Regular Verbs and Verb Conjugation ................98 Section 2: Common Irregular Verbs in Arabic .................118 Section 3: Verb Tenses and Moods in Arabic ...................121 Section 4: Using Verbs in Sentences and Questions........123 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Verb Usage and Conjugation ..........................................................................137 Chapter 7: Arabic Nouns and Adjectives...............................143 Section 1: Forms and Patterns of Arabic Nouns...............143 Section 2: Adjective Agreement in Arabic.........................175 Section 3: Describing People, Places, and Objects...........179 Section 4: Practice Exercises for Nouns and Adjectives..181 Chapter 8: Arabic Prepositions and Pronouns.....................184
  • 6. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 5 Abu Rayhan Section 1: Common Arabic Prepositions and Usage ........184 Section 2: Demonstrative Pronouns in Arabic..................187 Section 3: Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives................190 Section 4: Using Pronouns with Verbs and Nouns ..........195 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Prepositions and Pronouns ................................................................................................199 Chapter 9: Arabic Idioms and Expressions...........................202 Section 1: Idiomatic Phrases and Proverbs in Arabic ......202 Section 2: Expressing Emotions and Feelings..................205 Section 3: Arabic Idioms for Everyday Situations............211 Section 4: Cultural Context and Etiquette in Expressions ................................................................................................214 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Idioms and Expressions ................................................................................................220 Chapter 10: Advanced Vocabulary Expansion......................224 Section 1: Specialized Terminology in Arabic ...................224 Section 2: Academic and Professional Vocabulary ..........227 Section 3: Arabic Vocabulary for Travel and Tourism.....230 Section 4: Arabic Vocabulary for Business and Commerce ................................................................................................233 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Advanced Vocabulary ..239 Part 3: Mastering Arabic Grammar ...........................................245 Chapter 11: Verb Conjugation and Moods.............................245 Section 1: Advanced Verb Forms and Conjugation..........245 Section 2: Conditional and Subjunctive Moods................315 Section 3: Imperative and Jussive Forms .........................318
  • 7. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 6 Abu Rayhan Section 4: Verbal Nouns and Infinitives ...........................320 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Verb Conjugation and Moods....................................................................................323 Chapter 12: Advanced Sentence Structure............................331 Section 1: Complex Sentence Construction.......................331 Section 2: Relative Clauses and Adverbial Phrases..........340 Section 3: Comparison and Superlative Structures .........342 Section 4: Passive Voice and Causative Verbs..................345 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Advanced Sentence Structure ...............................................................................347 Chapter 13: Arabic Pronouns and Pronoun Suffixes ...........351 Section 1: Personal Pronouns and Possession..................351 Section 2: Object Pronouns and Pronoun Suffixes ..........356 Section 3: Demonstrative and Relative Pronouns ...........359 Section 4: Interrogative and Indefinite Pronouns ...........363 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Pronouns and Pronoun Suffixes..................................................................................365 Chapter 14: Arabic Adverbs and Conjunctions.....................371 Section 1: Common Arabic Adverbs and Usage................371 Section 2: Adverbial Phrases and Time Expressions.......376 Section 3: Comparative and Intensive Adverbs ...............379 Section 4: Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions ................................................................................................381 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Adverbs and Conjunctions ................................................................................................384 Chapter 15: Arabic Word Formation and Derivatives .........391
  • 8. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 7 Abu Rayhan Section 1: Root System and Word Families in Arabic......391 Section 2: Forming Nouns, Verbs, and Adjectives ...........393 Section 3: Augmentatives and Diminutives in Arabic .....397 Section 4: Reduplications and Intensifiers .......................400 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Word Formation and Derivatives ............................................................................403 Part 4: Developing Language Skills ...........................................406 Chapter 16: Arabic Listening Comprehension......................406 Section 1: Strategies for Improving Listening Skills ........406 Section 2: Listening to Arabic Conversations and Dialogues ................................................................................................410 Section 3: Audio Resources and Language Learning Tools ................................................................................................413 Section 4: Note-taking and Transcription Exercises........415 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Listening Comprehension ................................................................................................418 Chapter 17: Arabic Speaking and Conversation Practice.....422 Section 1: Oral Expression and Pronunciation Practice ..422 Section 2: Role-playing and Everyday Conversations .....425 Section 3: Participating in Discussions and Debates .......429 Section 4: Giving Presentations and Speeches .................432 Chapter 18: Arabic Reading Comprehension........................436 Section 1: Developing Reading Strategies and Skills .......436 Section 2: Reading Arabic Texts and Articles ...................442 Section 3: Understanding Literary and Poetic Texts .......448
  • 9. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 8 Abu Rayhan Section 4: Reading Comprehension Exercises and Questions ..............................................................................454 Chapter 19: Arabic Writing and Composition ......................458 Section 1: Improving Arabic Writing Skills and Style......458 Section 2: Writing Essays and Opinion Pieces .................461 Section 3: Letter Writing and Correspondence in Arabic465 Section 4: Creative Writing and Expressive Language....483 Chapter 20: Arabic Cultural and Contextual Understanding ....................................................................................................489 Section 1: Cultural Customs and Traditions in Arabic- Speaking Countries..............................................................489 Section 2: Arabic Literature, Art, and Music ....................492 Section 3: Arab-Islamic History and Civilization.............499 Section 4: Social Etiquette and Communication Norms.508 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Cultural and Contextual Understanding......................................................................513 Part 5: Mastery and Beyond .......................................................517 Chapter 21: Advanced Grammar and Syntax........................517 Section 1: Advanced Verb Forms and Irregularities ........517 Section 2: Advanced Sentence Structures and Complex Syntax....................................................................................525 Section 3: Idiomatic Expressions and Figurative Language ................................................................................................531 Section 4: Stylistic Devices and Rhetorical Techniques ..534 Section 5: Practice Exercises for Advanced Grammar and Syntax....................................................................................538 Chapter 22: Arabic Dialects and Regional Variations .........541
  • 10. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 9 Abu Rayhan Section 1: Overview of Arabic Dialects and Regions ........541 Section 2: Distinguishing Features of Major Dialects......545 Section 3: Communicating in Different Arabic Dialects..547 Chapter 23: Arabic for Specific Purposes..............................555 Section 1: Arabic for Business and Professional Communication....................................................................555 Section 2: Arabic for Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality...561 Section 3: Arabic for Media and Journalism ....................564 Section 4: Arabic for Academic and Research Purposes .573 Chapter 24: Arabic Language Proficiency Tests and Certifications.............................................................................580 Section 1: Overview of Arabic Language Proficiency Tests ................................................................................................580 Section 2: Preparing for and Taking the Arabic Language Exams ....................................................................................588 Section 3: Common Language Certifications and Accreditation.........................................................................592 Section 4: Test Strategies and Tips for Success ................595 Chapter 25: Resources for Continued Arabic Learning.......599 Section 1: Online and Digital Arabic Learning Tools.......599 Section 2: Arabic Language Books, Dictionaries, and References.............................................................................602 Conclusion: Your Journey to Arabic Mastery.......................605 About The Author ........................................................................609
  • 11. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 10 Abu Rayhan
  • 12. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 11 Abu Rayhan PREFACE Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh. Marhaban! In this introductory section, we will provide you with an overview of what to expect from this book and why learning Arabic is important and beneficial. Why Learn Arabic? Arabic is a language of great importance, not only because it is the language of the Quran and Islamic traditions, but also because of its cultural significance and the practical benefits of learning it. From a cultural standpoint, learning Arabic opens up new horizons of knowledge and understanding of the Islamic world. It allows you to appreciate the rich literary heritage of Arabic literature and poetry, as well as the music, art, and architecture of Arabic- speaking countries. From a practical perspective, Arabic is a language that is widely used in business, politics, and diplomacy. Arabic-speaking countries have a rapidly growing economy and are becoming important players on the
  • 13. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 12 Abu Rayhan global stage. Learning Arabic can give you a competitive edge in the job market and open up new opportunities for travel, trade, and cultural exchange. Overview of the Book In this book, we have organized our content into five parts, each covering a specific aspect of learning Arabic: Part 1: Arabic Basics - In this part, we will start with the basics of the Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, and basic grammar. Part 2: Vocabulary Building - In this part, we will focus on expanding your Arabic vocabulary, with emphasis on common words and phrases used in everyday communication. Part 3: Arabic Grammar - In this part, we will delve deeper into Arabic grammar, covering topics such as verbs, tenses, and sentence structure. Part 4: Cultural and Contextual Understanding - In this part, we will explore the cultural and historical context of the Arabic language, including literature, art, music, and social norms.
  • 14. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 13 Abu Rayhan Part 5: Mastery and Beyond - In this part, we will provide advanced learning resources for those who want to take their Arabic language skills to the next level, including dialects, specific language needs, and language proficiency tests. Throughout the book, we will provide numerous examples, exercises, and activities to help you practice and reinforce your learning. We encourage you to take your time and work through each section systematically, and to be patient with yourself as you progress through the material. Insha'Allah, by the end of this book, you will have a solid foundation in Arabic language and culture, and the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in Arabic-speaking contexts. Bismillah! Let us begin our journey to learning Arabic. May Allah help us! Abu Rayhan The Author
  • 15. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 14 Abu Rayhan PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC LANGUAGE AND SCRIPT CHAPTER 1: ARABIC ALPHABET AND PRONUNCIATION SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC SCRIPT The Arabic script is a unique and beautiful writing system used to represent the Arabic language. It is written from right to left, and its letters are connected, forming a cursive script. In this section, we will explore the basics of the Arabic script and familiarize ourselves with its letters and pronunciation. 1.1 Arabic Alphabet ( ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫د‬َ‫ج‬ْ‫ب‬َ‫أل‬‫ا‬ ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫ال‬ ) The Arabic alphabet is the basis of the Arabic script, and it consists of 28 letters. Each letter in the Arabic alphabet has a unique shape, and it is important to learn how to write and read them correctly. Arabic Alphabet (with English transliteration): ‫ا‬ (alif), ‫ب‬ (ba), ‫ت‬ (ta), ‫ث‬ (tha), ‫ج‬ (jim), ‫ح‬ (ha), ‫خ‬ (khah), ‫د‬ (dal), ‫ذ‬ (dhal), ‫ر‬ (ra), ‫ز‬ (zayn), ‫س‬ (seen), ‫ش‬ (sheen), ‫ص‬ (sad), ‫ض‬ (dad), ‫ط‬ (ta), ‫ظ‬ (za), ‫ع‬ (ayn), ‫غ‬ (ghayn), ‫ف‬ (fa), ‫ق‬
  • 16. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 15 Abu Rayhan (qaf), ‫ك‬ (kaf), ‫ل‬ (lam), ‫م‬ (meem), ‫ن‬ (noon), ‫ه‬ (ha), ‫و‬ (waw), ‫ي‬ (ya) Remember, learning the Arabic alphabet is the foundation for your Arabic language journey. Take your time to familiarize yourself with the shapes and sounds of each letter. Practice writing the letters and pronouncing them correctly. The letters are classified into two categories: Sun Letters ( ‫الحروف‬ ‫الشمسية‬ ) These are the letters that are pronounced differently when they come after certain letters. There are 14 sun letters in the Arabic alphabet, which are: ‫ت‬ ‫ث‬ ‫د‬ ‫ذ‬ ‫ر‬ ‫ز‬ ‫س‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ص‬ ‫ض‬ ‫ط‬ ‫ظ‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ن‬ . Moon Letters ( ‫الحروف‬ ‫القمرية‬ ) These are the letters that are pronounced the same way no matter what letter comes before them. There are 14 moon letters in the Arabic alphabet, which are: ‫أ‬ ‫ب‬ ‫ج‬ ‫ح‬ ‫خ‬ ‫ع‬ ‫غ‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ك‬ ‫م‬ ‫و‬ ‫ي‬ . 1.2 Arabic Vowels and Diacritical Marks ( ‫َات‬‫ك‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ح‬ ‫ِيالت‬‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬َ‫ت‬‫و‬ ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬ْ‫ل‬‫)ا‬
  • 17. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 16 Abu Rayhan Arabic vowels are represented by diacritical marks known as "harakat." These marks indicate the short vowels "a," "i," and "u" that accompany the consonants. Examples of Arabic diacritical marks include "َ‫"ـ‬ for "a," "ِ‫ـ‬" for "i," and "‫"ـ‬ for "u." 1.3 Consonants and Letter Forms ( ‫وف‬‫ر‬‫ح‬ ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬ْ‫ل‬‫ا‬ ‫وأشكالها‬ ) Arabic consonants are the core building blocks of the language. They are written using the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet. Each letter has a unique shape and pronunciation. Some letters share similar shapes but differ in dots or other distinguishing features. For example, "‫"ت‬ (ta) and "‫"ث‬ (tha) havesimilar shapes, but "‫"ث‬ has an additional dot above it. 1.4 Pronunciation Tips and Common Sounds ( ‫ِح‬‫ئ‬‫ا‬َ‫ص‬َ‫ن‬ ‫ق‬ْ‫ط‬ُّ‫ن‬‫ِل‬‫ل‬ ‫ات‬َ‫و‬ْ‫ص‬‫وأ‬ ‫ة‬َ‫ع‬ِ‫ئ‬‫َا‬‫ش‬ ) Learning proper pronunciation is crucial for mastering Arabic. In this section, we will delve into the pronunciation of Arabic sounds, including guttural sounds like "‫"ح‬ (ha) and "‫"ع‬('ayn). We will also cover the correct articulation of letters with similar sounds, such as "‫"ص‬ (sad) and "‫"س‬ (seen). 1.5 Practice Exercises for Alphabet and Pronunciation ( ‫ين‬ ِ ‫ار‬َ‫م‬َ‫ت‬ ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫ل‬َ‫م‬َ‫ع‬ ‫َّة‬‫ي‬ِ‫د‬َ‫ج‬ْ‫ب‬َ ْ ‫ِْل‬‫ل‬ ‫ق‬ْ‫ط‬ُّ‫ن‬‫وال‬ ) To reinforce your understanding of the Arabic alphabet and pronunciation, this section includes
  • 18. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 17 Abu Rayhan various practice exercises. You will have the opportunity to write and pronounce Arabic letters, identify their initial, medial, and final forms, and practice the correct pronunciation of different Arabic sounds. By the end of this section, you will have gained a solid foundation in the Arabic script, enabling you to read and write Arabic words and sentences accurately. Remember, practice is key to mastering the intricacies of the Arabic script, so make sure to dedicate time to regular writing and pronunciation exercises. SECTION 2: ARABIC VOWELS AND DIACRITICAL MARKS In Arabic, vowels play a crucial role in determining the pronunciation and meaning of words. Unlike the consonants, which are represented by letters, Arabic vowels are indicated using diacritical marks called "ḥarakāt." These diacritical marks are essential for accurate pronunciation and comprehension of the Arabic language. 1. Short Vowels (Ḥarakāt) Arabic has three short vowel sounds, also known as "ḥarakāt al-maḍī" or past tense vowels. They are as follows:
  • 19. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 18 Abu Rayhan - Fatḥah (َ‫)ـ‬: Represents the short vowel "a" as in "cat." It appears as a diagonal stroke placed above a letter. - Kasrah (ِ‫ـ‬): Represents the short vowel "i" as in "sit." It appears as a diagonal stroke placed below a letter. - Ḍammah (‫)ـ‬: Represents the short vowel "u" as in "put." It appears as a small curl placed above a letter. These short vowels indicate the pronunciation of individual letters within words and are essential for correct word formation and understanding. 2. Long Vowels (Ḥarakāt al-mudāriʿ) Arabic also has long vowel sounds, referred to as "ḥarakāt al-mudāriʿ" or present tense vowels. Unlike short vowels, long vowels are not represented by diacritical marks but are written using specific letters. The long vowels are as follows: - Alif (‫)ا‬: Represents the long vowel "ā" as in "father." Alif is written as a vertical stroke without any diacritical mark. - Wāw (‫)و‬: Represents the long vowel "ū" as in "soon." Wāw appears as a rounded letter resembling the English letter "w." - Yāʾ (‫)ي‬: Represents the long vowel "ī" as in "see." Yāʾ is written as a letter resembling the English letter "y."
  • 20. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 19 Abu Rayhan Long vowels are important in Arabic to distinguish between words with similar consonantal structures and to convey correct pronunciation. 3. Diacritical Marks (Ḥarakāt al-tashkīl) In addition to vowel marks, Arabic employs diacritical marks known as "ḥarakāt al-tashkīl" to indicate the absence of certain vowels, provide emphasis, or specify correct pronunciation. The diacritical marks used in Arabic include: - Shaddah (ّ): Represents gemination or the doubling of a consonant. It appears as a small vertical stroke written above a letter. - Sukūn (ّ): Indicates the absence of any vowel sound after a consonant. It appears as a small circle placed above a letter. - Tanwīn (ّّّ): Represents the nasalization of a vowel sound. Tanwīn appears as three small dashes written above a letter, each indicating a different nasalization: "un" for fatḥah, "in" for kasrah, and "an" for ḍammah. The use of diacritical marks enhances clarity and ensures accurate pronunciation, especially in texts where vowel marks are omitted.
  • 21. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 20 Abu Rayhan By understanding and recognizing these Arabic vowels and diacritical marks, you will be able to read and pronounce Arabic words accurately. Practice reading and writing words with different vowel sounds and diacritical marks to improve your proficiency in Arabic pronunciation and comprehension. SECTION 3: CONSONANTS AND LETTER FORMS In Arabic, consonants play a fundamental role in the language's phonetic system. Understanding the various consonant sounds and letter forms is crucial for mastering Arabic pronunciation and reading skills. In this section, we will explore the different consonants in Arabic and their corresponding letter forms. Arabic Consonant Sounds: The Arabic language consists of a rich inventory of consonant sounds, each with its unique pronunciation. Here are some of the most common consonant sounds in Arabic: 1. ‫ب‬ (Bāʾ): This sound is similar to the English "b" sound, as in "book."
  • 22. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 21 Abu Rayhan 2. ‫ت‬ (Tāʾ): It is pronounced like the English "t" sound, as in "tea." 3. ‫ث‬ (Thāʾ): This sound is similar to the English "th" sound in "thing." 4. ‫ج‬ (Jīm): Pronounced like the soft "g" sound in "gel." 5. ‫ح‬ (Ḥāʾ): This sound is a guttural fricative, with no direct equivalent in English. It is pronounced from the back of the throat, similar to the "ch" sound in Scottish "loch." 6. ‫خ‬ (Khāʾ): Also a guttural fricative, this sound is pronounced similarly to the "ch" sound in German "Bach" or the Spanish "j" sound in "jalapeño." 7. ‫د‬ (Dāl): Pronounced like the English "d" sound, as in "door." 8. ‫ر‬ (Rāʾ): It is pronounced as a rolled "r" sound, similar to the Spanish "rr" in "perro." 9. ‫ز‬ (Zāy): This sound is like the English "z" sound in "zebra."
  • 23. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 22 Abu Rayhan 10. ‫س‬ (Sīn): Pronounced like the English "s" sound, as in "sun." Arabic Letter Forms: Each Arabic consonant has a specific letter form, which may change depending on its position within a word. The letter forms are written differently when they occur at the beginning, middle, or end of a word. For example, the letter ‫ب‬ (Bāʾ) has the following forms: 1. ‫بـ‬: When appearing at the beginning of a word, it is written as ‫بـ‬. For instance, ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ (bayt), meaning "house." 2. ‫ـبـ‬: When occurring in the middle of a word, it takes the form ‫ـبـ‬. For example, ‫ح‬َ‫ب‬ْ‫ذ‬َ‫م‬ (maḏbaḥ), meaning "slaughterhouse." 3. ‫ـب‬: When it appears at the end of a word, it is written as ‫ـب‬. For instance, ‫يد‬ ِ ‫ص‬َ‫ر‬ (raṣīd), meaning "balance." It is essential to practice writing and recognizing these different letter forms to develop a solid foundation in Arabic reading and writing.
  • 24. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 23 Abu Rayhan In the next section, we will delve further into Arabic pronunciation and vowel sounds, which, when combined with consonants, form the basis of Arabic words and phrases. Practice Exercise: 1. Write the letter forms of the following consonants in Arabic: a. ‫ت‬ (Tāʾ) b. ‫خ‬ (Khāʾ) c. ‫ر‬ (Rāʾ) d. ‫س‬ (Sīn) 2. Identify the positions of the given consonants in the following words: a. ‫باب‬ (bāb) b. ‫اء‬َ‫م‬َ‫س‬ (samāʾ) c. ‫س‬َ‫ر‬ ‫ول‬ (rasūl) d. ‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasa) Remember to practice these consonant sounds and letter forms regularly to strengthen your Arabic language skills.
  • 25. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 24 Abu Rayhan SECTION 4: PRONUNCIATION TIPS AND COMMON SOUNDS In this section, we will delve into important pronunciation tips and explore the common sounds in the Arabic language. Pronunciation plays a crucial role in mastering any language, and Arabic is no exception. Understanding the correct pronunciation of Arabic sounds will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively. 1. Arabic Sounds and Letters: Arabic has unique sounds that may not exist in other languages. It is important to familiarize yourself with these sounds to ensure accurate pronunciation. Here are some key sounds and their corresponding Arabic letters: - ‫ق‬ (Qaf): This is a guttural sound that is pronounced by constricting the back of the throat. It is similar to the "k" sound in the English word "kick" but with a deeper emphasis on the throat. - ‫ع‬ ('Ayn): This is another guttural sound, often challenging for non-native speakers. It is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative and does not have an exact equivalent in English. - ‫ح‬ (Ha): This is a voiceless pharyngeal fricative similar to the "h" sound in "hello" but produced from a deeper place in the throat.
  • 26. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 25 Abu Rayhan 2. Vowels and Diacritical Marks: Arabic has three short vowels, known as fatha, kasra, and damma, represented by diacritical marks above or below the consonants. It is essential to differentiate between these vowel sounds to pronounce words accurately. - ّ (Fatha): This is the short "a" sound, as in "cat." - ّ (Kasra): This represents the short "i" sound, as in "sit." - ّ (Damma): This denotes the short "u" sound, as in "put." 3. Emphasis on Letters: Arabic is an emphatic language, meaning some letters have a stronger emphasis or articulation. Emphasizing these sounds correctly enhances the clarity of your speech. Here are some notable emphatic letters: - ‫ط‬ (Ta): This is a heavy "t" sound pronounced by placing the tip of the tongue on the upper teeth and applying firm pressure. - ‫ص‬ (Sad): This is a voiceless "s" sound produced by placing the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth and pushing air out forcefully.
  • 27. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 26 Abu Rayhan - ‫ض‬ (Dad): This is a heavy "d" sound articulated by placing the tip of the tongue on the upper teeth and applying firm pressure, similar to the sound of "d" in "David." 4. Syllable Stress: Arabic words have a stress pattern, with stress usually falling on the last or second-to-last syllable. Paying attention to syllable stress is crucial for proper word pronunciation and comprehension. 5. Practice Exercises: To improve your pronunciation skills, engage in regular practice exercises. Listen to native speakers, repeat words and phrases, and record yourself to identify areas for improvement. Practice differentiating between similar sounds and pay attention to correct letter articulation. Remember, consistent practice and exposure to Arabic sounds will enhance your pronunciation skills over time. Embrace the unique sounds of Arabic and strive for clarity and accuracy in your speech.
  • 28. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 27 Abu Rayhan SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR ALPHABET AND PRONUNCIATION In this section, we will provide a series of practice exercises to help you master the Arabic alphabet and pronunciation. Exercise 1: Identify the following Arabic letters: ،‫أ‬ ،‫ب‬ ،‫ت‬ ،‫ث‬ ،‫ج‬ ،‫ح‬ ،‫خ‬ ،‫د‬ ،‫ذ‬ ‫ر‬ Exercise 2: Arrange the following Arabic letters in the correct order: ،‫ب‬ ،‫ت‬ ،‫ج‬ ،‫ح‬ ،‫د‬ ،‫خ‬ ،‫ر‬ ،‫ز‬ ،‫س‬ ‫ش‬ Exercise 3: Write the following Arabic letters: ،‫ء‬ ،‫آ‬ ،‫ب‬ ،‫ت‬ ،‫ث‬ ،‫ج‬ ،‫ح‬ ،‫خ‬ ،‫د‬ ‫ذ‬ Exercise 4: Pronounce the following Arabic words and identify the vowel sound: ‫ْح‬‫ي‬ِ‫ف‬َ‫ص‬ (a), ‫ْل‬‫ي‬ِ‫و‬َ‫ط‬ (i), ‫ْر‬‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ك‬ (i), ‫ْر‬‫ي‬ِ‫د‬َ‫ق‬ (a), ‫ْض‬‫ي‬ ِ ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬ (i)
  • 29. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 28 Abu Rayhan Exercise 5: Repeat the following Arabic words several times: ،َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ ، َ ‫س‬َ‫ل‬َ‫ج‬ ،َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫ق‬ ،َ‫َب‬‫ه‬َ‫ذ‬ َ‫ب‬ ِ ‫َر‬‫ش‬ By practicing these exercises regularly, you will improve your proficiency in Arabic alphabet and pronunciation. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they are an important part of the learning process. Keep practicing and you will be well on your way to mastering the Arabic language.
  • 30. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 29 Abu Rayhan CHAPTER 2: BASIC ARABIC GRAMMAR SECTION 1: NOUNS AND GENDER IN ARABIC In Arabic, nouns play a fundamental role in constructing sentences and conveying meaning. Understanding how nouns are formed and how gender is expressed is essential for building a strong foundation in the language. 1.1 Introduction to Nouns (‫األسماء‬ - al-asmāʾ) Nouns in Arabic are known as "ism" (‫)اسم‬ and they refer to people, places, objects, and concepts. They function as the subjects or objects of sentences and are crucial for expressing ideas and describing the world around us. 1.2 Gender in Arabic (‫الجنس‬ - al-jins) Unlike some other languages, Arabic assigns gender to nouns. Nouns in Arabic are either masculine (‫مذكر‬ - mudhakkar) or feminine (‫مؤنث‬ - mu'annath). The gender of a noun is not always predictable, so it is important to learn the gender of nouns alongside their meanings. 1.3 Masculine Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬ ‫المذكرة‬ - al-asmāʾ al- mudhakkara)
  • 31. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 30 Abu Rayhan Masculine nouns in Arabic are characterized by specific endings, patterns, or the absence of certain vowel sounds. For example, many masculine nouns end with the letter "‫"ـ‬ (tanwīn), which indicates the nominative case. Examples of masculine nouns: - ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - book - ‫ل‬‫ج‬َ‫ر‬ (rajulun) - man - ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ (baytun) - house 1.4 Feminine Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬ ‫المؤنثة‬ - al-asmāʾ al- mu'annatha) Feminine nouns in Arabic also have distinctive endings and patterns that differentiate them from masculine nouns. Many feminine nouns end with the letters "‫"ـة‬ (ta marbuta), which indicates the feminine gender. Examples of feminine nouns: - ‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasatun) - school - ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ (bintun) - girl - ‫ة‬َ‫َّار‬‫ي‬َ‫س‬ (sayyaratun) - car 1.5 Gender Agreement ( ‫َاق‬‫ف‬ِ‫ِت‬‫ا‬ ‫س‬ْ‫ن‬ ِ‫الج‬ - ittifāq al-jins) Gender agreement is an important concept in Arabic grammar. Adjectives, verbs, pronouns, and articles
  • 32. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 31 Abu Rayhan must agree in gender with the noun they modify or refer to. This means that the form of these words will change depending on whether the noun is masculine or feminine. For example: - The adjective "‫يل‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬" (jamīlun) meaning "beautiful" is used with masculine nouns, like " ‫ل‬‫ج‬َ‫ر‬ ‫يل‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬ " (rajulun jamīlun) - a handsome man. - The adjective "‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ي‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬" (jamīlatun) meaning "beautiful" is used with feminine nouns, like " ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ي‬ِ‫م‬َ‫ج‬ " (bintun jamīlatun) - a beautiful girl. 1.6 Practice Exercises for Nouns and Gender To reinforce your understanding of nouns and gender in Arabic, practice identifying and categorizing nouns as masculine or feminine. Create sentences using masculine and feminine nouns, and ensure that adjectives and verbs agree in gender with their respective nouns. Remember, mastering the concept of nouns and gender in Arabic is crucial for developing strong language skills. By familiarizing yourself with the patterns and rules associated with masculine and feminine nouns, you will be able to express yourself accurately and confidently in Arabic.
  • 33. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 32 Abu Rayhan SECTION 2: ARABIC DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES In Arabic, just like in many other languages, articles play an important role in determining the specificity or general nature of a noun. In this section, we will explore the usage and forms of the definite and indefinite articles in Arabic. 2.1 Definite Article: "Al-" (‫)الـ‬ The definite article in Arabic is represented by the letter "alif lam" (‫)الـ‬ which is transliterated as "al-". It is equivalent to the English definite article "the". The definite article is used to indicate that the noun it precedes refers to a specific or known entity. For example: - ‫الكتاب‬ (alkitāb) - "The book" - ‫البيت‬ (albayt) - "The house" The definite article "al-" undergoes assimilation (Idghām) with certain letters. When the following noun starts with one of the assimilation letters, the "lam" (‫)لـ‬ assimilates with that letter, resulting in a geminated or doubled sound. For example:
  • 34. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 33 Abu Rayhan - ‫الجبل‬ (aljabal) - "The mountain" - ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫الك‬ (alkutub) - "The books" In Arabic, the definite article must agree with the number and gender of the noun it precedes. a. Agreement with Number: Singular: When the noun is singular, the definite article is "al" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ل‬ ). Example: ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬‫ال‬ (alkitābu) - "the book" Dual: When the noun is dual, indicating two of something, the definite article changes to "al" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ل‬ ) as well. Example: ِ‫ان‬َ‫ب‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬‫ال‬ (alkitābāni) - "the two books" Plural: When the noun is plural, the definite article becomes "al" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ل‬ ). Example: ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫الك‬ (alkutubu) - "the books" 2.2 Indefinite Article: "Un" (‫)ـ‬ / "An" (‫ا‬ً‫ـ‬) / "A" (َ‫)ـ‬ The indefinite article in Arabic is used to indicate a nonspecific or unidentified noun. It does not have a fixed form like the definite article but is marked by
  • 35. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 34 Abu Rayhan the case endings or tanwīn. The three forms of the indefinite article are: - "Un" (‫)ـ‬ - Used for masculine nouns ending in a tanwīn. - "An" (‫ا‬ً‫ـ‬) - Used for feminine nouns ending in a tanwīn. - "A" (َ‫)ـ‬ - Used for nouns in the nominative case. For example: - ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - "A book" - ً‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasatan) - "A school" - ً‫ة‬َ‫د‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫و‬ (wardatan) - "A rose" Similar to the definite article, the indefinite article also agrees with the number and gender of the noun it modifies. a. Agreement with Number: Singular: The indefinite article for singular nouns is "un" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ). Example: ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - "a book" Dual: The indefinite article for dual nouns is "un" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ).
  • 36. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 35 Abu Rayhan Example: ِ‫ان‬َ‫ب‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābāni) - "two books" Plural: The indefinite article for plural nouns is "un" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ). Example: ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫ك‬ (kutubun) - "books" b. Agreement with Gender: Masculine: Masculine singular nouns take the indefinite article "un" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ). Example: ‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫و‬ (waladun) - "a boy" Feminine: Feminine singular nouns also use "un" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ) as the indefinite article. Example: ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ (bintun) - "a girl" Plural: Both masculine and feminine plural nouns are introduced by "un" ( ‫ٱ‬ ‫ن‬ ). Example: ‫ال‬َ‫ج‬ ِ ‫ر‬ (rijālun) - "men" ‫اء‬َ‫س‬ِ‫ن‬ (nisā'un) - "women" It is important to note that the indefinite article is not used in Arabic when referring to general or abstract concepts. In such cases, the noun stands alone without any article.
  • 37. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 36 Abu Rayhan Understanding the usage of definite and indefinite articles in Arabic is crucial for constructing accurate and meaningful sentences. Practice using the definite and indefinite articles in various contexts to solidify your understanding and improve your Arabic language skills. SECTION 3: SINGULAR AND PLURAL FORMS OF NOUNS ‫أشكال‬ ‫المفرد‬ ‫والجمع‬ ‫لْلسماء‬ (Ashkāl al-mufrad wa-l-jamʿ li-l- asmāʾ) In this section, we will explore the singular and plural forms of nouns in Arabic. Nouns in Arabic, like in many languages, can have different forms depending on whether they are referring to a single entity or multiple entities. Understanding and correctly using singular and plural forms is essential for effective communication in Arabic. 1. Singular Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬ ‫المفردة‬ / al-asmāʾ al-mufrada): In Arabic, singular nouns represent a single object, person, or concept. They have a default form that usually ends in a short vowel sound (i.e., Fatḥah, Kasrah, or Ḍammah) depending on the case and vowel harmony rules. For example: - ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - a book
  • 38. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 37 Abu Rayhan - ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ (baytun) - a house - ‫س‬ْ‫َم‬‫ش‬ (shamsun) - the sun 2. Sound Plural Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬ ‫المجموعة‬ ‫المنصوبة‬ / al-asmāʾ al-mujammatu al-mansūba): Sound plural nouns in Arabic are formed by adding specific endings or patterns to the singular nouns. These patterns vary based on the noun's root letters and gender. Some common sound plural patterns include: - ‫ـون‬ / ‫ـين‬ (ūn / īn) for masculine plural: ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ → ‫َب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābun → kitabun) - books - ‫ة‬َ‫ـ‬ (atun) for feminine plural: ‫ْت‬‫ي‬َ‫ب‬ → ‫وت‬‫ي‬‫ب‬ (baytun → buyūtun) - houses - َ‫ين‬ِ‫ـ‬ (īna) for dual plural: ‫س‬ْ‫م‬َ‫ش‬ → ِ‫ْن‬‫ي‬َ‫س‬ْ‫م‬َ‫ش‬ (shamsun → shamseyni) - two suns 3. Broken Plural Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬ ‫المجموعة‬ ‫المكسورة‬ / al-asmāʾ al-mujammatu al-maksūra): Broken plural nouns in Arabic do not follow regular patterns and require memorization. They have unique forms and can be derived from singular nouns in various ways. Here are a few examples: - ‫ل‬‫ج‬َ‫ر‬ (rajulun) - a man → ‫ال‬َ‫ج‬ ِ ‫ر‬ (rijālun) - men - ‫ب‬ْ‫ل‬َ‫ك‬ (kalbun) - a dog → ‫ب‬ َ ‫ِال‬‫ك‬ (kilābun) - dogs - ‫ت‬ْ‫ن‬ِ‫ب‬ (bintun) - a girl → ‫َات‬‫ن‬َ‫ب‬ (banātun) - girls
  • 39. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 38 Abu Rayhan 4. Irregular Plural Nouns ( ‫األسماء‬ ‫المجموعة‬ ‫الخاصة‬ / al-asmāʾ al-mujammatu al-khāṣa): Some nouns in Arabic have irregular plural forms that do not follow regular patterns. These irregular plurals must be learned individually. Examples include: - ‫َاب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ (kitābun) - a book → ‫ب‬‫ت‬‫ك‬ (kutubun) - books - ‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫و‬ (waladun) - a boy → ‫د‬ َ ‫َل‬ ْ‫و‬َ‫أ‬ (awlādun) - boys - ‫ة‬َ‫س‬َ‫ْر‬‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madrasatun) - a school → ‫س‬ ِ ‫ار‬َ‫د‬َ‫م‬ (madārisun) - schools By studying the singular and plural forms of nouns in Arabic, you will be able to construct grammatically correct sentences and effectively communicate in various contexts. Practice exercises will help reinforce your understanding and usage of these forms, enabling you to expand your vocabulary and express yourself fluently in Arabic. SECTION 4: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC VERBS 4.1: ‫ما‬ ‫هي‬ ‫األفعال‬ ‫في‬ ‫اللغة‬ ‫العربية؟‬ (Ma hiya al-af'al fi al-lughah al-'arabiyyah?) - What are Verbs in Arabic? In Arabic grammar, verbs play a fundamental role in expressing actions, states, and conditions. Verbs are considered the heart of a sentence, providing crucial
  • 40. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 39 Abu Rayhan information about what is happening or being described. They are dynamic and versatile, allowing speakers to communicate a wide range of meanings. In Arabic, verbs are known as "‫ال‬َ‫ع‬ْ‫ف‬َ‫أل‬‫"ا‬ (al-af'al). Each verb consists of a three-letter root, referred to as "‫ر‬ْ‫ذ‬ ِ‫"الج‬ (al-jidhr), which carries the core meaning of the verb. For example, the verb "َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) meaning "to write" has the root letters " ‫ك‬ - ‫ت‬ - ‫ب‬ " (k-t-b). Arabic verbs undergo modifications or inflections to indicate various grammatical features such as tense, aspect, mood, voice, and subject agreement. These modifications are achieved through the addition of prefixes, suffixes, and internal vowel changes. Arabic verbs are conjugated according to different patterns, referred to as "‫"األوزان‬ (al-awzaan). These patterns determine the arrangement of prefixes, suffixes, and vowel changes to create different verb forms and convey specific meanings. Common verb patterns include "َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬َ‫ف‬" (fa'ala), "َ‫ل‬ِ‫ع‬َ‫ف‬" (fa'ila), and "َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬‫ا‬َ‫ف‬" (faa'ala). Verbs in Arabic are also classified into different moods or verbal states, such as indicative, subjunctive, imperative, and conditional, each serving different communicative purposes.
  • 41. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 40 Abu Rayhan Understanding Arabic verbs is essential for constructing meaningful sentences and expressing oneself accurately in Arabic. Mastery of verb conjugation, including the various patterns and modifications, allows learners to form grammatically correct sentences and convey precise meanings. In the following chapters, we will delve deeper into the world of Arabic verbs, exploring their conjugation, tenses, moods, and usage in different sentence structures. By gaining a solid understanding of Arabic verbs, you will unlock the power to express yourself fluently and confidently in Arabic. 4.2: ‫نظرة‬ ‫عامة‬ ‫على‬ ‫أشكال‬ ‫األفعال‬ ‫العربية‬ (Nazrat 'amah 'ala Ashkāl al-'Af'al al-'Arabiyyah) - Overview of Arabic Verb Forms In Arabic, verbs are an essential component of the language and play a vital role in constructing sentences and conveying meaning. Understanding the different verb forms is crucial for effective communication and expression in Arabic. This section provides an overview of the various verb forms found in the Arabic language. 4.2.1: ‫مصادر‬ ‫األفعال‬ (Maṣādir al-'Af'al) - Verb Roots
  • 42. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 41 Abu Rayhan Arabic verbs are derived from triliteral or quadriliteral roots, known as ‫مصادر‬ ‫األفعال‬ (Maṣādir al- 'Af'al). These roots consist of three or four consonants that form the core meaning of the verb. For example, the root " ‫ك‬ - ‫ت‬ - ‫ب‬ " (k-t-b) represents the concept of writing. 4.2.2: ‫األ‬ ‫زمنة‬ ‫الثالث‬ (Al-'Azmanah al-Thalāth) - The Three Verb Tenses Arabic verbs are conjugated according to three main tenses, known as ‫األزمنة‬ ‫الثالث‬ (Al-'Azmanah al-Thalāth). They are: 1. ‫الماضي‬ (Al-Māḍī) - Past Tense: Used to describe actions that have already occurred. For example, "‫"كتبت‬ (katabtu) means "I wrote." 2. ‫الحاضر‬ (Al-Ḥāḍir) - Present Tense: Used to describe actions that are happening currently or are habitual. For example, "‫"أكتب‬ (aktubu) means "I write." 3. ‫المستقبل‬ (Al-Mustaqbal) - Future Tense: Used to describe actions that will occur in the future. For example, "‫"سأكتب‬ (sa'aktubu) means "I will write." 4.2.3: ‫أشكال‬ ‫األفعال‬ (Ashkāl al-'Af'al) - Verb Forms Arabic verbs can take different forms, known as ‫أشكال‬ ‫األف‬ ‫عال‬ (Ashkāl al-'Af'al), which convey variations in
  • 43. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 42 Abu Rayhan meaning, intensity, and causation. These forms are derived by adding specific patterns and vowels to the verb root. Some common verb forms include: 1. ‫المجرد‬ (Al-Mujarrad) - Form I: The simplest form, where the verb root remains unchanged. For example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) means "he wrote." 2. ‫المزيد‬ (Al-Mazīd) - Form II: Adds an extra "‫"ي‬ (yā') after the second consonant of the root. For example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"كتبي‬ (katabī) which means "he wrote repeatedly" or "he wrote more." 3. ‫األمر‬ (Al-'Amr) - Form III: Adds a "‫"ي‬ (yā') between the first and second consonant of the root. For example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"اكتب‬ (iktab) which means "write!" 4. ‫التفاعل‬ (Al-Tafā'ul) - Form IV: Adds a "‫"ت‬ (tā') before the first consonant of the root. For example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"تكتب‬ (taktub) which means "you write." 5. ‫النفاصل‬ (Al-Nafāṣil) - Form V: Adds a "‫"ت‬ (tā') between the first and second consonant of the root. For
  • 44. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 43 Abu Rayhan example, "‫"كتب‬ (kataba) becomes "‫"كتتب‬ (kattab) which means "you caused to write." Understanding these verb forms and their corresponding meanings is crucial for comprehending and producing accurate Arabic sentences. By familiarizing yourself with these patterns, you can effectively express actions, states, and intentions in Arabic. Practice exercises will be provided to reinforce your understanding and application of these verb forms. 4.3: ‫نظام‬ ‫الجذر‬ ‫ذو‬ ‫الثالثة‬ ‫أحرف‬ (Nazam al-Jidhr al-Thalatha) In Arabic grammar, the three-letter root system ( ‫نظام‬ ‫الجذر‬ ‫ذو‬ ‫الثالثة‬ ‫أحرف‬ , Nazam al-Jidhr al-Thalatha) forms the foundation of word formation and meaning in the Arabic language. It is a fundamental concept that plays a crucial role in understanding Arabic vocabulary and constructing various word forms. The Arabic language consists of a vast number of words derived from a relatively small set of three- letter roots. These roots, composed of consonants, provide the basic semantic and grammatical structure for words. Each root carries a core meaning that can be expanded and modified by adding vowels,
  • 45. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 44 Abu Rayhan additional consonants, or affixes to create different words and forms. For example, let's consider the three-letter root ‫ك‬ - ‫ت‬ - ‫ب‬ (k-t-b), which carries the basic meaning of "writing." By changing the vowels and adding prefixes or suffixes, we can derive numerous words related to writing: - ‫َاب‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitāb): book - ‫َب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬ (maktab): office - ‫ِب‬‫ت‬‫َا‬‫ك‬ (kātib): writer - ‫ة‬َ‫ب‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ِ‫ك‬ (kitābah): writing - ‫وب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬ (maktūb): written - َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ (kataba): he wrote - ‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬ (yaktubu): he writes As you can see, by manipulating the three consonants and employing different vowel patterns, we can generate a wide range of words that share a common semantic field. Understanding the root system is essential for vocabulary expansion and comprehension in Arabic. By recognizing the root letters in a word, learners can decipher the meaning of unfamiliar words and infer
  • 46. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 45 Abu Rayhan connections between related terms. This knowledge also facilitates the acquisition of new vocabulary and assists in forming sentences and expressing ideas accurately. To deepen your understanding of the three-letter root system, it is beneficial to study common roots and their derived words systematically. By exploring various patterns and observing how words are constructed, you can enhance your ability to recognize and utilize Arabic vocabulary effectively. Practice exercises involving word derivations and root analysis can greatly reinforce your grasp of the three-letter root system. By engaging in activities that involve manipulating roots, such as forming nouns, verbs, and adjectives from a given root, you can strengthen your language skills and broaden your vocabulary. Developing proficiency in navigating the three-letter root system opens the door to a more profound understanding of the Arabic language and its linguistic richness. Embrace this fundamental aspect of Arabic grammar, and you will gain confidence in exploring and mastering the intricacies of the language.
  • 47. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 46 Abu Rayhan 4.4: ‫أنواع‬ ‫األفعال‬ ‫في‬ ‫اللغة‬ ‫العربية‬ (Anwa' al-af'al fi al-lughah al- 'arabiyyah) - Types of Arabic Verbs The Arabic language has three types of verbs, which are classified based on their root letters and how they are conjugated in different tenses and moods. 1. ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬ ‫ع‬ ِ‫ار‬َ‫ض‬‫م‬ (fi'lun mudari'un) - Present Tense Verbs The present tense verbs in Arabic are used to describe actions that are currently happening or ongoing. They are formed by adding different subject pronouns to the root letters of the verb and following specific conjugation patterns. For example, the present tense of the verb "‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬" (yaktubu) meaning "he writes" is formed by adding the subject pronoun "َ‫"ي‬ (ya) and the conjugation pattern " َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) to the root letters " ‫ك‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ب‬ " (k t b). 2. ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬ ‫ي‬ ِ ‫اض‬َ‫م‬ (fi'lun maadiyyun) - Past Tense Verbs The past tense verbs in Arabic are used to describe actions that have already happened or completed in the past. They are formed by adding different subject pronouns to the root letters of the verb and following specific conjugation patterns. For example, the past tense of the verb "‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬" (yaktubu) meaning "he writes" is formed by adding the subject pronoun "َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) and the conjugation pattern "‫ا‬َ‫"ـ‬ (-aa) to the root letters " ‫ك‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ب‬ " (k t b).
  • 48. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 47 Abu Rayhan 3. ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬ ‫ر‬ْ‫م‬َ‫أ‬ (fi'lun 'amrun) - Imperative Verbs The imperative verbs in Arabic are used to give commands, orders, or requests to someone. They are formed by using the root letters of the verb and following specific conjugation patterns. For example, the imperative form of the verb "‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫ي‬" (yaktubu) meaning "he writes" is formed by using the root letters " ‫ك‬ ‫ت‬ ‫ب‬ " (k t b) and adding the command suffix "-ّ" (-u) to the end, resulting in " ْ‫ب‬‫ت‬ْ‫ك‬ِ‫ا‬" (iktbu) meaning "write!" Learning and understanding the types of Arabic verbs is essential in mastering the language. By practicing and memorizing the conjugation patterns and forms, one can effectively communicate and express themselves in Arabic. 4.5: ‫تصريف‬ ‫األفعال‬ ‫في‬ ‫اللغة‬ ‫العربية‬ (Taṣrīf al-afʿāl fī al-lughah al-ʿarabīyah) - Verb Conjugation in Arabic In Arabic, verbs are conjugated to match the subject of the sentence in gender, number, and person. This means that each verb must be conjugated based on who is performing the action, whether it's a singular or plural subject, and whether it's masculine or feminine.
  • 49. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 48 Abu Rayhan Arabic verbs are made up of three root letters, which are the foundation of the verb and determine its meaning. The most common verb form is the past tense, which is used to describe actions that have already happened. In order to conjugate a verb in the past tense, the root letters are combined with specific prefixes and suffixes that indicate the subject and the tense. For example, the verb "َ‫َب‬‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (kataba) means "he wrote". To conjugate this verb in the past tense for a female subject, we would add the prefix " َ‫"ت‬ (ta-) and the suffix " ّ ْ‫ت‬ " (-at) to the root letters, resulting in " ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (katabat), which means "she wrote". There are ten main forms of Arabic verbs, each with its own set of rules for conjugation. In addition to the past tense, there are also present, future, and imperative tenses, as well as various other forms such as the active participle and the verbal noun. Learning the rules of verb conjugation is essential for mastering Arabic grammar and communication. Practice exercises and drills can help learners memorize the various verb forms and gain proficiency in their use.
  • 50. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 49 Abu Rayhan SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR BASIC GRAMMAR CONCEPTS In this section, you will find a variety of practice exercises designed to reinforce your understanding and application of basic grammar concepts in Arabic. These exercises will help you solidify your knowledge and improve your ability to form grammatically correct sentences. ‫تمرين‬ 1 : ‫استخدام‬ ‫األدوات‬ ‫النحوية‬ (Tamrīn 1: Istikhdām al- 'adwāt al-nahwiyya) Exercise 1: Using Grammar Particles In this exercise, you will be provided with sentences containing gaps. Your task is to choose the appropriate grammar particle to complete each sentence. Pay attention to the context and the intended meaning of the sentence. Example: ‫الطالب‬ ‫يقرأ‬ ‫ًا‬‫ب‬‫كتا‬ __________. a) ‫ا‬ً‫كبير‬ (kabīran) - big b) ‫ا‬ً‫صغير‬ (ṣaghīran) - small c) ‫ًا‬‫د‬‫جدي‬ (jadīdan) - new d) ‫ًا‬‫د‬‫مفي‬ (mufīdan) - useful
  • 51. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 50 Abu Rayhan ‫تمرين‬ 2 : ‫التعرف‬ ‫على‬ ‫أزمنة‬ ‫األفعال‬ (Tamrīn 2: al-Taʿrīf ʿalá Azmān al-Afʿāl) Exercise 2: Identifying Verb Tenses In this exercise, you will be presented with a set of sentences, and your task is to identify the tense of the underlined verb. Choose the correct answer from the given options. Example: ‫أنا‬ ‫أكتب‬ ً‫ة‬‫رسال‬ ‫ًا‬‫ي‬‫حال‬ . a) ‫مضارع‬ (muḍāriʿ) - present b) ‫ماضي‬ (māḍī) - past c) ‫مستقبل‬ (mustaqbil) - future d) ‫مضارع‬ ‫مستمر‬ (muḍāriʿ mustamirr) - present continuous ‫تمرين‬ 3 : ‫تحويل‬ ‫الجمل‬ ‫من‬ ‫المفرد‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫الجمع‬ (Tamrīn 3: Taḥwīl al- jumal min al-mufrad ʾilá al-jamʿ) Exercise 3: Changing Sentences from Singular to Plural In this exercise, you will practice changing sentences from singular to plural form. Pay attention to the noun endings and any changes required in the accompanying words.
  • 52. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 51 Abu Rayhan Example: ‫هذا‬ ‫الكتاب‬ ‫جديد‬ . Translate the sentence to its plural form: a) ‫هؤَلء‬ ‫الكتب‬ ‫جديدة‬ . (Hāʾulāʾ al-kutub jadīda) b) ‫هذه‬ ‫الكتب‬ ‫جديدة‬ . (Hādhih al-kutub jadīda) c) ‫هؤَلء‬ ‫الكتاب‬ ‫جديد‬ . (Hāʾulāʾ al-kutāb jadīd) d) ‫هذه‬ ‫الكتاب‬ ‫جديد‬ . (Hādhih al-kutāb jadīd)
  • 53. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 52 Abu Rayhan CHAPTER 3: ARABIC VOCABULARY BUILDING SECTION 1: COMMON ARABIC WORDS AND PHRASES ‫الكلمات‬ ‫والعبارات‬ ‫العربية‬ ‫الشائعة‬ (Al-Kalimat wal-'Ibaraat al- 'Arabiyyah al-Sha'ina) In this section, we will introduce you to common Arabic words and phrases that are essential for building a strong foundation in the language. Learning these words and phrases will enable you to engage in basic conversations and navigate everyday situations in Arabic-speaking countries. Each word or phrase will be presented in Arabic script, transliteration, and English translation to facilitate your understanding and pronunciation. 1. ‫التحية‬ ‫والترحيب‬ (Al-Tahiyyah wal-Tarhib) - Greetings and Welcoming - ‫السالم‬ ‫عليكم‬ (As-salāmu ʿalaykum) - Peace be upon you (Islamic greeting) - ‫ًا‬‫ب‬‫مرح‬ (Marhaban) - Hello - ً‫ال‬‫أه‬ ً‫ال‬‫وسه‬ (Ahlan wa sahlan) - Welcome 2. ‫التعارف‬ (Al-Ta'āraf) - Introductions - ‫ما‬ ‫اسمك؟‬ (Mā ismuka?) - What is your name? (to a male)
  • 54. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 53 Abu Rayhan - ‫ما‬ ‫اسمك؟‬ (Mā ismuki?) - What is your name? (to a female) - ‫يسعدني‬ ‫التعرف‬ ‫عليك‬ (Yasʿadnī al-taʿrīf ʿalayk) - Nice to meet you 3. ‫األرقام‬ ‫والتعداد‬ (Al-Arqaam wal-Taʿaddad) - Numbers and Counting - ‫واحد‬ (Wāḥid) - One - ‫اثنان‬ (Ithnān) - Two - ‫ثالثة‬ (Thalātha) - Three - ‫عشرة‬ (ʿAshrah) - Ten - ‫مائة‬ (Miʾah) - One hundred 4. ‫األيام‬ ‫والشهور‬ (Al-Ayām wal-Shuhūr) - Days and Months - ‫األحد‬ (Al-ʾAḥad) - Sunday - ‫اَلثنين‬ (Al-ʾIthnayn) - Monday - ‫يوم‬ ‫الجمعة‬ (Yawm al-Jumʿah) - Friday - ‫يناير‬ (Yanāyir) - January - ‫سبتمبر‬ (Sibtambir) - September 5. ‫العائلة‬ (Al-ʿĀʾilah) - Family - ‫أب‬ (Ab) - Father - ‫أم‬ (Umm) - Mother - ‫أخ‬ (Akh) - Brother
  • 55. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 54 Abu Rayhan - ‫أخت‬ (Ukht) - Sister - ‫ولد‬ (Walad) - Son - ‫بنت‬ (Bint) - Daughter 6. ‫األلوان‬ (Al-Alwān) - Colors - ‫أحمر‬ (Aḥmar) - Red - ‫أزرق‬ (Azraq) - Blue - ‫أخضر‬ (Akhdar) - Green - ‫أصفر‬ (Asfar) - Yellow - ‫أسود‬ (Aswad) - Black - ‫أبيض‬ (Abyaḍ) - White 7. ‫الطعام‬ ‫والشراب‬ (Al-Ṭa ʿām wal-Sharāb) - Food and Drinks - ‫طعام‬ (Ṭaʿām) - Food - ‫ماء‬ (Māʾ) - Water - ‫خبز‬ (Khubz) - Bread - ‫حليب‬ (Ḥalīb) - Milk - ‫شاي‬ (Shāy) - Tea - ‫قهوة‬ (Qahwah) - Coffee 8. ‫التسوق‬ (Al-Tasawwūq) - Shopping
  • 56. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 55 Abu Rayhan - ‫متجر‬ (Matjar) - Store - ‫سعر‬ (Siʿr) - Price - ‫اشتري‬ (Ishtri) - Buy - ‫ممتاز‬ (Mumtaaz) - Excellent - ‫َل‬ ‫أريد‬ (Lā ʾurīd) - I don't want 9. ‫التوجيهات‬ (Al-Tawjīhāt) - Directions - ‫يمين‬ (Yameen) - Right - ‫يسار‬ (Yasaar) - Left - ‫أمام‬ (Amām) - Front - ‫خلف‬ (Khalf) - Behind - ‫انعطف‬ ‫هنا‬ (Inʿaṭaf huna) - Turn here 10. ‫الوداع‬ ‫والتحية‬ ‫النهائية‬ (Al-Wadāʿ wal-Tahīyah al- Nihāʾiyah) - Farewell and Final Greetings - ‫مع‬ ‫السالمة‬ (Maʿa al-salāmah) - Goodbye - ‫إلى‬ ‫اللقاء‬ (ʾIlā al-liqāʾ) - Until we meet again - ‫ا‬ً‫شكر‬ (Shukran) - Thank you - ‫ا‬ً‫عفو‬ (ʿAfwan) - You're welcome - ً‫ال‬‫أه‬ ً‫ال‬‫وسه‬ ‫م‬ ‫رة‬ ‫أخرى‬ (Ahlan wa sahlan marrah ukhra) - Welcome back By familiarizing yourself with these common Arabic words and phrases, you will be able to communicate
  • 57. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 56 Abu Rayhan effectively in various everyday situations. Practice using them in context and expand your vocabulary gradually to enhance your overall Arabic language skills. SECTION 2: ARABIC NUMBERS AND COUNTING Arabic numbers are an essential part of learning the Arabic language. In this section, we will explore the Arabic numeral system and learn how to count in Arabic. ‫األرقام‬ ‫العربية‬ (al-arqam al-'arabiyyah) - Arabic Numbers: Arabic numbers are written from left to right, just like in English. Here are the Arabic numerals from zero to ten: 0 - ‫صفر‬ (sifr) - Zero 1 - ‫واحد‬ (wahid) - One 2 - ‫اثنان‬ (ithnan) - Two 3 - ‫ثالثة‬ (thalathah) - Three 4 - ‫أربعة‬ (arba'ah) - Four 5 - ‫خمسة‬ (khamsah) - Five 6 - ‫ستة‬ (sittah) - Six 7 - ‫سبعة‬ (sab'ah) - Seven
  • 58. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 57 Abu Rayhan 8 - ‫ثمانية‬ (thamaniyah) - Eight 9 - ‫تسعة‬ (tis'ah) - Nine 10 - ‫عشرة‬ ('asharah) - Ten Counting in Arabic: To count beyond ten, you can simply combine the Arabic numbers. For example: 11 - ‫أحد‬ ‫عشر‬ (ahad 'ashar) - Eleven 12 - ‫اثنا‬ ‫عشر‬ (ithna 'ashar) - Twelve 20 - ‫عشرون‬ ('ishrun) - Twenty 30 - ‫ثالثون‬ (thalathun) - Thirty 40 - ‫أربعون‬ (arba'un) - Forty 50 - ‫خمسون‬ (khamsun) - Fifty 100 - ‫مئة‬ (mi'ah) - One hundred 1000 - ‫ألف‬ (alf) - One thousand Ordinal Numbers: Ordinal numbers indicate the position or order of something. Here are a few examples:
  • 59. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 58 Abu Rayhan First - ‫أول‬ (awwal) Second - ‫ثاني‬ (thanawi) Third - ‫ثالث‬ (thalith) Tenth - ‫عاشر‬ ('ashir) Twentieth - ‫عشرون‬ (‘ishrun) Practice Exercises: 1. Write the following numbers in Arabic: a) 15 b) 37 c) 64 d) 99 2. Translate the following numbers from Arabic to English: a) ‫عشرين‬ b) ‫خمسمائة‬ c) ‫ألف‬ ‫ان‬ d) ‫سابع‬ Remember to practice counting in Arabic regularly to improve your skills. The more you practice, the more natural counting in Arabic will become to you.
  • 60. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 59 Abu Rayhan SECTION 3: COLORS, DAYS, AND MONTHS IN ARABIC ،‫األلوان‬ ،‫األيام‬ ‫والشهور‬ ‫في‬ ‫اللغة‬ ‫العربي‬ ‫ة‬ (Al-Alwan, Al-Ayyam, wal- Shuhur fi al-Lughah al-Arabiyyah) In this section, we will explore the vocabulary related to colors, days of the week, and months of the year in Arabic. Learning these words will enhance your ability to describe objects, express time, and engage in conversations about the calendar. ‫األلوان‬ (Al-Alwan) - Colors Colors add depth and vibrancy to our descriptions. Here are some common colors in Arabic along with their transliteration and English translation: 1. ‫األحمر‬ (Al-Ahmar) - Red 2. ‫األزرق‬ (Al-Azraq) - Blue 3. ‫األصفر‬ (Al-Asfar) - Yellow 4. ‫األخضر‬ (Al-Akhdar) - Green 5. ‫األبيض‬ (Al-Abiad) - White 6. ‫األسود‬ (Al-Aswad) - Black 7. ‫الرمادي‬ (Ar-Ramadi) - Gray 8. ‫البني‬ (Al-Buni) - Brown 9. ‫البرتقالي‬ (Al-Burtuqali) - Orange
  • 61. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 60 Abu Rayhan 10. ‫الوردي‬ (Al-Wardi) - Pink 11. ‫البنفسجي‬ (Al-Banafsaji) - Purple ‫األيام‬ (Al-Ayyam) - Days Knowing the days of the week is essential for scheduling appointments, making plans, and discussing weekly activities. Here are the days of the week in Arabic: 1. ‫األحد‬ (Al-Ahad) - Sunday 2. ‫اَلثنين‬ (Al-Ithnayn) - Monday 3. ‫الثالثاء‬ (Ath-Thulatha') - Tuesday 4. ‫األربعاء‬ (Al-Arba'a') - Wednesday 5. ‫الخميس‬ (Al-Khamis) - Thursday 6. ‫الجمعة‬ (Al-Jumu'ah) - Friday 7. ‫السبت‬ (As-Sabt) - Saturday ‫الشهور‬ (Ash-Shuhur) - Months Knowledge of the months of the year enables you to discuss dates, plan events, and refer to specific times. Here are the months of the year in Arabic: 1. ‫يناير‬ (Yanayir) - January 2. ‫فبراير‬ (Fibrair) - February
  • 62. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 61 Abu Rayhan 3. ‫مارس‬ (Maris) - March 4. ‫أبريل‬ (Abril) - April 5. ‫مايو‬ (Mayu) - May 6. ‫يونيو‬ (Yuniyu) - June 7. ‫يوليو‬ (Yulyu) - July 8. ‫أغسطس‬ (Agustus) - August 9. ‫سبتمبر‬ (Sabtimbir) - September 10. ‫أكتوبر‬ (Aktubir) - October 11. ‫نوفمبر‬ (Nufimbir) - November 12. ‫ديسمبر‬ (Dismbir) - December By familiarizing yourself with these words, you will be able to describe objects by their colors, talk about the days of the week, and refer to specific months in Arabic. Practice using these terms in sentences and engage in conversations to reinforce your understanding. ‫مع‬ ‫التدريب‬ ،‫والممارسة‬ ‫ستصبح‬ ‫ا‬ً‫قادر‬ ‫على‬ ‫استخدام‬ ‫هذه‬ ‫المصطلحات‬ ‫بثقة‬ ‫وإثراء‬ ‫مفرداتك‬ ‫العربية‬ . (Ma'a at-tadrib wal-mumarisah, sataṣbaḥ qadiran 'ala istikhdam hadhih al-mustalaḥat bithiqah wa 'ithra' mufarradatika al-'Arabiyyah) - With practice and repetition, you will become confident in using these terms and enriching your Arabic vocabulary.
  • 63. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 62 Abu Rayhan SECTION 4: BASIC ARABIC EXPRESSIONS AND GREETINGS In this section, we will explore essential Arabic expressions and greetings that will help you initiate conversations and engage in basic social interactions. Learning these expressions will enable you to connect with Arabic speakers and make a positive impression. Remember to pay attention to pronunciation and intonation while practicing these greetings. 1. Greetings (‫)التحية‬: - ‫ًا‬‫ب‬َ‫ح‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬ (Marhaban) - Hello - ‫اح‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ص‬ ِ ‫ْر‬‫ي‬َ‫خ‬ْ‫ل‬‫ا‬ (Sabāhul khayr) - Good morning - ‫اء‬َ‫س‬َ‫م‬ ِ ‫ْر‬‫ي‬َ‫خ‬ْ‫ل‬‫ا‬ (Masā'ul khayr) - Good evening - ‫ا‬ً‫ير‬ِ‫ب‬ْ‫ص‬َ‫ت‬ (Tasbīran) - Goodbye - ‫م‬ َ ‫َّال‬‫س‬‫ال‬ ‫ْك‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬ ْ‫م‬ (As-salāmu 'alaykum) - Peace be upon you (common Islamic greeting) - ‫م‬‫ْك‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬َ‫ع‬ َ‫و‬ ‫م‬ َ ‫َّال‬‫س‬‫ال‬ (Wa 'alaykumus salām) - And peace be upon you (response to the above greeting) 2. Polite Expressions ( ‫التعابير‬ ‫المهذبة‬ ): - ْ‫ن‬ِ‫م‬ َ‫ِك‬‫ل‬ْ‫ض‬َ‫ف‬ (Min fadlika) - Please (to a male) - ْ‫ن‬ِ‫م‬ ِ‫ِك‬‫ل‬ْ‫ض‬َ‫ف‬ (Min fadliki) - Please (to a female) - ‫ا‬ً‫ر‬ْ‫ك‬‫ش‬ (Shukran) - Thank you - ‫ا‬ً‫و‬ْ‫ف‬َ‫ع‬ (Afwan) - You're welcome
  • 64. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 63 Abu Rayhan - ‫َل‬ ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬ِ‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬‫م‬ (Lā mushkila) - No problem 3. Introductions (‫)التعارف‬: - ‫ْمِي‬‫س‬ِ‫ا‬ (Ismī) - My name is... - ‫ا‬َ‫م‬ ‫؟‬َ‫ك‬‫ْم‬‫س‬‫ا‬ (Mā ismuka?) - What is your name? (to a male) - ‫ا‬َ‫م‬ ‫؟‬ِ‫ك‬‫ْم‬‫س‬‫ا‬ (Mā ismuki?) - What is your name? (to a female) - ‫ت‬ْ‫ف‬َّ‫َر‬‫ش‬َ‫ت‬ َ‫ِك‬‫ت‬َ‫ف‬ ِ ‫ر‬ْ‫ع‬َ‫م‬ِ‫ب‬ (Tasharraftu bima'rifatika) - Nice to meet you (to a male) - َّ‫َر‬‫ش‬َ‫ت‬ ‫ت‬ْ‫ف‬ ِ‫ِك‬‫ت‬َ‫ف‬ ِ‫ر‬ْ‫ع‬َ‫م‬ِ‫ب‬ (Tasharraftu bima'rifatiki) - Nice to meet you (to a female) 4. Expressing Gratitude and Apologies ( ‫اَلمتنان‬ ‫واَلعتذار‬ ): - َ‫ك‬‫ر‬‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬َ‫أ‬ (Ashkuruka) - I thank you (to a male) - ِ‫ك‬‫ر‬‫ك‬ْ‫ش‬َ‫أ‬ (Ashkuruki) - I thank you (to a female) - ‫ا‬ً‫ف‬ْ‫س‬َ‫أ‬ (Asfan) - Sorry - ‫َا‬‫ن‬َ‫أ‬ ‫ِف‬‫س‬‫آ‬ (Anā āsifun) - I'm sorry 5. Well Wishes ( ‫التمنيات‬ ‫الجيدة‬ ): - ‫وك‬‫ْر‬‫ب‬َ‫م‬ (Mabruk) - Congratulations - ‫ْد‬‫ي‬َ‫ع‬ ‫ك‬َ‫ار‬َ‫ب‬‫م‬ (ʿĪdu mubārak) - Happy Eid (Islamic holiday greeting) - ‫ظ‬َ‫ح‬ ‫ِيد‬‫ع‬َ‫س‬ (Haẓẓun saʿīdun) - Good luck
  • 65. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 64 Abu Rayhan - ‫ى‬َّ‫ن‬َ‫م‬َ‫ت‬َ‫أ‬ َ‫ك‬َ‫ل‬ ‫ا‬ً‫م‬ ْ‫و‬َ‫ي‬ ‫ًا‬‫د‬‫ِي‬‫ع‬َ‫س‬ (Atamannā laka yawman saʿīdan) - I wish you a happy day Remember to practice these expressions regularly to become comfortable using them in conversations. Additionally, being mindful of cultural norms and customs when greeting and interacting with Arabic speakers will further enhance your language learning experience. SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR VOCABULARY EXPANSION ‫تمارين‬ ‫عملية‬ ‫لتوسيع‬ ‫المفردات‬ (Tamārīn ʿamaliyya li-tawsiʿ al- mufraḍāt) In this section, you will find a variety of practice exercises designed to help you expand your Arabic vocabulary. These exercises are designed to reinforce your understanding of new words and phrases, and to improve your ability to use them in context. Remember to refer back to the previous chapters for guidance and to consult the glossary for any unfamiliar terms. Let's get started! Exercise 1: Matching Words Instructions: Match the Arabic words on the left with their English translations on the right.
  • 66. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 65 Abu Rayhan 1. ‫كتاب‬ (kitāb) a. Car 2. ‫مدرسة‬ (madrasa) b. House 3. ‫سيارة‬ (sayyāra) c. Book 4. ‫بيت‬ (bayt) d. School Exercise 2: Sentence Completion Instructions: Complete each sentence with the appropriate Arabic word from the given options. 1. ‫أنا‬ ‫ذاهب‬ ‫إلى‬ _________. (al-madrasa, al-bayt, al-sayyāra) Translation: I am going to _________. Answer: ‫المدرسة‬ (al-madrasa) (the school) 2. ‫هذا‬ _______ ‫كبيرة‬ . (al-kitāb, al-sayyāra, al-bayt) Translation: This _______ is big. Answer: ‫البيت‬ (al-bayt) (the house) Exercise 3: Word Association Instructions: Associate the given Arabic word with the most appropriate category. 1. ‫شمس‬ (shams) a. Animals 2. ‫كتاب‬ (kitāb) b. Colors
  • 67. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 66 Abu Rayhan 3. ‫قطة‬ (qitta) c. Nature 4. ‫أحمر‬ (aḥmar) d. Objects Exercise 4: Synonyms and Antonyms Instructions: Identify the synonym or antonym for each given Arabic word. 1. ‫سريع‬ (sariʿ) a. Slow 2. ‫صغير‬ (ṣaghīr) b. Big 3. ‫قوي‬ (qawiyy) c. Weak 4. ‫جميل‬ (jamīl) d. Ugly Exercise 5: Contextual Usage Instructions: Use the provided Arabic word in a sentence that demonstrates its meaning in context. 1. ‫الطالب‬ ‫يقرأ‬ ‫الكتاب‬ . (al-ṭālib yaqraʾ al-kitāb) Translation: The student is reading the book. Contextual Usage: ‫يحب‬ ‫الطالب‬ ‫قراءة‬ ‫الكتب‬ ‫ألنه‬ ‫يحب‬ ‫القراءة‬ ‫بشكل‬ ‫عام‬ . (The student enjoys reading books because he/she loves reading in general.) 2. ‫الورد‬ ‫أحمر‬ ‫وجميل‬ . (al-waraḍ aḥmar wa-jamīl) Translation: The rose is red and beautiful.
  • 68. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 67 Abu Rayhan Contextual Usage: ‫اشتريت‬ ‫وردة‬ ‫حمراء‬ ‫وجميلة‬ ‫لصديقتي‬ ‫في‬ ‫عيد‬ ‫ميالدها‬ . (I bought a red and beautiful rose for my friend on her birthday.) These practice exercises are meant to reinforce your vocabulary knowledge and provide you with opportunities to apply what you've learned. Make sure to practice regularly and review your progress.
  • 69. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 68 Abu Rayhan CHAPTER 4: ARABIC SENTENCE STRUCTURE SECTION 1: SUBJECT-VERB AGREEMENT IN ARABIC ‫التوافق‬ ‫بين‬ ‫الفاعل‬ ‫والفعل‬ ‫في‬ ‫اللغة‬ ‫العربية‬ (Al-Tawāfuq Bayn al-Fā'il wal-Fi'l fil-Lughah al-'Arabīyah) In Arabic grammar, subject-verb agreement plays a crucial role in constructing grammatically correct sentences. Proper agreement between the subject and the verb ensures clarity and coherence in communication. In this section, we will explore the rules and patterns governing subject-verb agreement in Arabic. 1.1 ‫الفاعل‬ (Al-Fā'il) - The Subject The subject of a sentence in Arabic can be either a noun or a pronoun. It serves as the doer of the action or the entity being described. The subject can be singular (‫واحد‬ wahid) or plural (‫جمع‬ jam'). It is important to identify the number and gender of the subject in order to determine the appropriate verb form. 1.2 ‫الفعل‬ (Al-Fi'l) - The Verb The verb in Arabic undergoes changes based on the subject it agrees with. The verb must match the number and gender of the subject. Arabic verbs can
  • 70. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 69 Abu Rayhan have various forms and conjugations, and the choice of the correct form depends on the subject's characteristics. 1.3 ‫توافق‬ ‫الفاعل‬ ‫والفعل‬ (Tawāfuq al-Fā'il wal-Fi'l) - Agreement between the Subject and the Verb To ensure subject-verb agreement in Arabic, we follow these general rules: 1.3.1 ‫توافق‬ ‫العدد‬ (Tawāfuq al-'Adad) - Number Agreement - A singular subject requires a singular verb, and a plural subject requires a plural verb. - Examples: - ‫المدرس‬ ‫يشرح‬ ‫الدرس‬ . (Al-Mudarris yusharrih al-dars.) - The teacher explains the lesson. (singular subject and verb) - ‫الطالب‬ ‫يذهبون‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫المدرسة‬ . (Al-ṭullāb yadhhabūn ilā al- madrasah.) - The students go to school. (plural subject and verb) 1.3.2 ‫توافق‬ ‫الجنس‬ (Tawāfuq al-Jins) - Gender Agreement - The gender of the subject determines the gender of the verb. In Arabic, there are two genders: masculine (‫مذكر‬ mudhakkar) and feminine (‫مؤنث‬ mu'annath). - Examples:
  • 71. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 70 Abu Rayhan - ‫هو‬ ‫يكتب‬ ‫رسالة‬ . (Huwa yaktub risālah.) - He writes a letter. (masculine subject and verb) - ‫هي‬ ‫تقرأ‬ ‫ًا‬‫ب‬‫كتا‬ . (Hiya taqra'u kitāban.) - She reads a book. (feminine subject and verb) 1.4 ‫الحاَلت‬ ‫الخاصة‬ (Al-Ḥalāt al-Khāṣah) - Special Cases Certain Arabic constructions have unique subject- verb agreement patterns. These include dual subjects, compound subjects, and negated subjects. It is important to understand these cases to form accurate sentences. 1.5 ‫التطبيقات‬ ‫العملية‬ (Al-Tatbīqāt al-'Amaliyyah) - Practical Applications This section will provide you with ample opportunities to practice subject-verb agreement in Arabic. Through exercises and examples, you will strengthen your understanding of the concepts discussed in this section. Mastering subject-verb agreement in Arabic is essential for constructing grammatically sound sentences. By grasping the rules and patterns governing this aspect of Arabic grammar, you will enhance your overall language proficiency and communicate effectively in Arabic.
  • 72. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 71 Abu Rayhan SECTION 2: BASIC SENTENCE ORDER IN ARABIC ‫ترتيب‬ ‫الجمل‬ ‫األساسي‬ ‫في‬ ‫اللغة‬ ‫العربية‬ (Tartib al-jumal al-asasi fi al-lughah al-'arabiyyah) In this section, we will focus on the basic sentence order in Arabic, which is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) like in English. However, there are some differences in the structure of Arabic sentences that we need to explore. ‫الجمل‬ ‫العربية‬ ‫األساسية‬ (Al-Jumal al-'arabiyyah al-asasiyyah) (Basic Arabic Sentences) Arabic sentences are constructed differently from English sentences. In Arabic, the verb usually comes before the subject, and the object comes after the verb. The basic sentence order is as follows: ‫ل‬ْ‫ع‬ِ‫ف‬ + ‫ِل‬‫ع‬‫ا‬َ‫ف‬ + ‫ول‬‫ع‬ْ‫ف‬َ‫م‬ ‫ه‬ِ‫ب‬ (Fi'l + Fa'il + Maf'ul bih) (Verb + Subject + Object) For example: َ‫ب‬َ‫َر‬‫ش‬ ‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫الو‬ َ‫ِيب‬‫ل‬َ‫ح‬‫ال‬ (Sharaba al-waladu al-halib)
  • 73. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 72 Abu Rayhan (The boy drank the milk) In this sentence, "َ‫ب‬َ‫َر‬‫ش‬" (sharaba) is the verb, "‫د‬َ‫ل‬َ‫"الو‬ (al- waladu) is the subject, and "َ‫ِيب‬‫ل‬َ‫ح‬‫"ال‬ (al-halib) is the object. ‫األسماء‬ ‫و‬ ‫الضمائر‬ (Al-Asma' wa al-Dama'ir) (Nouns and Pronouns) Arabic nouns are divided into three categories: masculine, feminine, and plural. The masculine form is used for males and masculine objects, while the feminine form is used for females and feminine objects. The plural form is used for more than one object, regardless of gender. Arabic pronouns are used to replace nouns in a sentence. There are separate pronouns for each gender and number (singular and plural). The subject pronouns are used before the verb, while the object pronouns are used after the verb. For example: ‫ة‬َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬‫ال‬ ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ َ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫س‬ ِ ‫الر‬ (Al-mar'atu katabat al-risalah) (The woman wrote the letter)
  • 74. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 73 Abu Rayhan In this sentence, "‫ة‬َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬‫"ال‬ (al-mar'atu) is the subject, and "َ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫س‬ ِ ‫"الر‬ (al-risalah) is the object. If we want to replace these nouns with pronouns, we can say: َ‫ِي‬‫ه‬ ‫ا‬َ‫ه‬ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬ (Hiya katabathaa) (She wrote it) In this sentence, "َ‫ِي‬‫ه‬" (hiya) is the subject pronoun for "‫ة‬َ‫أ‬ ْ‫ر‬َ‫م‬‫"ال‬ (al-mar'atu), and "‫ا‬َ‫ه‬ْ‫ت‬َ‫ب‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ك‬" (katabathaa) is the verb with the object pronoun "‫َا‬‫ه‬" (ha) for "َ‫ة‬َ‫ل‬‫ا‬َ‫س‬ ِ ‫"الر‬ (al-risalah). ‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬ِ‫ف‬‫َا‬‫ن‬ ِ‫ة‬َ‫ك‬َ‫ب‬َّ‫ش‬‫ال‬ ‫ة‬َ‫ور‬‫س‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬ (Nafidhatu al-shabakah maksurah) (The window of the network is broken) In this sentence, "‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬ِ‫ف‬‫َا‬‫ن‬" (nafidhah) is the subject , and "ِ‫ة‬َ‫ك‬َ‫ب‬َّ‫ش‬‫"ال‬ (al-shabakah) is the genitive noun phrase indicating possession. The verb "‫ة‬َ‫ور‬‫س‬ْ‫ك‬َ‫م‬" (maksurah) agrees in gender and number with the subject. ‫م‬َّ‫ل‬َ‫ك‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ت‬ ‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ْ‫س‬‫أ‬ ِ‫ة‬َّ‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫ال‬ (Tatakallamu ustathat al-'arabiyyah) (The Arabic teacher speaks) In this sentence, "‫م‬َّ‫َل‬‫ك‬َ‫ت‬َ‫ت‬" (tatakallamu) is the verb, and " ‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ْ‫س‬‫أ‬ ِ‫ة‬َّ‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫ال‬ " (ustathat al-'arabiyyah) is the subject,
  • 75. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 74 Abu Rayhan consisting of the noun "‫ة‬َ‫ذ‬‫َا‬‫ت‬ْ‫س‬‫"أ‬ (ustathah) meaning "teacher" and the genitive noun phrase "ِ‫ة‬َّ‫ي‬ِ‫ب‬َ‫ر‬َ‫ع‬‫"ال‬ (al- 'arabiyyah) meaning "of Arabic." By understanding the basic sentence order in Arabic and the role of nouns and pronouns, you will be able to construct clear and meaningful sentences in Arabic. Practice forming various sentences and continue to expand your vocabulary and grammar knowledge to enhance your language skills. SECTION 3: QUESTIONS AND INTERROGATIVE WORDS ‫األسئلة‬ ‫وكلمات‬ ‫اَلستفهام‬ (al-as'ilah wa kalamat al-istifham) In this section, we will explore the different types of questions in Arabic and learn about the interrogative words used to form these questions. Asking questions is an essential part of effective communication, and understanding how to ask questions will greatly enhance your ability to engage in conversations and gather information in Arabic. 1. ‫أنواع‬ ‫األسئلة‬ (Anwa' al-as'ilah) - Types of Questions - ‫أسئلة‬ ‫التحقق‬ (As'ilat al-tahqiq) - Yes/No Questions: These questions are answered with either "‫"نعم‬ (na'am) for yes or "‫"َل‬ (la) for no. They are formed by using the
  • 76. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 75 Abu Rayhan verb at the beginning of the sentence followed by the subject. - ‫أسئلة‬ ‫اَلستفسار‬ (As'ilat al-istifsar) - Information Questions: These questions seek specific information and typically start with question words. - ‫أسئلة‬ ‫اَلختيار‬ (As'ilat al-ikhtiyar) - Choice Questions: These questions present options and require the respondent to choose among them. 2. ‫كلمات‬ ‫اَلستفهام‬ (Kalamat al-istifham) - Interrogative Words - ‫ما‬ (ma) - What - ‫من‬ (man) - Who - ‫أين‬ (ayn) - Where - ‫متى‬ (mata) - When - ‫لماذا‬ (limadha) - Why - ‫كم‬ (kam) - How much/many - ‫كيف‬ (kayfa) - How - ‫هل‬ (hal) - Is/Does - ‫أي‬ (ay) - Which 3. ‫صياغة‬ ‫األسئلة‬ (Sayaghah al-as'ilah) - Forming Questions
  • 77. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 76 Abu Rayhan - To form information questions, the interrogative word is placed at the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb and the subject. - Example: " ‫ماذا‬ ‫تفعل؟‬ " (Mada taf'al?) - What are you doing? - Yes/No questions can be formed by placing the verb at the beginning of the sentence followed by the subject, without the need for an interrogative word. - Example: " ‫هل‬ ‫تتكلم‬ ‫العربية؟‬ " (Hal tatakallam al- arabiyya?) - Do you speak Arabic? - Choice questions are formed by using the interrogative word and presenting the options using the word "‫"أم‬ (am) between them. - Example: " ‫أين‬ ‫ترغب‬ ‫في‬ ‫الذهاب؟‬ ‫أم‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫السينما‬ ‫أم‬ ‫المطعم؟‬ " (Ayna tureed fi al-thahab? Am ila al-sinema am al-mat'am?) - Where do you want to go? To the cinema or the restaurant? 4. ‫إجراء‬ ‫المحادثات‬ (Ijra' al-muhadathat) - Conducting Conversations - Knowing how to ask questions is crucial for engaging in meaningful conversations. Practice using different types of questions and interrogative words to initiate discussions and gather information.
  • 78. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 77 Abu Rayhan - Pay attention to the appropriate use of question words based on the context and the information you seek. Continue practicing these skills, and you will become proficient in asking questions and using interrogative words effectively in Arabic conversations. Enjoy honing these abilities and expanding your proficiency in the Arabic language. SECTION 4: NEGATION IN ARABIC SENTENCES ‫النفي‬ ‫في‬ ‫الجمل‬ ‫العربية‬ (An-Nafī fī al-Jumal al-'Arabiyyah) In this section, we will explore the concept of negation in Arabic sentences. Negation is an essential aspect of language, allowing us to express negated statements and convey negation in various contexts. Understanding how to form negative sentences in Arabic is crucial for effective communication. 4.1 ‫تعريف‬ ‫النفي‬ (Ta'rīf an-Nafī) - Definition of Negation Before we delve into the specifics of negation in Arabic, let us define what negation means. Negation is the process of expressing the opposite or denying the truth of a statement. In Arabic, negation is
  • 79. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 78 Abu Rayhan accomplished by using specific words or structures to indicate the negated form of a verb, noun, or sentence. 4.2 ‫تشكيل‬ ‫الجمل‬ ‫النفي‬ (Tashkīl al-Jumal an-Nafī) - Forming Negative Sentences To create a negative sentence in Arabic, we typically use the word "‫"َل‬ (lā) before the verb or adjective we want to negate. "‫"َل‬ (lā) translates to "no" or "not" in English. Here is an example: - ‫الكتاب‬ ‫موجود‬ . (Al-kitāb mawjūd.) - The book is present. - ‫َل‬ ‫يوجد‬ ‫الكتاب‬ . (Lā yujad al-kitāb.) - The book is not present. In the example above, we added "‫"َل‬ (lā) before the verb "‫"يوجد‬ (yujad), which means "is present." By doing so, we negated the statement and expressed the opposite meaning. 4.3 ‫األدوات‬ ‫النافية‬ (Al-Adwāt an-Nāfiyah) - Negative Particles
  • 80. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 79 Abu Rayhan In addition to "‫"َل‬ (lā), Arabic has other negative particles that can be used to express negation. Some common negative particles include: - ‫ما‬ (mā) - not - ْ‫م‬َ‫ل‬ (lam) - not (past tense) - َ ‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬ (laysa) - not (copula verb) These negative particles can be used in different contexts and with different verb tenses to convey negation. It's important to understand their usage and application in various sentence structures. 4.4 ‫النفي‬ ‫والتأكيد‬ (An-Nafī wal-Ta'kīd) - Negation and Emphasis In Arabic, negation can also be used for emphasis. By negating a statement, we can draw attention to its opposite or emphasize the denial of a particular action or state. This emphasis is achieved by employing the appropriate negative particle along with the verb or adjective. For example: - ‫أنا‬ ‫ذاهب‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫المدرسة‬ . (Anā dhāhib ilā al-madrasah.) - I am going to school.
  • 81. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 80 Abu Rayhan - ‫لست‬ ً‫ا‬‫ذاهب‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫المدرسة‬ . (Lastu dhāhiban ilā al-madrasah.) - I am not going to school. In the second sentence, by negating the verb "‫"ذاهب‬ (dhāhib), we create emphasis on the action of not going to school. 4.5 ‫النفي‬ ‫في‬ ‫األسئلة‬ (An-Nafī fī al-As'ilah) - Negation in Questions Negation is also used in forming negative questions in Arabic. When asking a negative question, we often use the negative particles " َ ‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬َ‫أ‬" (alaysa) or "ْ‫م‬َ‫أ‬" (am) at the beginning of the question. For example: - ‫أليس‬ ‫الكتاب‬ ‫على‬ ‫الطاولة؟‬ (Alaysa al-kitāb 'alā aţ-ţāwīlah?) - Isn't the book on the table? - ‫أم‬ ‫َل‬ ‫تريد‬ ‫الذهاب؟‬ (Am lā turīd adh-dhahab?) - Don't you want to go? By incorporating negation into questions, we can seek confirmation or emphasize the negated aspect of the question.
  • 82. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 81 Abu Rayhan Understanding negation in Arabic is essential for constructing accurate and meaningful sentences. By employing the appropriate negative particles and sentence structures, you can convey negation, emphasize certain actions or states, and form negative questions effectively. Practice using negation in various contexts to enhance your Arabic language skills and broaden your linguistic abilities. SECTION 5: PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR SENTENCE CONSTRUCTION ‫قسم‬ 5 : ‫تمارين‬ ‫عملية‬ ‫لبناء‬ ‫الجملة‬ (Tamārīn ʿamaliyya li-bināʾ al- jumla) In this section, you will find a variety of practice exercises to enhance your skills in constructing Arabic sentences. These exercises are designed to reinforce the concepts and structures covered in Chapter 4: Arabic Sentence Structure. By engaging in these exercises, you will gain confidence in your abilityto form grammatically correct and meaningful sentences in Arabic. Exercise 1: Sentence Formation with Subject-Verb Agreement - Form sentences using the given subjects and verbs, ensuring proper subject-verb agreement.
  • 83. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 82 Abu Rayhan Example: ‫الطالب‬ ‫يدرس‬ . (Al-ṭālibu yadrusu.) - The student studies. Exercise 2: Sentence Order and Adjective Placement - Rearrange the given words to form coherent sentences, paying attention to the correct order of words and proper placement of adjectives. Example: ‫في‬ ‫المكتبة‬ ‫الكبيرة‬ ‫الجديدة‬ ‫نقرأ‬ . (Fī al-maktaba al-kabīra al-jadīda naqraʾ.) - We read in the big new library. Exercise 3: Forming Questions in Arabic - Convert the given statements into questions by changing the word order or using question words ( ْ‫ن‬َ‫م‬ / ‫ا‬َ‫م‬ / ْ‫م‬َ‫ك‬ / ْ‫َل‬‫ه‬ ). Example: ‫تدرس‬ ‫الطالبة‬ َ‫ة‬‫العربي‬ . (Tadrusu al-ṭālibatu al- ʿarabiyya.) - Does the student (female) study Arabic? Exercise 4: Negative Sentences in Arabic - Transform the given affirmative sentences into negative ones by adding the appropriate negation word ( َ ‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬ / ‫ا‬َ‫م‬ ). Example: ‫أنا‬ ‫ذاهب‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫المدرسة‬ . (Anā dhāhibun ilā al- madrasa.) - I am going to school. (Negative: َ ‫ْس‬‫ي‬َ‫ل‬ ‫أنا‬ ‫ذاهب‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫المدرسة‬ . - I am not going to school.) Exercise 5: Combining Sentences with Conjunctions
  • 84. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 83 Abu Rayhan - Connect the given sentences using appropriate conjunctions ( َ‫و‬ / ْ‫و‬َ‫أ‬ / ِ‫ك‬َ‫ل‬ ْ‫ن‬ / ‫ـ‬َ‫ف‬ ). Example: ‫أحمد‬ ‫يذهب‬ ‫إلى‬ ‫المدرسة‬ . ‫فاطمة‬ ‫تدرس‬ ‫في‬ ‫البيت‬ . (Aḥmad yadhhab ilā al-madrasa. Fāṭima tadrusu fī al-bayt.) - Ahmad goes to school, but Fatima studies at home. Exercise 6: Writing Complex Sentences - Write complex sentences by combining the provided clauses, using relative pronouns ( ‫الذي‬ / ‫التي‬ / ‫الالتي‬ ) or subordinating conjunctions ( ‫إذا‬ / َ‫د‬ْ‫ع‬َ‫ب‬ / َ‫ل‬ْ‫ب‬َ‫ق‬ ). Example: ‫الكتاب‬ ‫الذي‬ ‫اشتريته‬ ‫هو‬ ‫مفيد‬ . (Al-kitābu al-ladhī ishtaraytuhu huwa mufīdun.) - The book that I bought is useful. These practice exercises will allow you to apply your knowledge of Arabic sentence construction and reinforce your understanding of the grammar concepts covered. Regular practice will help you develop fluency and confidence in forming well- structured sentences in Arabic.
  • 85. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 84 Abu Rayhan CHAPTER 5: INTRODUCTION TO ARABIC WRITING SECTION 1: ARABIC HANDWRITING AND CALLIGRAPHY Arabic handwriting and calligraphy have been essential components of Arabic culture and art for centuries. In this section, we will explore the history, importance, and different styles of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy. ‫تاريخ‬ ‫الخط‬ ‫العربي‬ ‫والخطاطية‬ (Tarikh al-Khat al-'Arabi wal- Khattatiyah) - History of Arabic Handwriting and Calligraphy Arabic handwriting has a rich and complex history that dates back to the pre-Islamic era. The earliest known Arabic inscriptions were found in the Arabian Peninsula and date back to the 4th century CE. Arabic handwriting and calligraphy evolved and flourished during the Islamic Golden Age, where it became an integral part of Islamic art, architecture, and literature. ‫أهمية‬ ‫الخط‬ ‫العربي‬ ‫والخطاطية‬ (Ahmiyat al-Khat al-'Arabi wal- Khattatiyah) - Importance of Arabic Handwriting and Calligraphy
  • 86. Practical Guide to Learning Arabic 85 Abu Rayhan Arabic handwriting and calligraphy hold significant cultural and religious importance in the Arab and Muslim world. It is considered a form of visual expression and a means of preserving the Arabic language and Islamic heritage. The art of Arabic handwriting and calligraphy is also associated with spirituality, as many Quranic verses and religious texts are beautifully rendered in calligraphy. ‫أساليب‬ ‫الخط‬ ‫العربي‬ ‫والخطاطية‬ (Asaliyib al-Khat al-'Arabi wal- Khattatiyah) - Styles of Arabic Handwriting and Calligraphy Arabic handwriting and calligraphy have several different styles, each with its unique characteristics and origins. The most famous styles of Arabic calligraphy include: 1. Kufic Calligraphy (al-Khatt al-Kufi) - A square, angular style that dates back to the 7th century CE and was commonly used for writing Quranic verses and inscriptions on mosques and other buildings. 2. Naskh Calligraphy (al-Khatt al-Naskhi) - A cursive style that emerged in the 10th century CE and is still widely used today for writing Arabic texts.