The Arabic Alphabet

Synopsis

Ever larger numbers of people are starting to learn Arabic, while even more have some contact with the Arab world. Anyone who wishes to learn the language faces a hitherto formidable initial problem: the alphabet. This book proceeds step by step through all the letters of the Arabic alphabet, showing the sounds they stand for and how they are combined into words. Nothing essential is left out, but no unnecessary complications are added. Readers will find that progress is rapid and will be surprised at the relative ease with which they master the first steps in learning this increasingly important world language.

The Arabic Alphabet: How to Read and Write It belongs on the desk of every student of the language, in the luggage of every visitor to the Middle East, in the briefcase of all business people with Arab clients, and in the back pocket of all employees of British or American companies working for a time in an Arab country.

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Arabic Alphabet

* Overview of the Arabic alphabet and its history
* Introduction to the 28 Arabic letters and their pronunciations
* Example: The letter "alif" (ا) is pronounced as a long "a" sound, like in the word "apple."

Chapter 2: Vowels in Arabic

* Explanation of the diacritics (vowel marks) used to indicate vowels
* Types of diacritics: fatha, kasra, and damma
* Example: The letter "ba" (ب) with a fatha (َ) above it becomes "ba" (با), pronounced as "ba."

Chapter 3: Consonants in Arabic

* Introduction to the different consonant groups and their pronunciations
* Distinction between emphatic and non-emphatic consonants
* Example: The letter "ta" (ت) is a non-emphatic consonant, pronounced as a "t" sound, while "tha" (ث) is an emphatic consonant, pronounced with a more pronounced "th" sound.

Chapter 4: Joining Arabic Letters

* Rules for joining and separating Arabic letters
* Different forms of letters depending on their position within a word
* Example: The letter "jim" (ج) changes its shape when it is connected to the following letter "ha" (ح), forming the word "jiha" (جهاد).

Chapter 5: Reading and Writing Simple Arabic Words

* Introduction to basic Arabic vocabulary and sentence structure
* Exercises for practicing reading and writing simple words and phrases
* Example: The word "kitaab" (كتاب) means "book."

Chapter 6: Forming Plurals and Duals

* Rules for forming plural and dual forms of Arabic nouns
* Use of the prefixes "al-" and "a-" to indicate definiteness
* Example: The plural of the word "walad" (ولد) is "awlaad" (أولاد), meaning "children."

Chapter 7: Reading and Writing Arabic Texts

* Introduction to basic Arabic grammar
* Techniques for understanding and composing short Arabic texts
* Example: Reading and writing a simple letter introducing oneself.

Chapter 8: Arabic Calligraphy

* Overview of different Arabic calligraphy styles
* Basic techniques for writing Arabic characters красиво
* Example: Learning to write the word "Allah" (الله) in the Thuluth calligraphy style.

Chapter 9: Advanced Arabic Grammar and Syntax

* More complex grammar concepts, such as verb conjugations and sentence constructions
* Use of advanced grammatical structures in Arabic texts
* Example: Understanding the passive voice and its use in Arabic.

Chapter 10: Arabic for Practical Communication

* Everyday Arabic phrases and expressions for different situations
* Tips for effective communication in Arabic
* Example: Learning how to ask for directions or order food in Arabic.