Can you start an Arabic word with an ALIF?

Can you start an Arabic word with an ALIF?

Author: THOURIA BENFERHAT January 8, 2024 Duration: 5:02
Somebody on Quora just asked: “How come the words Allah and the definite article AL in Arabic start with ALIF, while the rule is that you cannot start a word with an ALIF in Arabic?” When you see an ALIF at the beginning of word, it’s not just an ALIF. It’s there to carry either a Hamza, a MADDA or a WaSla. See other episodes on this podcast to find out more about those three. In the meantime, here are some examples: Words starting with an ALIF HAMZA: ‏أنا، أكل، إستقلال Words starting with an ALIF MADDA: ‏ آكل، آمال، آسيا Words starting with a WASLA: في الييت، واستقبل، بعد انقلاب Help me get a laptop: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/thouriabenferhatllc Or: Buy me a Coffee (I LOOOVE COFFEE!) https://www.buymeacoffee.com/thouria More on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/THOURIABENFERHAT Send me a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thouria-benferhat/message Buy my creations! They make beautiful gifts! https://benable.com/Thouria Benable is a tool to create shareable lists of things you recommend! You can skip the waitlist and create your own shareable lists by signing up using my invite link: https://benable.com/i/3PWE7 Visit my website: https://www.thouriabenferhat.com/

In Things You Need to Know About Arabic… and English, host Thouria Benferhat draws from her 36 years as an Arabic educator at the United Nations, alongside certifications in French and Spanish, to create a unique bilingual learning space. This isn't a dry academic lecture; it's a practical guide built from a lifetime of professional language use. Each episode delves into the mechanics of Modern Standard Arabic and English, breaking down grammar and vocabulary in a way that feels immediately applicable. But you'll also find layers of cultural context that explain why certain phrases are used and how language shapes thought and interaction in different parts of the world. The podcast operates on the principle that to truly know a language, you need to understand the logic behind its structure and the people who speak it. With a substantial library of over 240 in-depth episodes, this resource is for anyone from the dedicated student to the casually curious who wants to move beyond simple phrases. Listeners hear clear explanations and comparisons that make complex rules accessible, all delivered with Thouria's seasoned perspective. It's a deep, structured, and genuinely insightful exploration of two major world languages, designed to build competence and confidence through patient, expert guidance.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Things You Need to Know About Arabic… and English
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