Do you ever have a tough time understanding the Levantine accents that you just come throughout in immersion? Are you ever watching a TV present and questioning – Is that speaker from Jordan? Oh, wait, Lebanon? No, no, Palestine? Syria? solely to be left questioning what you are truly listening to?
This text is for you then.
Let’s discuss 5 remarkably easy phrases that can assist you to perceive any Levantine Dialect.
Earlier than we hop in, I wish to let you know a little bit bit about me…
Why I Care So A lot About This
I began learning Arabic at college in 2016, and later determined to check overseas in Amman, Jordan. Whereas there, I met my husband. We didn’t begin relationship instantly, however we continued to remain in contact even after I returned dwelling. As soon as we acquired married, I moved to Jordan semi-permanently on the finish of Summer time 2018.
After I first arrived in Jordan my Arabic was not very sturdy, at the least not within the Jordanian Dialect. However my expertise with Fusha was base for studying extra of the Jordanian Dialect. Throughout my almost two years in Jordan, I lived with my husband’s household who didn’t converse any English, and labored for the Purple Crescent (Purple Cross) the place I labored with Arabic audio system who additionally spoke no English.
From these two years in Jordan and from being absolutely immersed within the language, I not solely realized the Jordanian dialect however some Syrian dialect as nicely, as a result of a lot of my volunteers had been Syrian refugees.
Working with audio system of two totally different Levantine dialects, is how I noticed the true variations between the language that Syrians spoke and the language that Jordanians spoke. Even with all of my expertise and time in Jordan, speaking with my Syrian volunteers in Syrian Arabic was an enormous studying curve.
If that was my expertise whereas dwelling and dealing in an immersive Arabic setting, I can solely think about your expertise whilst you’re immersing at dwelling.
So listed here are the 5 easy phrases to look out for throughout Levantine dialects.
1. plow
A few of you Jordanian / Palestinian dialect learners could know “bagdar” for “I can” (As a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot – as a lot)
Whereas Syrians and Lebanese do use “bagdar” they extra typically may be seen utilizing “feeni”. (فيني – فيك – فيكي – فيهن – فينا – فيكن – فيه – فيها)
For instance: Can I ask you one thing?
As a lot as Asalk? [J/P]
Finn Asalk Shi? [S/L]
Moreover, the Syrian and Lebanese conjugations for “they” and “you all” are additionally totally different from the Jordanian and Palestinian conjugations. As a substitute, in Syrian and Lebanese Arabic, you will see “kon” for “you all” and “hon” for them. For instance: They’ll / You all can
By destiny – by destiny [J/P]
فيهن – فيكن [S/L]
2. Please
You is perhaps considering this one is straightforward. Please is “legislation samaht” (لو سمحت) in Jordan and Palestine. However “izi bitreed” (In case you are afraid) is used fairly a bit extra in Syria and Lebanon.
Throughout my time in Jordan, I didn’t hear اذا بتريد used as soon as by Jordanians.
These two expressions for “please” are used primarily whenever you ask somebody to do one thing for you. For instance: Please go!
لو سمحت روح [J/P]
Should you go away the soul [S/L]
3. Early
In Jordan and Palestine, you’ll primarily hear folks discuss with the phrase for early as “bakeer” (بكير), whereas in Lebanon and Syria you’ll hear the phrase “badri” (بدري).
That being mentioned, there nonetheless is perhaps instances the place you’ll hear folks from Jordan / Palestine use بدري and other people from Syria / Lebanon use Baker, however for essentially the most half you’ll hear Baker in Jordan / Palestine and بدري in Syria / Lebanon. For instance: I don’t wish to sleep early.
We’re dangerous [J/P]
What a nasty identify [S/L]
4. Boy
In Jordan / Palestine you’ll hear many referring to a boy as “walad” (ولد) whereas in Lebanon / Syria you’ll hear principally “sabi” (Sabi). Whereas you’ll generally hear Lebanese and Syrian films or TV reveals use ولد, in Jordan and Palestine you’ll by no means hear Sabi. For instance: I’ve one boy and two ladies.
Andy son and Bentin [J/P]
Andy Sabi and Bentin [S/L]
5. Nonetheless
I exploit this phrase CONSTANTLY in my every day conversations in Arabic and so do many Arabic audio system. However just like the phrases earlier than, “nonetheless” differs throughout the Levant. In Jordan / Palestine you’ll hear lissa (لسا) whereas in Syria / Lebanon you’ll hear much more use of the phrase ba3d (Subsequent). “Ba3d” will also be conjugated relying on who you’re speaking about. For instance: I’m nonetheless working.
Uncle Lasht [J/P]
Uncle later occupation [S/L]
The place do you go from right here?
There are such a lot of different phrases to dissect, however these are an amazing begin since you’ll hear them in virtually each piece of media you immerse in (whether or not you notice it already or not). Changing into conscious of various Levantine dialects could appear overwhelming proper now, however with apply, you will slowly start to grasp understanding a couple of dialect. Begin now!
