This episode highlights some common errors that language learners make when it comes to learning to speak Levantine Arabic. As a language advisor for the past 15 years, I’ve coached more than 1,800 students. During that time, I’ve noted consistent mistakes that Arabic learners tend to make. We’re launching a series of episodes and posts where I’ll address each of these errors in depth. In this episode I’ll focus on two categories out of the six that I frequently observe in my work. This will allow us to explore examples of correct Arabic structures with local voices, enhancing your understanding of the language, as well as expanding your awareness of possible mistakes you may have gotten into the habit of making.
Arabic Verbs Work Differently
One of the most significant hurdles for learners is the assumption that verbs function similarly across languages. In reality, Arabic verbs often convey nuanced meanings that differ from their perceived English counterparts. For instance, in Arabic, there are two distinct verbs for the way we use the English verb “to spread.” In English, we can spread a variety of things—disease, rumors, lies, gossip, sickness, news—and use the same verb regardless of whether the object is tangible or intangible. However, in Arabic, spreading rumors and butter require the use of distinct verbs:
- نشر (nashr): This verb is used for spreading news, gossip, disease, as well as hanging up wet laundry.
- دهن (dahn): This is used when spreading something tangible like butter on bread or lotion on your skin.
Interestingly, this second Arabic verb is used for, “to paint” in English. So while English has separate verbs for these actions; buttering bread and painting a wall, in Arabic, one verb covers both.
Consider verbs we use to express time in English. We spend time with our kids, using the same verb we use when spending money. In Levantine Arabic, different verbs are employed for these actions; you قضي time with your family, but you يصرف money.
In English we use the word start in many situations; we start a car, start a new job, start a computer, start a sentence, try to make it to the theater before the movie starts. However, we can’t assume that if we learn an Arabic word that works in some of these situations, it will work for all of them. For example, instead of saying “I start a car,” you would say بشغل السيارة (bashaghal), a verb which is used in other forms and contexts for work, operate, function, etc. If you ask an Arabic speaker how they would describe turning on various electronics—like a TV or a fan—you might be surprised to find different verbs apply based on the object.
Directly translating verbs from one language to another can lead to humorous situations. In English, we often say our computer died, but in Arabic, we say it shuts off. This distinction often leads to laughter among native speakers when they hear Arabic learners mourning the death of their electronics because they are translating this idea from English.
Nuances in Everyday Actions
Language learning can be enjoyable when viewed through the lens of discovery. Instead of assuming that verbs operate the same way they do in your native language, embrace the challenge and experiment with different combinations. Ask yourself a question like: What do I do this verb to? The nouns following verbs often dictate which verb should be applied, yet the overall context is crucial as well. For instance, in English we open and close windows at home, yet in a car we roll down the window—a nuance that doesn’t exist in Arabic.
Additional examples:
- Do you wash dishes and clothes with the same verb? Of course not! In Arabic, each action has its specific term.
- When it comes to eating soup, we actually drink it in Arabic—using the same verb used for consuming water and taking liquid medications.
This dynamic nature of Arabic means that understanding how verbs operate within a sentence is more crucial than simply knowing their meanings as isolated words.
Beware of Overusing Delexicalised Verbs
The second common error I want to address here which I have observed Levantine Arabic learners frequently make is the overuse of delexicalised verbs and helping verbs such as get, make, and take. In English, phrases like “I got sick” or “I made an appointment” are prevalent and easy to default to when speaking Arabic. However, these expressions lack precision and do not reflect how proficient speakers communicate.
For example:
- Instead of saying “he got excited,” you would say إتحمّست
- Rather than “that made me happy,” you would use بصطّني
With some Arabic words, like the above examples, the meaning is encapsulated within the verb itself—providing clarity without needing additional context. This specificity allows for more effective communication, but using verbs in these ways is often missed by Arabic learners when they cling to translating familiar phrases from their first language.
Embracing Language Learning
As you navigate these complexities in Levantine Arabic, remember that none of this knowledge can be acquired overnight. It requires time spent with native speakers and exposure to real-life conversations. I hope this discussion has provided you with valuable insights and practical examples to consider as you continue your language-learning journey.
Learning Arabic is not just about memorizing vocabulary; it’s about understanding cultural contexts and how language reflects those nuances. Engaging with local speakers will expose you to ways of perceiving the world that textbooks may overlook. You will begin to see the world in new ways, which will enable your linguistic categories to broaden beyond direct translation.
In upcoming episodes/posts, I’ll cover four common errors:
- Misuse of prepositions
- Omitting essential words that may seem redundant but are crucial in spoken Arabic
- Mis-collocation—pairing incorrect descriptive words with nouns
- Idioms—expressions that are not directly translatable but often attempted by learners
Don’t forget to share this post and podcast episode with anyone interested in learning Levantine Arabic. Your engagement helps spread knowledge and fosters a community of learners eager to explore this beautiful language together. Remember that every mistake is an opportunity for growth; embrace them as part of your journey toward fluency!
