Introduction to Arabic Writing

Overview

• Basics of Arabic writing
• Introduction to the Arabic alphabet
• Classical Arabic vs. Modern Standard Arabic
• Writing direction and cursive nature
• Different forms of letters

Arabic Alphabet

• Consists of 28 letters
• 3 Vowels (e.g., Alif)
• The rest are consonants
• 5 Emphatic consonants
• Two sequences of the alphabet: Abjet & Hijab
  • Abjet is older
  • Hijab is modern and commonly used

Writing Styles

• Classical Arabic
  • Language of the Quran and classical literature
  • Represents vowels
• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
  • Universal and widely understood
  • Omits vowels, relies on context

Examples

• Cover (in English) = c-o-v-e-r
  • Classical Arabic: similar to c-o-v-e-r
  • MSA: c-v-r
• Verb for 'go'
  • Classical Arabic: Vowels written
  • MSA: Vowels omitted

Writing Direction

• Right to left (words)
• Left to right (numerals)
• Cursive writing is mandatory

Forms of Letters

• Initial: First letter
• Medial: Between two letters
• Final: Last letter
• Isolated: Alone
• Example: Letter Ba (ب)
  • Initial: بـــ
  • Medial: ـــبـــ
  • Final: ـــب
  • Isolated: ب

Recap

• 28 letters: 3 vowels, rest consonants
• Classical Arabic includes vowels, MSA does not
• Written from right to left
• 4 forms of letters: Initial, Medial, Final, Isolated

Learning Program

• 20 lessons covering reading and writing
• Arabic is largely phonetic
• Most Arabic sounds have English counterparts

Key Letters

• Alif (ا): Sounds like 'A' in Apple
• Noon (ن): Sounds like 'N'
• Ba (ب): Sounds like 'B'
• Ta (ت): Sounds like 'T'
• Tha (ث): Sounds like 'Th' in 'Thief'
• Geem (ج): Sounds between 'G' and 'J'
• Haa (ح): Deeper 'H' sound
• Khaa (خ): Like a snoring sound

Writing Practice

• Letters in different positions: Alif, Noon, Ba, Ta, Tha, Geem, Haa, Khaa
• Example words: Ana (I), Ab (Father), Taj (Crown)

Additional Notes

• Arabic involves voweled and vowelless systems
• Use of Franco-Arabic: Numbers for sounds not in English
• Examples of Franco-Arabic: 2 (ʾ), 3 (ʿ), 7 (Ḥ)

Pronunciation Challenges

• Arabic letters have specific pronunciations
• Practice on lined paper for better handwriting
• Various forms of a single letter based on its position

Final Thoughts

• Arabic cursive is mandatory, involves practice
• Use voweling for pronunciation
• Learn through consistent practice and review