Arabic Language Class - Lesson 9: Singulars and Plurals

Introduction

• Begin the class with Islamic greetings and prayers.
• Aim: Learn the language of the Noble Qur'an to benefit ourselves and others.
• Class: Lesson 9 of Level 2.
• Focus: Singulars, plurals, and the concept of dual in Arabic.

Singulars and Plurals in English vs. Arabic

• English: Singular is one (e.g., one book), plural is more than one (e.g., books).
• Arabic: Singular is one, plural is more than two.
• Dual: Exists in Arabic for two (e.g., two books).
  • Called Musanna in Arabic.

How to Form Dual in Arabic

• To form a dual, add Alif and Noon to the singular form.
  • Examples:
    • Kitabun (book) ➔ Kitabani (two books)
    • Qalamun (pen) ➔ Qalamani (two pens)
    • Tabibun (doctor) ➔ Tabibani (two doctors)
    • Sayyaratun (car) ➔ Sayyaratani (two cars)
• Note: For feminine words ending in ta marbuta, open the ta before adding Alif and Noon.
  • Example: Sayyaratun ➔ Sayyaratani

Concepts Covered

• Singular (Mufrad): One item.
• Dual (Musanna): Two items.
• Plural: More than two items.

Examples and Usage

• How to ask questions with "Kam" (How many?)
  • Word following "Kam" is always singular, indefinite, and mansoob.
  • Examples:
    • How many brothers do you have? ➔ Kam akhan laka?
    • How many sisters do you have? ➔ Kam uqtan laka?

Grammar Notes

• Tameez: The word that comes after "Kam"; always singular, indefinite, and mansoob.
• Mubtada and Khabar: Must agree in number and gender.
  • Example: Haadhaa kitabun (This is a book) ➔ Haadhani kitabani (These are two books).

Exercises

• Practice forming dual by adding Alif and Noon.
• Answer questions using dual forms (e.g., Li uqtani - I have two sisters).
• Change singular sentences to dual.
• Complete exercises on forming dual and matching Mubtada with Khabar.

Additional Points

• Huma: Pronoun used for two, regardless of gender.
• Tools for Identifying Dual: Noon with kasra indicates a dual.
• Recognize differences between Arabic and English structures, especially regarding dual forms.

Conclusion

• Summary of forming dual and understanding its usage.
• Importance of learning Arabic for understanding the Qur'an.
• Encouragement to continue practicing and learning.

Note: This class discussed the concept of the dual in detail, emphasizing the differences between singular, dual, and plural in Arabic compared to English, with various examples and exercises provided for practice.