arabic, just curious

lamea
By lamea

i can read arabic and understand a bit too but get confused when arabs from different countries speak differently. the main confusion is regarding the letter jeem (or ja in arabic) which is usually pronounced as the english letter j but i have often heard egyptians pronouce it as the letter g(as in gold). is that because they speak a different dialect? where else is it pronounced this way? is egypt the only place where people speak this way, or do other countries also do it.
which is correct? in my country we have the same alphabets and writing as arabic and we also pronounce it as a j(as in jam).

By swissgirl39• 1 Apr 2008 08:52
swissgirl39

*When hands reach out in friendship, hearts are touched with joy*

By swissgirl39• 1 Apr 2008 03:56
swissgirl39

*When hands reach out in friendship, hearts are touched with joy*

By jauntie• 5 Jun 2007 10:15
jauntie

e.g of a hard and soft sounding 'G'

Gold

Germ

gonna have more coffee, now, and gel with life for a while lol

"Watch out for the pedestrian ..... It's on the road; it knows the risks its taking!"

By hayoonah• 5 Jun 2007 10:06
hayoonah

guys, don't be surprised, arabs have different dialects...

it's so commom..

you'll get used 2 it!!

By jauntie• 5 Jun 2007 10:02
jauntie

I guess really this string is about the alphabet NOT the actual words.

Sowwee! got carried away ;o)

"Watch out for the pedestrian ..... It's on the road; it knows the risks its taking!"

By jauntie• 5 Jun 2007 09:58
Rating: 5/5
jauntie

Well I wouldn't know about the pronounciation of individual letters of the Arabic alphabet, lamea, but it would seem that each Arabic speaking country or city has its own dialect, with the Qaran as the written arabic known to all of them.

In the same way, English speaking countries and cities have many different accents and dialects also, but generally speaking when communicating, using the written word, the classic English is adopted. (I daren't call it the Queen's English any more in case the forum faithfuls knock me about a bit lol)

Some years ago I learned some general, conversational Arabic in Jeddah. Some of the Jeddah Arabic words would not have been understood in, say, Riyadh let alone Egypt! And when I tried it out on the Iraqis they thought I was speaking a Kuwaiti dialect! hmmm

Stroll on!

"Watch out for the pedestrian ..... It's on the road; it knows the risks its taking!"

By King Edshel• 5 Jun 2007 09:37
King Edshel

pronounced like that in Egypt, Yemen and Oman. One strange thing and me Egyptian friends were testing me with when I was speaking the Egyptian Accent was to ask me to say the word 'Gylati' which means 'Ice Cream'. No one would say it with 'G', but it would be 'J'. It was only for once, but I know now the difference :)

By staying alive• 5 Jun 2007 09:35
Rating: 4/5
staying alive

hi lamea,

in yemen they pronounce the Jeem ( ga) just like in eygpt,and i think part of oman.in sudan and saudi its jeem but most qaaf is also pronounced ga...except for the quran.

By iman0493• 5 Jun 2007 09:08
iman0493

I was told that many Palestinians use the "g" sound instead of "k". Like for "eat" they would say "guli" instead of "kuli". Also, in my husbands part of Palestine, the "q" sound is omitted completely. So instead of pronouncing "moon" as "qamr" is is "amr". I always find it interesting how differences like this occur in a language from area to area.

By lamea• 5 Jun 2007 08:47
lamea

any idea why they are the only ones different?

are there other letters in arabic pronouced differently in different arab countries?

By anonymous• 5 Jun 2007 08:32
Rating: 5/5
anonymous

As far as my studying goes in Arabic language the classic and the local, there are some differences of the way they are spoken. Local, Qataris does have Shakbarek, khefahalik, khefaleech (if ur talking to a female gender)but the best way to learn Arabic is Qura'an... (works for me) because there's the fatha, damma, tanwin and kasra on it.

Cheers!

"I know how and when to say "Please", "Sorry", & "Thank You"

By yv2r• 5 Jun 2007 08:31
Rating: 5/5
yv2r

yv2r

I have seen in yesterdays Gulf Times that they are going to conduct 3months Arabic and Japanese Classes.

Attend the classes,you willknow correct pronounciation.If its 4th alphabets starting Alif,Ba,Ta,Tha,next letter is Jim as pronounced as J in english

By Raminho• 5 Jun 2007 08:24
Raminho

Only egyptians talk this way =)

Log in or register to post comments

More from Qatar Living

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Qatar’s top beaches for water sports thrills

Let's dive into the best beaches in Qatar, where you can have a blast with water activities, sports and all around fun times.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part Two

This guide brings you the top apps that will simplify the use of government services in Qatar.
Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

Most Useful Apps In Qatar - Part One

this guide presents the top must-have Qatar-based apps to help you navigate, dine, explore, access government services, and more in the country.
Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Winter is coming – Qatar’s seasonal adventures await!

Qatar's winter months are brimming with unmissable experiences, from the AFC Asian Cup 2023 to the World Aquatics Championships Doha 2024 and a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural delights.
7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

7 Days of Fun: One-Week Activity Plan for Kids

Stuck with a week-long holiday and bored kids? We've got a one week activity plan for fun, learning, and lasting memories.
Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Wallet-friendly Mango Sticky Rice restaurants that are delightful on a budget

Fasten your seatbelts and get ready for a sweet escape into the world of budget-friendly Mango Sticky Rice that's sure to satisfy both your cravings and your budget!
Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in  high-end elegance

Places to enjoy Mango Sticky Rice in high-end elegance

Delve into a world of culinary luxury as we explore the upmarket hotels and fine dining restaurants serving exquisite Mango Sticky Rice.
Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Where to celebrate World Vegan Day in Qatar

Celebrate World Vegan Day with our list of vegan food outlets offering an array of delectable options, spanning from colorful salads to savory shawarma and indulgent desserts.