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Mansaf is a traditional Jordanian dish that holds deep cultural and social importance, especially among Bedouin (Arabs of the desert) communities. It is often served at major gatherings like weddings, holidays, and funerals to show hospitality and unity. The dish is made of lamb cooked in jameed, a fermented dried yogurt sauce, served over rice and thin flatbread. Traditionally, people eat mansaf with their hands while standing around a large communal tray, symbolizing generosity and respect. Eating together from the same platter shows equality and strengthens social bonds. Learning about mansaf offers insight into Arab values like honor, community, and hospitality.

منسف – Traditional Jordanian dish

جميد – Dried yogurt used to make the sauce

لحم – Meat (usually lamb)

أرز – Rice

خبز – Bread (often shrak, a thin flatbread)

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Ramadan (رَمَضان)i s a sacred month in Islam, deeply rooted in Arabic culture and observed by Muslims across the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia, including countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UAE, and Morocco - also in my own home country (Russia). It involves fasting from dawn to sunset and breaking the fast with a meal called "Iftar." Traditional iftar foods include dates, lentil soup, bread, rice, and grilled meats. I, myself, fasted for the first time this year and broke my almost every fast with dates and water before eating anything else. Before dawn, a pre-fast meal called "Sahur" is eaten. Ramadan promotes self-discipline, spiritual reflection, and devotion to community. The month ends with "Eid al-Fitr", a joyous festival marked by feasting, gift-giving, and communal prayers. For religious people, who either did not fast till the end of the month or ended up not fasting, there is a way to 'make up' for the days of Ramadan by feeding the homeless - one person per each day missed.

Some of the key terms that I learned in this topic are:

صَوْم (Sawm) – (Fasting) - the act of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset during Ramadan.

تراويح (Taraweeh) – (Night prayers) - Special extended prayers performed at night during Ramadan, usually in congregation.

زكاة (Zakat) – (Charity) - A form of almsgiving and one of the Five Pillars of Islam; many Muslims choose to give it during Ramadan.

دُعاء (Duʿāʾ) – (Supplication or personal prayer) - Personal prayers or invocations made by Muslims, especially during Ramadan when they are believed to be more likely accepted.

هلال (Hilal) – (Crescent moon) - The sighting of the new crescent moon marks the beginning and end of Ramadan in the Islamic lunar calendar.

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Dates, known as "تمر" (tamr) in Arabic, hold a heavy cultural and historical significance in Arab culture. Traditionally grown in the Arabian Peninsula for thousands of years, dates are considered to be a symbol of hospitality, prosperity, and vitality. They are often the first food consumed to break the fast during Ramadan, which reflects their importance in both daily life and religious practices. In many Arab households, guests are greeted with dates and Arabic coffee, a gesture symbolizing warmth and generosity. The significance of dates extends beyond consumption; they are also mentioned in Islamic texts as blessed food. Major festivals, family gatherings, and even diplomatic events often feature dates as part of the offerings. The palm tree itself, "نخلة" (nakhlah), is shown importance for its ability to thrive in harsh desert climates, which symbolizes resilience and life. Furthermore, different varieties of dates, such as "عجوة" (ajwa) and "مجدول" (majhool), are well-known for their distinct flavors and health benefits. Dates are not only as a nutritional powerhouse containing many different vitamins and minerals, but also as a cultural bridge connecting generations through tradition and shared heritage.

Arabic Vocabulary:

1. تمر (tamr) - Dates

2. نخلة (nakhlah) - Palm tree

3. عجوة (ajwa) - A type of date

4. مجدول (majhool) - Another popular type of date

5. قهوة عربية (qahwa arabiyya) - Arabic coffee

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Eid al-Fitr (عيد الفطر) is one of the most important holidays in the Arab and Islamic world, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Oftentimes I’ll go to my local mosque and prepare goodie bags which are typically given out to the kids on Eid and I’ll also help with decorating the mosque for the holiday. Eid begins with a special prayer called Ṣalāt al-ʿĪd performed in congregation, followed by festive gatherings with family and friends. People will wear their newest and nicest clothing or traditional clothes (like a Thobe), exchange gifts, and prepare special foods like maʿmūl (date-filled cookies). Many times, parents and family friends will give kids money as a gift and maybe even go on a trip or do an activity for the day. Acts of charity are central and many Muslims give zakāt al-fiṭr which is a donation to help those in need celebrate. This holiday is celebrated across the Arab world with local customs often varying but no matter where, the holiday emphasizes joy and community.

Arabic Vocabulary (with Arabic script):

1. عيد الفطر – Eid al-Fitr

2. صلاة العيد – Eid prayer

3. زكاة الفطر – Charity given at Eid

4. معمول – Maamoul (traditional cookie)

5. احتفال – Celebration

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In the UAE, and more specifically in the Emirati dialect, greetings are a mix and match of expressions. While the most common greeting across Arabic dialects is السلام عليكم, to which the reply is وعليكم السلام, in the UAE you will also hear هلا frequently. Additionally, phrases like شحالك or شحالج when addressing a woman, and شخبارك or شخبارج are commonly used. In contrast, in Egypt, expressions like أهلاً وسهلاً, أهلاً, and إزيك are more common, which are quite different from those in the UAE. In Syria, common greetings include مرحبا, كيفك, شو الأخبار, and other expressions like أهلاً، الحمد لله، الأخبار؟. In Palestine, greetings such as” مرحبا , كيفك “ are also frequently used and as it can be seen carry a lot of similitude. Most of the differences could be attributed to the geographical distance between countries, leading to bigger differences, like those between the UAE with other countries, or smaller, like those between Syria and Palestine and Jordan.

List of words:

السلام عليكم, وعليكم السلام

هلا

شحالك / شحالج

شخبارك / شخبارج

أهلاً وسهلاً

إزيك

مرحبا

كيفك

شو الأخبار

أهلاً، الحمد لله، الأخبار؟

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Arab countries/cities are known for some of the most beautiful landmarks in the world. Preservation of history is important and difficult, as many of these landmarks were created during ancient times. One of these is listed as an ancient wonder of the world, the city of Petra (ٱلْبَتْراء). Located in Jordan, the city of Petra is an ancient trading capitol and architectural marvel carved from the sandstone native to the land, the color of which gives it the nickname the “Rose City”. Another more modern landmark is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, located in Dubai, UAE.. The building is named after the former president of the United Arab Emirates, خليفة بن زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان. The building contains suites for companies, hotel rooms, and the highest observation deck in the world.

Additional vocab:

مَعالِم سِياحِيّة - (landmark/tourist attraction)

ناطِحة سَحاب - (a very tall building/skyscraper)

يُسافِر - (travel)

برج خليفة - ("at the top" - Burj Khalifa observation deck)

يُسافِر - (travel)

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Soccer, or كرة القدم (kurat al-qadam), is more than a sport in the Arab world, it unites entire communities of various sizes. On match days, cafés overflow with مشجعون (mushajjaʿun, fans) cheering on powerhouse clubs like Egypt’s ‎الأهلي‎ (Al-Ahly) or Saudi Arabia’s ‎الهلال‎ (Al-Hilal). National pride peaks when the الفريق الوطني (national team) plays: Morocco’s historic 2022 World Cup run and Qatar’s role as the first Arab host of كأس العالم (Kaʾs al-ʿAlam, the World Cup) sparked celebrations that filled the streets. Whether a last-minute هدف (hadaf, goal) in the Gulf Cup or a neighborhood pickup game, soccer weaves together generations, socioeconomic classes, and dialects, offering a stage where collective joy, rivalry, and identity play out in ninety minutes.

Key Arabic Vocabulary:

1. كرة القدم – soccer / football

2. منتخب – national team

3. هدف – goal

4. مشجعون – fans

5. كأس العالم – World Cup

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Islamic architecture is one of the most recognizable and influential artistic traditions in the world. From intricate tilework to towering domes and spires, Islamic architecture draws on religious principles and regional creativity. It emerged in the 7th century, with the rise of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad’s migration to Medina in 622 CE. The Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) in Medina is considered the first model for Islamic architecture. It had a simple design, an open courtyard and a covered prayer space. All of these elements became foundational in later mosque designs. However, Islamic architecture is not usually known for its simplicity. Some key aspects of the style are domes which symbolize the heavens, minarets (the towers from which the call to prayer are made), arches, courtyards, mihrab (a niche in a mosque wall to show the direction of Mecca, and geometric and calligraphy patterns. Islamic teachings shape the aesthetic of the architecture, with a strong emphasis on abstraction, symmetry and geometry. Early Islamic architecture drew on Persian, Roman, and Byzantine architecture. As Islam expanded, it absorbed and adapted local styles, while maintaining core religious elements.

قُبّة – Dome

مئذنة – Minaret

محراب – Prayer niche

فن العمارة الإسلامية – Islamic architecture

زخرفة – Ornamentation / decoration

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I chose this dish because I personally really like it, and it is a staple in many arab countries and it's so easy to make so I'll walk you through it. First get some lentils boil it and rice add them in water till its soft and season them in the meantime fry your onions. When the onions are at the level you want, then you get the rice and lentils and throw them into the pan with onions. pour the lentil water in till it's cooked through top with some onions get some yogurt and you're good to go.

Vocab.

onions: البصل

lentils: العدس

oil: زيت

mujadara: مجدرة

cook: يطبخ

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Arab weddings are vibrant celebrations that reflect well-rooted cultural values and traditions. While customs vary from area to area, most Arab weddings share the zaffah (زفة), a vibrant musical procession with singing, drumming, and dancing that welcomes the bride and groom into the wedding venue. Yet another central tradition is the katb al-kitab (كتب الكتاب), signing of the official marriage contract, usually accompanied by family and an Islamic cleric. Weddings are also noted for their elegant thobes (ثوب) and dresses, elaborate banquets, and traditional dances like dabke (دبكة). Celebrations in most cases run for several days and include a henna night (ليلة الحناء), where the bride's hands are decorated with elegant henna patterns. These weddings are not just the union of two individuals, but unions of entire families and communities together in joy and generosity.

Key Arabic Terms:

1. زفة – wedding procession

2. كتب الكتاب – marriage contract ceremony

3. ثوب – traditional dress

4. دبكة – traditional Arab line dance

5. ليلة الحناء – henna night

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Fairuz is considered one of the biggest and most important singers in Arabic music. She is known as the “Jewel of Lebanon” and rose to fame throughout the 1950s as a فنانة (female artist). Since then, she has still been listened to and loved by all generations for her irreplaceable صوت (voice). Fairuz’s أغاني (songs) generally cover the themes of حب (love) and longing for one’s وطن (homeland). One of her most popular songs "بحبك يا لبنان" ("I Love You, Lebanon") was loved because of the national pride it evoked across the Middle East and her sound created an emotional depth that resonated with millions. Fairuz worked with the Rahbani Brothers to develop a unique style that combined traditional melodies with emotionally complex lyrics. To this day, many homes, coffee spots, and restaurants around the world play her music.

Fun fact: She has a song called بنت الشلبية (the beautiful girl) and شلبي is my last name so I know now what my last name means.

Key Arabic Vocabulary:

1. فنانة - female artist

2. أغاني – songs

3. صوت – voice

4. حب – love

5. وطن – homeland

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In Arabic weddings, one important tradition that occurs is the خطوبة.  This is the engagement party where the wedding process begins. Often times at the khutba and wedding, حنة is used to create body art on the bride’s hands.  Henna artists create beautiful designs that last for weeks. In the wedding, the عريس and عروسة are what the groom and bride are called.  There is usually a separate celebration for each of them and then a larger gathering with both families, which often includes music, dancing, and food. Many weddings feature دبكة during the celebration.  Dabkah is a traditional Arabic dance performed with large numbers of people and is often done at celebratory events. Another significant part of the ceremony is the كتب كتاب, which is the signing of the marriage contract.  For Muslim contexts, this is often done at a home or mosque with an Islamic official.

Words:

1) خطوبة is the engagement party

2) حنة is a traditional decorative body art

3) عريس is the groom

4) عروسة is the bride

5) كتب كتاب is the Islamic marriage contract signing

6) دبكة is a traditional group dance

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السلام عليكم 

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Today, I will discuss the names of religious figures mentioned in texts like the Bible and the Quran, such as Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad. In Islam, a religion that was revealed in Arabic, these people are recognized as prophets, but they are referred to by their Arabic names: Isa (عيسى) for Jesus and Musa (عيسى) for Moses. Fun fact: Muhammad (محمد) is the most common name in the world. It derives from the name of the final prophet in Islam, whose legacy is so significant that Muslims are required to say صلى الله عليه وسلم (Sallallahu, alayhi wa sallam) translated to Peace and blessings be upon him after his name (33:56). This is often abbreviated to PBUH or SAW. Muslims say Alayhim as-salam for other prophets also translated to peace be upon them. Additionally, when referring to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), people often use the title Rasulullah, meaning Messenger of God. The symbol you see next to his name (ﷺ) is calligraphy for peace be upon him. You might also hear people say, Rasulullah referring to Muhammad (ﷺ), which originates from the Arabic root ray, zay seen (RSL), which is also the root of رسالة which we learned in class to mean "message" or "letter."

Key Words:

Isa (عيسى).

Musa (موسى)

Muhammad (محمد)

Peace and Bleassings be upong him صلى الله عليه وسلم

Letter/Message - رسالة

For other Male Prophits - عليهم السلام

Key Female Figures Ie (Maryam the Mother of isa) - عليهاالسلام

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Culture portfolio   5 %

You are expected to create a Culture entry on one topic

Culture Portfolio is your opportunity to engage with Arab culture outside the classroom in order to explore and improve your knowledge of the cultural and social contexts in which Arabic is spoken.

You  will post your culture portfolio here on Padlet

Form: A paragraph, slides

Due dates : 12th of May

Sample topics :

Soccer

Contemporary Arabic Music

Umm Kulthum

Wedding traditions or other significant holidays.

A National dish

Dialects ( Greetings across dialects or any other comparisons)

Arabic names and their significance.

Islamic Architecture

Fairuz

Arabic Poetry

Landmarks in Arab cities

The Art of Calligraphy

Arabic proverbs in MSA

Traditional clothes

Rubric :

Each entry should include  (time or  100 words (English)+

A list of 5  Arabic vocabulary word/ terms  in Arabic you learned and are key to this topic.