Arabic Culture

Arabic Pronunciation and Transliteration

When it comes to the Arabic pronunciation and its English transliteration, you may often see that the numbers are used. This is done to substitute the sounds that don't exist in the English language:

2 - the glottal stop - uh2 oh...
3 - 'ayn ( pronounced with the back of your throat, deep sound)
5 - kh - German ch
6 - T - heavy version of "t"
7 - H - strongly aspirated "h"
9 - S - heavy version of "s"

Arabic Language and the Arab Culture

The Arab culture stretches across a number of countries in the Middle East, Western Asia and North Africa. In this countries, Arab culture has a strong influence in the language, literature, cuisine, architecture, religion and art. This is also referred to as the Pan-Arab world, which can be divided into the Nile Valley countries, Al-Maghrib Al-Arabi, Fertile Crescent and the Arabian Peninsula.

Arabic Speaking Countries:

Arab culture has been greatly influenced by the religion of Islam, and Qu'aran has been shaping the modern Arabic language for centuries. It has also had a strong influence on the Arab literature. Although it would be wrong to say that all members of the Arab culture are Muslim, Islam most definitely has a strong influence, and the religion is taken more seriously in the Arab culture than it is in the Western world.

Family is among traditional Arabic values. It is expected of the family members to support each other with disputes with outsiders, take care of relatives and defend each other's honor.

Arab Cuisine

Like in any culture, traditional cuisine is an important part of the Arab culture. Arabs rely heavily on dates, wheat, barley, rice, meat and yogurt. With lamb and chicken being the most popular among the meat products, the dwellers of the coastal areas consume a lot of fish. Islam strictly prohibits pork, therefore, it isn’t used in the Arab cuisine. The local cuisine is known for a variety of spices, with mint, thyme, sesame, saffron, turmeric and garlic being widely used. Many Arab and Middle Eastern dishes have become international favorites, served and loved all over the world. These sure include Hummus, Manakeesh, Grilled halloumi, Foul meddamas, Falafel, Tabouleh, Moutabal/baba ghanoush, Fattoush, Umm Ali, Shanklish, Shawarma, Shish tawook, Dolma, Mansaf and many more.

All Arab countries have their local specialties and favorites, so be sure to try local foods when you travel to an Arab country.