Using Arabic
A Guide to Contemporary Usage

A clear and readable guide to contemporary Arabic usage for intermediate-level students and above.

Mahdi Alosh (Author)

9780521648325, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 30 June 2005

358 pages
23.9 x 16.9 x 2.2 cm, 0.57 kg

Using Arabic is a guide to Arabic usage for students who have already acquired the basics of the language and wish to extend their knowledge. Focusing mainly on Modern Standard Arabic, it is divided into three clear sections on varieties of Arabic, grammar, and vocabulary. 'Varieties of Arabic' describes the linguistic situation in the Arab world, showing students variations in register through the use of authentic texts. The vocabulary section is designed not only to expand students' knowledge of Arabic words, but also to show them which words are most current, and which are appropriate to different registers. The final chapter provides an overview of Arabic grammar, giving many modern-day examples, and highlighting common errors. Clear, readable and easy to consult, Using Arabic will prove an invaluable reference for students seeking to improve their fluency and confidence in Arabic.

Part I. Varieties of Arabic: 1. What is Arabic?
2. Arabic diglossia
3. Diglossia versus bilingualism
4. Register
5. Representative texts
Part II. Vocabulary: 6. Vocabulary study
7. Word information
8. Conceptual organization of words
9. Semantic processing of words
Part III. Grammar: 10. What is grammar?
11. An outline of Arabic grammar
12. Grammatical categories
13. The nominal sentence
14. The verbal sentence
15. Prepositions
16. Negation
17. Demonstratives
18. Relative pronouns
19. Interrogatives
20. Conditionals
21. Transition words
22. Numbers
23. Partitives
24. Nominal forms with a verbal force
25. The diminutive
26. The vocative
27. Relative adjectives
28. Words of emphasis
29. The permutative
30. Conjunctions
31. Exception
32. The construct
33. Comparative/superlative adjectives
34. Defective nouns
35. Common errors.

Subject Areas: Linguistics [CF]