How to Pronounce Words in Arabic

Arabic words can be written with Roman letters (the English alphabet) by using capital letters and certain letter combinations to represent sounds particular to the Arabic language. For example, you may see an Arabic word written like this: "sabaaH al-khayr." That capital letter H and those double "a's" are not typo's--they represent sounds that are not found in the English language. The best way to learn these sounds is to use an audio program that allows you to listen to native speakers saying these sounds. This article will attempt to give a verbal description of these sounds and how to pronounce them.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Learn which letters and sounds are the same in both English and Arabic. Arabic uses the sounds of these English letters: b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, s, t, w, and z. In addition, Arabic has the sounds "sh" and "th." When you see any of these letters, or letter combinations, say them just like you would in English.

2. Pronounce the vowel "a" as in "father." (Examples: walad, kanada, anta, ana) When you see "aa" pronounce it as "ah" but with more emphasis. (Examples: falaafil, shaadya, haatha, kitaab) NOTE: Some dialects of Arabic pronounce "aa" with a sound that is similar to the short "e" vowel sound, as in "bed." The sound is halfway between "ah" and "e."

3. Use the rules of English phonics to guide you for other vowel sounds. Say the word like it looks in English. (Examples: mumkin, min, fee, laysa, huwa)

4. Pronounce the letter "r" with a rolling sound, just like in Spanish, with your tongue vibrating against your teeth. (Example: mudaris, faar, sareer, ureed)

5. Pronounce the letter "j" so that it sounds like the "s" in the word "pleasure." (Examples: shajar, majalla)

6. Pronounce the letter "q" like a "k" said from the very back of your throat. Pretend you are about to gargle (open your mouth and put your tongue in the back) then try to say "k." It should come out sounding like the Arabic letter "q."

7. Learn to pronounce the emphatic letters: H, S, T, D and TH. Pronounce the capital letter H by saying it from deep down in your throat. Tighten your vocal chords, then exhale. Pronounce the capital letters S, T, D and TH by keeping your tongue away from the front of your mouth. Pretend you are going to say "kuh," but then say "suh, tuh, duh and thuh."

8. Say the letter combination "kh" as if you are clearing the back of your throat in order to spit. That sound you make before you spit is the sound that "kh" makes! (Example: akh)

9. Say the letter combination "gh" in a similar way to "kh" but try to say the sound "r" while doing so. If you happen to be familiar with French, the Arabic "gh" is very similar to the French "r" sound, made in the back of the throat. (Example: ghurfa)

10. When you come to an apostrophe, it can mean one of two things. In some texts, it is used to represent the letter "ayn" which is said by tightening your vocal chords then saying "ah." (Example: arba'a) Other translators will use the apostrophe to represent something called a "glottal stop," which is made by blocking off the back of your throat (like when you hold your breath) then releasing it suddenly. (Example: wara') Say "wah-rah," but when you say the "rah" you close the back of your throat right at the end of the syllable, as if you are holding your breath, then let it go again right away.

11. If you see the number 3 in a word, it represents the letter "ayn" which is said by tightening the area around your vocal chords then saying "ah." (Example: 3la)

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to learn Arabic language sounds (other than having an Arabic-speaking friend teach you) is to get an audio tape or CD that demonstrates these sounds.
• Be aware that there is no standardized way to write Arabic words with English letters. You may find the same word spelled many different ways (for example: Mohammed, Muhammed, Mohamed, and Mohamet).

Resources

• Listen to pronunciation of Arabic letters (Gulf region)
• Free Downloadable Arabic Language Program