How to Learn Arabic English Typing

When typing Arabic words in English text, you will sometimes have to switch from an English to an Arabic keyboard to type certain Arabic letters that have no English equivalent. However, Arabic-English typing can employ numbers to signify Arabic words that lack corresponding English letters. Although Arabic purists deem this typing method "improper," it is simply an easy way to write Arabic using an English keyboard. Whether you are a native speaker or an Arabic novice, Arabic-English typing can be convenient and fun.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Recognize the ten Arabic letters that do not exist in English. These are غ ,ع ,ظ ,ط ,ض ,ص ,خ ,ح ,ا and ء. In Arabic-English typing, you will have to substitute corresponding numbers for those letters.

2. Use the number 2 for the Arabic letter ا. This letter is pronounced like the 'a' in "after," and is also used for a glottal stop, ء, as in the English word "uh-oh."

3. Use the number 7 for the Arabic letter ح. This is one of the Arabic language's two letters for "h," this one being more breathy than the other. It is pronounced like a slow exhalation, whereas the other is a sharp, accented "h."

4. Use the number 5 for the Arabic letter خ. This is pronounced as a throaty "kh" sound as in the Scottish "loch," comparable to the German or Hebrew "ch."

5. Use the number 9 for the Arabic letter ص. This is an emphatic "s" pronounced with the tongue touching the roof of the mouth.

6. Type 9 for the Arabic letter ض. This is pronounced as an emphatic "d."

7. Use the number 6 for the Arabic letter ط. This letter is pronounced as an emphatic "t."

8. Type 6' for the Arabic letter ظ. This letter is pronounced as a heavy "th," more emphatic than in the word "the."

9. Use the number 3 for the Arabic letter ع. This letter is perhaps the most difficult letter for beginners to pronounce, sounding like a strangulated "ah."

10. Type 3' for the Arabic letter غ. This letter is pronounced like the French "r."

Tips & Warnings

• Beginners can sometimes confuse apostrophes for a number of Arabic-English letters that contain them. The context of the sentence will help you understand which letter is intended.

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