Using Arabic: A Guide to Contemporary Usage

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.

• Defines aspects of the Arabic language clearly and functionally • Provides examples of ‘real’ Arabic from the media • Gives a concise yet adequate overview of Arabic grammar, and expands students’ vocabulary

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.