Hisham al-Gokh gave a stunning live performance of this poem – see here. When this poem first came out, several years ago, it captured my attention with its simplicity and its brave criticism. He points the finger of blame at authorities in the Arab region, but there is also a note of self-criticism. It’s time…
The winter holiday season is an excellent time for revisiting favorite classics that continue to entertain and intrigue us year after year. One of my all-time favorites from classical Arabic literature is the travel account of Ibn Fadlan. (Especially during this social-distancing time, this selection offers fun reading AND a chance to travel virtually!) Here…
Starting in my student days, I often proofread papers for my colleagues. After completing my PhD, I continued editing for professors, just as friends. They kept telling me that I should be charging more for my time, but I just didn’t have a business mindset yet. Eventually, I recognized the value of my contribution. When…
1640 Harvard College establishes the first Semitic chair (Hebrew, Chaldaic and Syriac) in the United States, adding Arabic between 1654 and 1672. Others followed Harvard’s example, dependent upon the availability of scholars (beginning at Yale in 1700, at Dartmouth and Andover in 1807, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1822). Early scholars learned Arabic only…
The letter ع ‘ayn The Arabic Language اللغة العربية Arabic belongs to the Semitic family of languages. Currently spoken languages in this family, besides Arabic, include Modern Hebrew, Amharic, Tigre and Tigrinya, Syriac, several Aramaic dialects, and Maltese. Arabic is spoken by about 422 million people (native and non-native), making it one of the 5…
In the current climate, audio and video sources are on the rise, but reading remains a key skill for language learners. For those learners who already love to read (in any language), extensive reading can be a powerhouse for their progress toward increased proficiency in Arabic. This 2-part series is based on research in language…
In the current climate, audio and video sources are on the rise, but reading remains a key skill for language learners. For those learners who already love to read (in any language), extensive reading can be a powerhouse for their progress toward increased proficiency in Arabic. This 2-part series is based on research in language…
Mhani Alaoui is a rising star in literature from Morocco. See below for reviews of her two novels. Thanks to Interlink for providing access to interesting voices and perspectives! Dreams of Maryam Tair: Blue Boots and Orange Blossoms by Mhani Alaoui Dreams of Maryam Tair is a tour de force, the most powerful novel I…
[[Update: Recording of this Reading now available here. The introduction of Melanie Magidow and Reem Bassiouney begins at 28:15. Melanie Magidow introduces the book at 29:45. Reem Bassiouney’s reading begins at 31:15. Melanie Magidow’s reading of the English is 34:50-38:00.]] It’s August, and time once again to celebrate Women in Translation (#WiT) Month! This initiative was…
Feb. 2022 Update: This story has been reprinted online at Medievalists.net here. My translation of a 10th century detective story by Tanukhi is published in the latest issue of ArabLit Quarterly (excerpt below). The theme of this issue is Crime, and this story is one of my all-time favorite stories in classical Arabic literature for…
