Chapter 1-Arabic Script, Transliteration, and Alphabet Table

Chapter 1: Arabic Script, Transliteration, and Alphabet Table

1.1 The Arabic Script

• The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters, representing consonants.

• Includes three vowel signs for writing both short and long vowels.

• Other orthographic signs are explained in subsequent chapters.

• Letters are written from right to left.

• Letters are usually connected (joined) from both sides, but six letters can only connect from the right side:

  • These letters are: 1 (ا), 8 (د), 9 (ذ), 10 (ر), 11 (ز), and 27 (و).

• It is crucial to remember these specific letters cannot connect to the following letter (on their left side).

• Most letters are written in different forms depending on their position:

  • Initially (beginning of a word)

  • Medially (middle of a word)

  • Finally (end of a word)

  • Standing alone

• There are no capital letters in the Arabic script.

• Arabic grammarians refer to the alphabet using three different names

1.2 Transliteration

• The transliteration of the Arabic alphabet is based on the Latin alphabet.

• Some letters have additional signs to indicate special features of Arabic pronunciation.

• The letter !alif (ا) has not been given a specific transliteration due to its variable sound value.

1.3 Alphabet Table and Transliteration

• Alphabet Table includes each letter's different forms: standing alone, final, medial, and initial position:

  • Alif (ا)

    • Standing Alone: ا

    • Final: ـا

    • Medial: ـا

    • Initial: ا

    • Transliteration: (*1)

  • B (ب)

    • Final: ـب

    • Medial: ـبـ

    • Initial: بـ

    • Transliteration: b (2)

  • T (ت)

    • Final: ـت

    • Medial: ـتـ

    • Initial: ت

    • Transliteration: t (3)

1.4 Writing Letters in Different Positions

• Each letter's presentation as it appears in different positions in connected writing:

  • Ayn (ع)

    • Final: ـع

    • Medial: ـعـ

    • Initial: ع

    • Transliteration: (18)

  • G (غ)

    • Final: ـغ

    • Medial: ـغـ

    • Initial: غ

    • Transliteration: (19)

  • F (ف)

    • Final: ـف

    • Medial: ـفـ

    • Initial: ف

    • Transliteration: (20)

  • Q (ق)

    • Final: ـق

    • Medial: ـقـ

    • Initial: ق

    • Transliteration: (21)

  • K (ك)

    • Final: ـك

    • Medial: ـكـ

    • Initial: ك

    • Transliteration: (22)

1.5 Additional Observations

• It is essential to practice recognizing and forming Arabic letters in their various positions to master the script.

• Understanding the transliteration and Arabic phonetics is crucial for effective communication in Arabic.