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.

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