Beginner - Levantine: Directions to Monot

Excellent, guys, thanks! I'll know better next time we're in Lebanon not to say مع السلامة. I'm afraid I got that all wrong ... :-(

My question has no direct bearing on this lesson. It concerns the spelling of the word “binaa”, which occurs frequently in the syntagma “hayyaa binaa” (Let’s go). Since “binaa” literally means “with us”, I would write ﺒﻨﺎ, but I recently discovered an online Arabic grammar where “binaa” is spelt ﺒﻨﻰ. Which spelling is correct?

It ought to be possible to verify the spelling of “binaa” by consulting a Lebanese telephone directory since there is a Lebanese NGO called “hayyaa binaa”. It was founded by Alexandre Medawar and Lokman Slim.

Hi Desmond,

بنا = Binaa = With us

بنى = Banaa = Built

The correct spelling for 'with us' is the first one

Thanks for the prompt reply, ArabicLover. It's amazing how many spelling mistakes one can find in Arabic texts that are intended for learners.

Sierra, Elias -

I think this one has the greater phrase repetition interwoven with the explanations that we were seeking in prior commentary. The repetition is very helpful, I think, especially for the beginner.

My last comment on general technique - occasionally, the "special effects" can be disconcerting. The program with the breaking glass was particularly startling.

I much appreciate all the new content and the great effort you are putting into these clear and highly informative lessons.

Charles

I just love your website, a very cool idea! I have studied Arabic for four years but we dont really learn how to talk, only how to read the newspaper so this is the perfect complement.

Don't worry, KAREN - it's a minor mistake and it's really the spirit that counts. (Okay, maybe as your Arabic teacher, I'm not supposed to say that... ;-p )

Thank you, ARABICLOVER for chiming in.

Thank you also CHAZYOUWIN for the feedback. We're going to continue to weave repetition into our lessons. Will definitely keep that in mind about the special effects.

And glad to hear you're enjoying the site, CORY ;-)

Elias and I are glad to have you with us. We've recorded a number of lessons that haven't aired yet, so apologies if upcoming lessons don't immediately reflect the feedback on the site. Don't worry, we're keeping all comments in mind!