The Problem With Arabic to English Dictionaries
Get off Google Translate and try this...
This book has completely changed my Arabic studies.
Beginner Arabic students often use Arabic-English dictionaries, such as the famous Hans Wehr Dictionary, which is understandable because they need to build up a critical mass of vocabulary.
However, as soon as you have a chunk of Arabic words under your belt, you should start using an Arabic-to-Arabic dictionary.
Years ago, I bought an Arabic-to-Arabic dictionary in Jordan, but to be honest, it was difficult to use in my studies, because it was aimed at high-level native speakers.
Then recently, I found an illustrated Arabic-to-Arabic dictionary geared towards Moroccan schoolchildren. It’s fantastic.
If I come across a word I don’t know, instead of using Google Translate, I can try to grasp its meaning with an Arabic language definition. Instead of giving me a quick fix, this approach strengthens my Arabic vocabulary.
Some words even include pictures, like the word شَلّال:
Here is an example of an Arabic definition for the word وِعاءٌ “container”:
The Arabic definition translates as: “That which something is contained and preserved in.”
You can find this dictionary here.
As always, thanks a million for tuning in to Ihsan Arabic.
Peace and blessings, patience and perseverance to Arabic students everywhere,
Ella & Habib