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Language Wave

Language Wave

Learn Lebanese Arabic with transcribed podcast episodes exploring Lebanon and its people | تعلم اللغة العربية باللهجة اللبنانية مع البودكاست الأسبوعي والمكتوب الذي يعرفك على لبنان وشعبه

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Episode 95 – Gibran Khalil Gibran

Mariam and Rana discuss and remember the life of the phenomenal Lebanese writer, poet, and artist Gibran Khalil Gibran, and how he became a Lebanese a...  Continue reading Episode 95 – Gibran Khalil Gibran

Episode 94 – Skit: Career choices

Mary wants to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. She is passionate about the field, works hard to perfect her skills, and even knits her...  Continue reading Episode 94 – Skit: Career choices

Episode 93 – Skit: Wedding planning

Skit: Wedding Planning Following a beautiful wedding proposal, Mario and Lea decide to start preparing for their big day. The choices to make are a...  Continue reading Episode 93 – Skit: Wedding planning

Episode 92 – Skit: Household budgeting

With skyrocketing prices and stagnating salaries, Nassar and Mirna find themselves in need of a new budget, to keep afloat during these hard economic ...  Continue reading Episode 92 – Skit: Household budgeting

Episode 91 – Education sector crisis

Mariam calls her niece Reem to check on her and chat a bit. When Mariam notices that Reem’s voice does not sound well, she asks her about it. Reem, ...  Continue reading Episode 91 – Education sector crisis

Episode 90 – Singular, dual, & plural nouns

Mariam and Rea were revising the script of an episode Rea had prepared when Mariam points out a grammatical mistake found in the text. They discuss th...  Continue reading Episode 90 – Singular, dual, & plural nouns

Episode 89 – Skit: Hanging out during the pandemic

As Omar plans a fun night out, he tries to get his friend Mira to join their group of friends. However, she uses every excuse in the book to stay at h...  Continue reading Episode 89 – Skit: Hanging out during the pandemic

Episode 88 – Skit: Surprise birthday party

Cyrine’s birthday is coming up at the end of the month. Her fiance Chady and best friend Hiba plan to throw her a surprise birthday party. To get re...  Continue reading Episode 88 – Skit: Surprise birthday party

Episode 87 – Skit: Diet

Remi wants to go on a diet, but her brother Jad does not understand the point of it. Thus, Remi tries to convince him that they both have to adopt a h...  Continue reading Episode 87 – Skit: Diet

Episode 86 – Small business amid economic upheaval

Malak is a home-based entrepreneur in Lebanon who sells artificial flower arrangements and other handmade home-decorations. In this episode, Malak spe...  Continue reading Episode 86 – Small business amid economic upheaval

Episode 85 – Skit: Makeover

Longing for change and tired of taking care of her long hair, Racha visits her favorite hair salon for a makeover. She chats with her hairdresser Elie...  Continue reading Episode 85 – Skit: Makeover

Episode 84 – One year after the Beirut Port explosion

On August 4, 2020, a huge explosion wiped the Port of Beirut, killed 219 people, and damaged a large part of the city. While evidence suggests that ma...  Continue reading Episode 84 – One year after the Beirut Port explosion

Episode 83 – Medical crisis

Due to an unprecedented economic crisis, the medical sector in Lebanon is collapsing. Medications cannot be found, pharmacies continue to go on strike...  Continue reading Episode 83 – Medical crisis

Episode 82 – Barouk cedar forest

The Lebanese cedar tree has held cultural and economic significance throughout history and is the principal feature of the Lebanese flag. The Barouk f...  Continue reading Episode 82 – Barouk cedar forest

Episode 81 – Fairuz

The Lebanese music icon Fairuz is widely considered as one of the leading vocalists and most renowned singers in the Arab world. Just like many others...  Continue reading Episode 81 – Fairuz

Episode 80 – Discriminatory citizenship laws

Mariam is considering emigrating from Lebanon not because of the economic crisis in the country but rather to spare her foreign husband and potential ...  Continue reading Episode 80 – Discriminatory citizenship laws

Episode 79 – Traditional hand soap

When Khaled is not sure what he should get Hala for her birthday, Rana suggests an unusual gift; traditional Lebanese soap. At first he questions if i...  Continue reading Episode 79 – Traditional hand soap

Episode 78 – Skit: Dinner Party Planning

Two flatmates, Rana and Dalia, are inviting some friends over for dinner. They are discussing what food to prepare. They will be a big group so the tw...  Continue reading Episode 78 – Skit: Dinner Party Planning

Episode 77 – Graffiti

Graffiti art has witnessed a renaissance in Lebanon in the past several years. New colorful works of street art celebrate the country’s resilience a...  Continue reading Episode 77 – Graffiti

Episode 76 – Religious fasting

Rea and Mariam are leaving work early when Rea suggests that they get shawarma for lunch because she is craving meat after the end of the Christian fa...  Continue reading Episode 76 – Religious fasting

Episode 75 – Skit: trip to the beach

Nadine and Lama were told about a lovely hidden beach in Naqoura, a beautiful coastal city in the south of Lebanon. They went there early in the day a...  Continue reading Episode 75 – Skit: trip to the beach

Episode 74 – Lebanese beaches

The sun is out and so is Khaled! He calls Rana asking for her suggestions, as he is planning a trip to the beach with his siblings. They go over the m...  Continue reading Episode 74 – Lebanese beaches

Episode 73 – Lebanese movies

Lebanese movies are recently achieving a growing success and many have been nominated for international awards. These movies are a great way to know m...  Continue reading Episode 73 – Lebanese movies

Episode 72 – Dabke dance

Dabke is a popular Levantine folk dance and often performed at weddings and other happy celebrations. It is a major part of Lebanese heritage that con...  Continue reading Episode 72 – Dabke dance

Episode 71 – Mother’s Day

Mother's day in the Middle East is celebrated on March 21. In this episode, Mariam hosts her mom and asks about her early years raising a family durin...  Continue reading Episode 71 – Mother’s Day

Episode 70 – Skit: Taxi or service?

Bouchra and Dima are hanging out at a coffee shop in the popular Hamra neighborhood in Beirut. As they are getting ready to leave, Bouchra mentions sh...  Continue reading Episode 70 – Skit: Taxi or service?

Episode 69 – Ziad Rahbani

Ziad Rahbani, the talented son of Lebanese musical icons Fairouz and Assi Rahbani, grew up to be a composer, playwright, pianist, and political commen...  Continue reading Episode 69 – Ziad Rahbani

Episode 68 – Masculine and feminine words

Masculine and feminine words are two key elements in mastering the Arabic language. Knowing the gender of Arabic words allows us to be more understood...  Continue reading Episode 68 – Masculine and feminine words

Episode 67 – Farewells

Every year large numbers of Lebanese leave the country to study, find new work opportunities, or escape the economic and political challenges that Leb...  Continue reading Episode 67 – Farewells

Episode 66 – Maté

The delicious maté drink is quite popular in Lebanon and the Levant region. Maté is traditionally a Latin American drink. As Lebanese emigration to ...  Continue reading Episode 66 – Maté

Episode 65 – Skit: clothes shopping

Aya is shopping for a dress for her friend’s wedding. She is excited to check out a clothing boutique a friend recommended. The first dress she like...  Continue reading Episode 65 – Skit: clothes shopping

Episode 64 – Skit: get-together

Siham is at a house party in Beirut where she only knows the busy host who is a longtime friend from university. Another guest, Sarah, knows several p...  Continue reading Episode 64 – Skit: get-together

Episode 63 – Sursock Museum

Sursock Museum is one of the most prominent museums in Beirut. It represents an important landmark of the city’s cultural scene. Not only does it ha...  Continue reading Episode 63 – Sursock Museum

Episode 62 – Demonstratives (this vs. that)

Mariam joins forces with Leen to tell us about the grammatical concept of demonstratives, which help us differentiate objects, events, and people in r...  Continue reading Episode 62 – Demonstratives (this vs. that)

Episode 61 – Skit: anniversary dinner

Layal and Nadim go to a fancy seafood restaurant in downtown Beirut to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. Layal has second thoughts about go...  Continue reading Episode 61 – Skit: anniversary dinner

Episode 60 – Skit: Ph.D. candidate

Layla recently finished her master’s degree in Spain and is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. program at the Lebanese University. She wants to know abo...  Continue reading Episode 60 – Skit: Ph.D. candidate

Episode 59 – Skit: hotel reservation

Fadi and his family decided to spend next weekend in a hotel by the beach in Byblos. He is calling to book the rooms. Farah, the hotel receptionist, a...  Continue reading Episode 59 – Skit: hotel reservation

Episode 58 – Happy New Year!

Undoubtedly 2020 was a tough year. We faced a global pandemic, political and economic upheaval, as well as natural and man-made disasters. We hope tha...  Continue reading Episode 58 – Happy New Year!

Episode 57 – Christmas in Lebanon

Christmas as a holiday is celebrated around the globe but there is always room for cultural differences in celebrations, tales, and customs. Lebanese ...  Continue reading Episode 57 – Christmas in Lebanon

Episode 56 – Skit: debate about smartphones

Marwan and Katia are chatting when an incoming phone message alert interrupts their conversation. The interruption sparks a discussion about how smart...  Continue reading Episode 56 – Skit: debate about smartphones

Episode 55 – Art on vehicles

Join Mariam and Naim as they travel through Lebanon noting the art and slogans on cars, buses, trucks, and vans. Learn about this cultural and artisti...  Continue reading Episode 55 – Art on vehicles

Episode 54 – Skit: sharing household chores

On a Sunday morning, a newly married couple, Nabil and Samar, are having coffee in the kitchen and discussing their plans for the day. They have lunch...  Continue reading Episode 54 – Skit: sharing household chores

Episode 53 – Skit: job interview

Khaled is waiting outside the office of the Director of the National Theatre of Lebanon to be called in for a job interview. He applied a few weeks ag...  Continue reading Episode 53 – Skit: job interview

Episode 52 – Skit: exploring a neighborhood

Rami and Tala are walking in Beirut on a Sunday morning and decide to explore one of Beirut’s old neighborhoods, Zuqaq Al-Blat. Tala went to school ...  Continue reading Episode 52 – Skit: exploring a neighborhood

Episode 51 – Skit: first date

Karim and Ola are meeting for the first time in a cafe. A mutual friend set them up on a blind date. Karim is already waiting for her inside the cafe....  Continue reading Episode 51 – Skit: first date

Episode 50 – Lebanon’s defunct train system

Rail transport began in Lebanon in the 1890s while it was part of the Ottoman Empire. Over time, rail lines were built along the entire length of the ...  Continue reading Episode 50 – Lebanon’s defunct train system

Episode 49 – Expressions for life events

There are expressions that help us express what we feel at important life events such as births, birthdays, professional successes, weddings, and fune...  Continue reading Episode 49 – Expressions for life events

Episode 48 – Colloquial Lebanese words (2)

In this episode, Leen introduces twenty colloquial words that are often used in Lebanon. These words and expressions help express thoughts and ideas a...  Continue reading Episode 48 – Colloquial Lebanese words (2)

Episode 47 – Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dialects

Levantine dialects across Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine share much in common but also have noticeable differences. The Levantine dialects are importan...  Continue reading Episode 47 – Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dialects

Episode 46 – Proverbs (shoes and favors)

Has someone ever helped you with a favor and then reminded you time and again about it to the point you wish you never accepted the offer? Or has bein...  Continue reading Episode 46 – Proverbs (shoes and favors)

Episode 45 – The Lebanon Mountain Trail

The Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) is a long-distance hiking trail that runs the length of Lebanon. It extends from Andaket in northern Lebanon to Marja...  Continue reading Episode 45 – The Lebanon Mountain Trail

Episode 44 – Ammiq Wetland

The Ammiq Wetland is the largest remaining freshwater wetland in Lebanon. It is a remnant of an extensive ecosystem of marshes and lakes that once exi...  Continue reading Episode 44 – Ammiq Wetland

Episode 43 – Colloquial Lebanese words

Lebanese use lots of words that are distinct from Modern Standard Arabic and other Arabic dialects. Spoken Lebanese Arabic developed and continues to ...  Continue reading Episode 43 – Colloquial Lebanese words

Episode 42 – Driving in Lebanon

Driving in Lebanon is not for the faint-hearted. Unfortunately, its not uncommon to see people driving the wrong way down streets, cutting in front of...  Continue reading Episode 42 – Driving in Lebanon

Episode 41 – Sounds of the sea

Ain el Mreisseh is an old seafront neighborhood in Beirut. In the last few decades new tall buildings and a thoroughfare along the shore blocked views...  Continue reading Episode 41 – Sounds of the sea

Episode 40 – Five proverbs

Proverbs come in handy when we want to give advice about something in the future or point out something in the past that in hindsight seems obvious. F...  Continue reading Episode 40 – Five proverbs

Episode 39 – Lebanese emigration

For generations Lebanese citizens have emigrated across the world to seek better business or job opportunities, higher education, and safety from conf...  Continue reading Episode 39 – Lebanese emigration

Episode 38 – The Beirut Port explosion

A powerful explosion at the Beirut Port ravaged the Lebanese capital on August 4, 2020. The massive blast devastated hundreds of lives and left more t...  Continue reading Episode 38 – The Beirut Port explosion

Episode 37 – Street food in Tripoli

Sampling the street food of a city is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore the city's culture. In this episode, we go on a food adventure with ou...  Continue reading Episode 37 – Street food in Tripoli

Episode 36 – Economic hardship

Lebanon's is experiencing a profound economic crisis that began before massive protests rocked the country in October 2019. Since then the coronavirus...  Continue reading Episode 36 – Economic hardship

Episode 35 – Lebanese idioms

Ever heard a Lebanese phrase or expression that sounded awkward or did not make sense? For example, has someone ever asked you in Lebanese Arabic not ...  Continue reading Episode 35 – Lebanese idioms

Episode 34 – Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic is a historic health crisis that has affected Lebanon and every other country around the world. Unfortunately, Lebanon was al...  Continue reading Episode 34 – Coronavirus

Episode 33 – Beit Beirut

In the heart of Beirut along one of its most important avenues is a yellow building that was situated on a major front line of Lebanon's 15-year civil...  Continue reading Episode 33 – Beit Beirut

Episode 32 – Traditional handicrafts

Handicraft making is a popular profession in Lebanon. It reflects the traditional and artistic face of the country. Some families have specialized in ...  Continue reading Episode 32 – Traditional handicrafts

Episode 31 – Sabah

Sabah is one of Lebanon's most iconic singers and movie stars. She is famous for the beauty and power of her voice and her larger than life persona bo...  Continue reading Episode 31 – Sabah

Episode 30 – Lake Qaraoun

Lake Qaraoun is the largest body of water within Lebanon. The artificial lake is located in the Beqaa Valley, the most important agricultural area in ...  Continue reading Episode 30 – Lake Qaraoun

Episode 29 – Mouneh (food provisions)

For generations Lebanese people have prepared food provisions ("mouneh") to last them until spring when snow covered fields and roads would be accessi...  Continue reading Episode 29 – Mouneh (food provisions)

Episode 28 – Moussa Castle

When Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari was a young boy he had a crush on a girl. She said she was not interested in him because he was poor and she was ri...  Continue reading Episode 28 – Moussa Castle

Episode 27 – Two common proverbs

Has someone you know acted petty even when they have everything they need? Or have you ever been surprised that everyone around you does not see the o...  Continue reading Episode 27 – Two common proverbs

Episode 26 – Trip to Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island (which is also called Palm Island) is the largest island in an archipelago off the coast of Tripoli in north Lebanon. The island is part...  Continue reading Episode 26 – Trip to Rabbit Island

Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah

Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah was a Lebanese inventor who made significant scientific contributions in the fields of electrical engineering, solar energy, an...  Continue reading Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah

Episode 24 – Traditional village weddings

Traditional village weddings in Lebanon are a multiday affair with diverse cultural traditions that vary by region. In the mountains and valleys beyon...  Continue reading Episode 24 – Traditional village weddings

Episode 23 – Public transportation

Lebanon's public transportation sector is made up of a hodgepodge of official and informal buses, minivans, and taxis. Most have known (but not well m...  Continue reading Episode 23 – Public transportation

Episode 22 – Plastic waste

Plastic waste is a global problem that is growing by the day. Discarded plastic items are polluting cities, rural areas, rivers, and seas. Like most c...  Continue reading Episode 22 – Plastic waste

Episode 21 – Arabized French words

French words form an integral part of the Lebanese dialect. This influence stems from France's 23 years of mandate rule over Lebanon after World War I...  Continue reading Episode 21 – Arabized French words

Episode 20 – Olive picking

Olives hold a significant role in Lebanese culture due to their agricultural, culinary, and health benefits. The harvesting and storing of olives stil...  Continue reading Episode 20 – Olive picking

Episode 19 – Beirut’s “Qabadayat”

Back in the day, the streets of Beirut’s neighborhoods were often watched over and protected by men known as “Qabadayat”, which roughly translat...  Continue reading Episode 19 – Beirut’s “Qabadayat”

Episode 18 – Folktales from once upon a time

Folktales and other story telling traditions are found all over the world. Lebanese culture is especially rich with folktales that have been passed do...  Continue reading Episode 18 – Folktales from once upon a time

Episode 17 – Faraya and nearby attractions

Faraya is a famous Lebanese village and winter sport destination located high in the mountains. Its snowy winters and mild summers make it a popular d...  Continue reading Episode 17 – Faraya and nearby attractions

Episode 16 – Wildfires

Wildfires are a common phenomenon around the world and can profoundly affect economies, nature, and people. Lebanon, like many other countries, is occ...  Continue reading Episode 16 – Wildfires

Episode 15 – Two common proverbs

Common proverbs and their origin stories provide a perspective to understand a country’s culture, values, and sometimes their old customs. In this e...  Continue reading Episode 15 – Two common proverbs

Episode 14 – Sidon (Gateway to the South)

Sidon is Lebanon's third largest city. It is referred to as Saida within Lebanon. Located along the Mediterranean coast, this bustling ancient metropo...  Continue reading Episode 14 – Sidon (Gateway to the South)

Episode 13 – Arabized Turkish words

Lebanon was part of the Ottoman Empire for about 400 years and, naturally, Lebanese people absorbed many Turkish words from that time. Although Ottoma...  Continue reading Episode 13 – Arabized Turkish words

Episode 12 – Hamra Street

Hamra Street is one of the liveliest areas in Beirut. It has a storied history as a center of commerce, performing arts, and social activity. The stre...  Continue reading Episode 12 – Hamra Street

Episode 11 – Months and seasons of the year

The names of months and seasons of the year are used a lot in Lebanese conversations. We talk about them when discussing and planning trips, outings, ...  Continue reading Episode 11 – Months and seasons of the year

Episode 10 – Beiteddine

Beiteddine Palace is a 19th-century palace in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It was built during the Ottoman Empire by Emir Bashir II who ruled the Mount Lebano...  Continue reading Episode 10 – Beiteddine

Episode 9 – Elie Saab

Elie Saab is a Lebanese fashion designer. He started his career in the early 1980s and specialized in bridal couture and haute couture. He has worksho...  Continue reading Episode 9 – Elie Saab

Episode 8 – Salwa Al Katrib

Salwa Al Katrib was a Lebanese singer and stage actress best known for her roles in Emerald Princess and Mountain Girl ('Bent Al Jabal'). She was born...  Continue reading Episode 8 – Salwa Al Katrib

Episode 7 – Four common proverbs

In this episode we will be speaking about a few common proverbs used in Lebanon. Proverbs are used a lot in the Lebanese dialect and daily con...  Continue reading Episode 7 – Four common proverbs

Episode 6 – Modern poetry scene

Lebanon has a small but vibrant poetry scene. In Beirut and other cities you can find poetry reading nights, open mic events, and local poetry magazin...  Continue reading Episode 6 – Modern poetry scene

Episode 5 – Three popular music festivals

Lebanon hosts several major music festivals each year in different cities and parts of the country. Three of the most popular festivals are the Byblos...  Continue reading Episode 5 – Three popular music festivals

Episode 4 – Proverb: A handful of lentils

There is a popular proverb people use in Lebanon when others comment about something without knowing the real story behind it. It translates as “Tho...  Continue reading Episode 4 – Proverb: A handful of lentils

Episode 3 – Jeita Grotto caves

The Jeita Grotto (Arabic: مغارة جعيتا‎) is one of Lebanon’s most famous natural wonders. It is a world-renowned system of intercon...  Continue reading Episode 3 – Jeita Grotto caves

Episode 2 – Chouwen Lake

Mariam tells us about her trip to Chouwen Lake as part of her multi-part honeymoon around Lebanon. She describes the “Jannet Chouwen valley”, rive...  Continue reading Episode 2 – Chouwen Lake

Episode 1 – Mezza

Mezza is a traditional Lebanese starter meal eaten with friends and family. It includes a variety of starter dishes and salads. The appetizers are ser...  Continue reading Episode 1 – Mezza

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