Learn Lebanese Arabic with weekly transcribed podcasts exploring Lebanon and its people | تعلم اللغة العربية باللهجة اللبنانية مع البودكاست الأسبوعي والمكتوب الذي يعرفك على لبنان وشعبه
Sursock Museum is one of the most prominent museums in Beirut. It represents an important landmark of the city’s art scene. Not only does it have a distinct architecture, but also an impressive interior. In this episode, Rana takes us a journey down memory lane, recounting how the museum evolved from being a beautiful palace … Continue reading Episode 63 – Sursock Museum
Mariam joins forces with Leen to tell us about the grammatical concept of demonstratives, which help us differentiate objects, events, and people in relation to the speaker. We select demonstratives such as "these" and "those" based on our perceived closeness or distance to the object. So whether you want to talk about these trying times … Continue reading Episode 62 – Demonstratives (this vs. that)
Layal and Nadim go to a fancy seafood restaurant in downtown Beirut to celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary. Layal has second thoughts about going to such a pricy restaurant but Nadim convinces her that such a special occasion is worth it. They take a table overlooking the sea and discuss the extensive menu before ordering. … Continue reading Episode 61 – Skit: anniversary dinner
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 about the process of applying to the university and equalizing her foreign master’s degree. During a visit to the university, she talks with a professor who gives her advice on next … Continue reading Episode 60 – Skit: Ph.D. candidate
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, answers the phone and tells Fadi about the hotel rooms options, amenities, and scheduled events. Fortunately, it turns out that the hotel has lots of options and … Continue reading Episode 59 – Skit: hotel reservation
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 that during these historic times you have periodically experienced moments of goodness and upliftment. In this episode, Leen and Naim recap some of the events that marked this year. As 2020 … Continue reading Episode 58 – Happy New Year!
Christmas as a holiday is celebrated around the globe but there is always room for cultural differences in celebrations, tales, and customs. Lebanese Christmas celebrations include bounteous food spreads with family, Santa visits, big lit up Christmas trees, and goodies filled holiday markets. In this episode, Rea takes us on a tour of the major … Continue reading Episode 57 – Christmas in Lebanon
Marwan and Katia are chatting when an incoming phone message alert interrupts their conversation. The interruption sparks a discussion about how smartphones affect in-person meetings and conversations. During their debate, the two explore the upsides and downsides of the super computers in the palms of our hands and make a plan to reduce how often … Continue reading Episode 56 – Skit: debate about smartphones
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 artistic display on Lebanese roads. What is the purpose of the art and writings? What do some of these phrases mean, and what do they tell you about the life … Continue reading Episode 55 – Art on vehicles
On a Sunday morning, a new married couple, Nabil and Samar are having coffee in the kitchen and discussing their plans for the day. They have lunch plans with friends later in the afternoon but want to get a few chores done before leaving the house. The couple negotiate and barter chores and then get … Continue reading Episode 54 – Skit: sharing household chores