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
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. Ola walks in and looks around to find him. Karim sees her and waves his hand and says hello. Lebanese Arabic Transcript and English … Continue reading Episode 51 – Skit: first date
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 Lebanese coastline. Additional tracks ran east across the country connecting Beirut and the Syrian capital Damascus. The rail system operated for close to a hundred years but … Continue reading Episode 50 – Lebanon’s defunct train system
There are expressions that help us express what we feel at important life events such as births, birthdays, professional successes, weddings, and funerals. These expressions convey our care and solidarity with others and reinforce our communal bonds. In this episode, Leen explores expressions for life events that we all experience. She also tell us about … Continue reading Episode 49 – Expressions for life events
In this episode, Leen introduces twenty colloquial words that are often used in Lebanon. These words and expressions help express thoughts and ideas and also describe people, animals, and things. So if you want to compliment a stylish person, complain about traffic, ask someone to move out of your way, or chit chat with friends … Continue reading Episode 48 – Colloquial Lebanese words (2)
Levantine dialects across Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine share much in common but also have noticeable differences. The Levantine dialects are important parts of the mosaic of Arabic dialects spoken across the Middle East. The popularity of Syrian and Lebanese TV shows, television drama series, and music have contributed to these dialects being widely understood across … Continue reading Episode 47 – Lebanese, Syrian, and Palestinian dialects
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 being shy ever caused you or people you know problems? Or have you ever been frustrated that someone got away with something that they should have … Continue reading Episode 46 – Proverbs (shoes and favors)
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 Marjayoun in the south. The trail is 470 km long and passes through more than 75 towns and villages at altitudes ranging from 570 to 2,011 meters above sea level. The … Continue reading Episode 45 – The Lebanon Mountain Trail
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 existed in the Bekaa Valley. The swamp is one of the Lebanon's biodiversity hotspots and lies on one of the most important bird migration routes in the world. In this … Continue reading Episode 44 – Ammiq Wetland
Lebanese use lots of words that are distinct from Modern Standard Arabic and other Arabic dialects. Spoken Lebanese Arabic developed and continues to evolve due to the diverse cultural and linguistics communities within the country, interactions with the broader world, and the natural evolution of colloquial speech as new words enter the lexicon and old … Continue reading Episode 43 – Colloquial Lebanese words
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 you aggressively, not stopping at red lights, and flashing their headlights and honking their horn behind you because they think you are driving too slow. Join Mariam as she takes … Continue reading Episode 42 – Driving in Lebanon