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
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 plans with friends later in the afternoon but want to get a few chores done before leaving the house. The couple negotiate and distribute chores and then get … 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 ago for the Communications Manager position at the organization. He is a communications professional and loves theatre. It is his dream job. As he waits, he is … 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 there when she was young, but it has been a long time since she was last there. As they walk through the neighborhood, they discuss its history and pass … 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. 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
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 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
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 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
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 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)
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 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
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 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)










