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
Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah was a Lebanese inventor who made significant scientific contributions in the fields of electrical engineering, solar energy, and space technology. He was such a prolific inventor that people called him "Thomas Edison of the East”. He grew up in the Lebanese town of Nabatie. After completing his graduate degree in the … Continue reading Episode 25 – Hassan Kamel Al Sabbah
Traditional village weddings in Lebanon are a multiday affair with diverse cultural traditions that vary by region. In the mountains and valleys beyond the big coastal cities, weddings are often as much about two families coming together as they are about two individuals coming together. Although aspects of modern wedding customs common in Lebanon’s large … Continue reading Episode 24 – Traditional village weddings
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 marked) stops and all can be hailed at almost any point along their routes. Taxi drivers around their word are famous for their ability to chat up customers but Lebanese taxis … Continue reading Episode 23 – Public transportation
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 countries around the world, Lebanon is generating more plastic waste than it can properly recycle or manage. In this episode Mariam discusses the challenges of plastic waste globally and within … Continue reading Episode 22 – Plastic waste
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. Since then Arabized French words have become a defining feature that you hear sprinkled throughout daily Lebanese conversations. In this episode, Mariam points out several Arabized French words in … Continue reading Episode 21 – Arabized French words
Olives hold a significant role in Lebanese culture due to their agricultural, culinary, and health benefits. The harvesting and storing of olives still follows centuries-old processes and is a popular social activity. In this episode, Leen tells us about the role of olives in Lebanese culture and takes us with her and her family on … Continue reading Episode 20 – Olive picking
Back in the day, the streets of Beirut’s neighborhoods were often watched over and protected by men known as “Qabadayat”, which roughly translates as valiant men. They often helped people in their community and resolved local disputes. Qabadayat were pillars of tradition and social customs. They often played important roles in organizing celebrations and funerals … Continue reading Episode 19 – Beirut’s “Qabadayat”
Folktales and other story telling traditions are found all over the world. Lebanese culture is especially rich with folktales that have been passed down for generations. Often, these folktales evolve with each generation’s telling. In this episode, Dareen shares with us three folk tales from her childhood which she grew up listening to and that … Continue reading Episode 18 – Folktales from once upon a time
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 destination year-round. Faraya and neighboring villages such as Kfardebiane offer visitors great dinning, skiing, and hiking opportunities. In this episode, Leen tells us about the village and its surroundings. She … Continue reading Episode 17 – Faraya and nearby attractions
Wildfires are a common phenomenon around the world and can profoundly affect economies, nature, and people. Lebanon, like many other countries, is occasionally affected by wildfires and some outbreaks in the past have been devastating. In this episode, Mariam gives us a general overview about wildfires and tells us about their history in Lebanon and … Continue reading Episode 16 – Wildfires