Get to know the pronunciation of the Arabic language

Word stress – rule of thumb

The word stress in Modern Standard Arabic is the topic of many a linguistic debate. Therefore we would like to provide you with a first rule of thumb:

Arabic words have their stress on one of the last three syllables.

Which of those last three syllables is stressed, depends on the pronunciation.
If the penultimate syllable is pronounced 'closed' – that's where you will find the stress. In all other cases, you stress the third last syllable.

Pronunciation in a shortened form

Nouns and adjectives in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) are usually pronounced in a shortened form:

This means that the case endings (-u / -i / -a) of nouns will be found in the written form – but they are not pronounced.

The same happens according to the so called principle of 'nunation':

This grammatical structure marks whether a noun is specific or unspecific. This is marked in the written form, but you won't hear it pronounced.

Arabic Grammar

Introduction

Arabic Grammar at a Glance

Arabic language

Pronunciation

Writing system

Writing Arabic vocals

Arabic alphabet

Word structure

Additional characters

Articles

Definite Article

Nouns

Nouns - gender

Definite/indefinite nouns

Adjectives & Adverbs

Use referring to objects

Adverbs

Verbs

Stem

Verb system - overview

Perfective aspect

Imperfective Aspect

Useful information

Numbers 1 to 10

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