Written Arabic: An Approach to the Basic Structures

by A. F. L. Beeston

Overview

The aim of this introduction to modern written Arabic is to bring the student quickly to a reading knowledge of the language so that he can use Arabic sources in subjects like history, economics and sociology. The book can also be used in conjunction with others as an ordinary grammar. Professor Beeston presents essential features of Arabic needed for an accurate comprehension of written material. He excludes the mass of linguistic detail contained in traditional Arabic grammars which assume the student wishes to master all aspects of the language. On the other hand the book provides for a sound understanding of abstract literature on scholarly subjects, in contrast to manuals teaching a quick understanding of journalistic Arabic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521095594
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	11/01/1968
Series:	Language Series
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	124
Product dimensions:	5.43(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.39(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Grammatical terminology; The Arabic script; 1. nouns and adjectives; 2. Demonstratives, pronouns and the basic thematic sentence; 3. The verb; 4. Qualifying clauses and similar structures; 5. Connectives; 6. Thematic sentence forms and noun clauses; 7. Modifications of the thematic sentences; 8. Verbs of vague application, participles; 9. Negatives; 10. Intensified adjectives and similar word patterns; 11. Circumstance clauses; 12. Conditional sentences and similar structures; 13. Terminal variations in nouns and adjectives; 14. Terminal variations in the imperfect; 15. Prepositional phrases; 16. Queries, commands and exclamations; 17. Some miscellaneous functionals; 18. Dual number and numerals; Appendix; Arabic index; English index.

Editorial Reviews

' … this little volume fills a definite gap in the field … Written Arabic makes the complexities of the Arabic language about as clear for the students as a book is able to.' The Modern Language Journal

From the Publisher