Having posted Kids & YA book recommendations last month, this month I’d like to share some of my favorite MENA-related fiction and non-fiction selections that I read roughly in the past year. If you want to learn more about MENA and/or participate in a community of readers, check out the MENA Lit Group on goodreads.com .
Fiction
A Recipe for Daphne, Last Train to Istanbul, What Happened to Zeeko *A Recipe for Daphne by Nektaria Anastasiadou | *A delightful mix of lighthearted comedy and weighty issues of identity and history in Turkey.
The letter dal in stylistic calligraphy
1640 Harvard College establishes the first Semitic chair (Hebrew, Chaldaic and Syriac) in the United States, adding Arabic between 1654 and 1672. Others followed Harvard’s example, dependent upon the availability of scholars (beginning at Yale in 1700, at Dartmouth and Andover in 1807, and at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1822). Early scholars learned Arabic only after studying Ancient Hebrew first. Arabic was treated as a subsidiary subject in Hebrew Studies or Assyriology.
The letter ع ‘ayn
**The Arabic Language **
اللغة العربية** **
Arabic belongs to the Semitic family of languages. Currently spoken languages in this family, besides Arabic, include Modern Hebrew, Amharic, Tigre and Tigrinya, Syriac, several Aramaic dialects, and Maltese. Arabic is spoken by about 422 million people (native and non-native), making it one of the 5 most spoken languages in the world. It is also used in various degrees in the prayers and recitations of more than 2 billion Muslims all over the world.
In the current climate, audio and video sources are on the rise, but reading remains a key skill for language learners. For those learners who already love to read (in any language), extensive reading can be a powerhouse for their progress toward increased proficiency in Arabic. This 2-part series is based on research in language teaching, with a focus on learners of Arabic whose L1 (first language) is English. It is intended for both educators and learners of Arabic (whether in a classroom or in an independent learning environment).
In the current climate, audio and video sources are on the rise, but reading remains a key skill for language learners. For those learners who already love to read (in any language), extensive reading can be a powerhouse for their progress toward increased proficiency in Arabic. This 2-part series is based on research in language teaching, with a focus on learners of Arabic whose L1 (first language) is English. It is intended for both educators and learners of Arabic (whether in a classroom or in an independent learning environment).
Flyer for upcoming WiT Virtual Reading Series
[[Update: Recording of this Reading now available here. The introduction of Melanie Magidow and Reem Bassiouney begins at 28:15. Melanie Magidow introduces the book at 29:45. Reem Bassiouney’s reading begins at 31:15. Melanie Magidow’s reading of the English is 34:50-38:00.]]
It’s August, and time once again to celebrate Women in Translation (#WiT) Month! This initiative was started six years ago by blogger Meytal Radzinski with the purpose of focusing on translating words by women or nonbinary authors and working toward gender parity in literary publishing—so important to freedom of expression throughout the world.
Feb. 2022 Update: This story has been reprinted online at Medievalists.net here.
My translation of a 10th century detective story by Tanukhi is published in the latest issue of ArabLit Quarterly (excerpt below). The theme of this issue is Crime, and this story is one of my all-time favorite stories in classical Arabic literature for its sheer weirdness. It is titled here as “The Missing Hand.”
I was alone on my way to Ramla.
1937 promotion of career diplomats
This post is aimed at those who are considering opening a new business, especially those who want to Freelance or be Independent Contractors. This is a place for me to begin sharing what I’m learning since opening my own business in 2017.
Looking Back & Looking Forward I had been translating for publication since 2009, but I wanted to change my approach to my translation work.
It takes a village for most endeavors! I offer thanks and recommendations for the following people who have had a hand in this enterprise:
This website has a new look thanks to: Michael Iula of Oak Tree Web Development
IT Advising by Daniella Norwood of Ella J Designs
Logo Design by Marina Cariello
Translation Mentoring (commercial) by Irina Sears of Arabic Language Associates – Irina has 15 years of experience translating from Arabic into English, specializing in the life sciences.
I’ve been pondering what my “10 for Libraries” list would look like ever since M. Lynx Qualey and Ursula discussed “Where to Start” (reading Arabic literature) on the Bulaq podcast, and as I’ve been seeing the various “10 for Libraries” lists posted on Arablit.org (first in the series here).
Novel: The Open Door by Latifa Zayaat – The classic feminist novel in Arabic. Set in 1940s-50s Egypt during anti-colonial struggles. A highly developed main character, showing her shifting relationships to family members, romantic partners, and her nation.
