A Reference Grammar of Syrian Arabic

By Mark W. Cowell

This important reissue, enhanced with free downloadable MP3 files to supplement the first chapter of the text (sounds), is another addition to Georgetown's world-renowned Arabic language-learning materials and is considered to be one of the most outstanding descriptions of any Arabic dialect written for the English-speaking world. It is comprehensive in its coverage-ranging from phonology (how sounds are organized and used) to morphology (sound, syllable, and word structure), with an analysis that is insightful and original. It contains hints on how to master nuances in dialectical pronunciation, as well as the differences of meaning in their various forms.

Based on the dialect of Damascus, the language covered here is part of what has variously been called "Syrian Arabic," "Eastern Arabic," and "Levantine Arabic," encompassing the dialects of Beirut, Amman, and Jerusalem--as well as Damascus--with references made to regional variants. In a world drawn ever closer to events in the Middle East, this comprehensive grammar reference is yet another extraordinary addition to the growing library of Arabic language-learning materials published by Georgetown University Press.

Accompanying MP3 files are available for download from the book's webpage at press.georgetown.edu.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1626163650
• ISBN13: 9781626163652
• Release Date: June 2016
• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Length: 616 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Good Comprehsive Review

This is not for beginners but it is a good comprehensive review of the Syrian dialect.

Highly Recommended

There are some books out there about Levantine Arabic, but most of them deal with Palestinian Arabic, Levantine Arabic with a taste of Egyptian Arabic in terms of glossary and grammar. This book is simply awesome for anyone intersted in Syrian Arabic. It's the most complete work on Syrian Arabic I've been able to find. I have bought all the books I could find on Levantine or Eastern Arabic thinking they dealt with Syrian or Lebanese Arabic, only to find out they dealt with the Arabic Colloquial spoken in Jerusalem, Palestine. But this is purely Syrian, and also highlights the differences with Lebanese, Palestinian and Jordanian Arabic, when these are relevant. Excellent work!