An Introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic: An Elementary Grammar of the Language [Paperback]

W.M. Thackston (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2004 | ISBN-10: 0936347406 | ISBN-13: 978-0936347400

Cultural Studies. Reference. W. M. Thackston's AN INTRODUCTION TO KORANIC AND CLASSICAL ARABIC is an elementary-level grammar of standard classical Arabic, the literary norm of the Arabic language that has not changed appreciably in fourteen hundred years. An indispensable tool for all who are interested in Islamic religion, science, and literature, the language presented in this book will enable the learner to study firsthand the primary sources of Islamic civilization and the classics of the Islamic Near East. W. M. Thackston is Professor of the Practice in Persian and Other Near Eastern Languages at Harvard University, where he has taught Persian and Arabic for over twenty years. Author of numerous books and articles on the languages and literatures of the Near East, his works include a new English translation of the Baburnama, A Century of Princes: Sources on Timurid History and Art, and Tales from Luristan: Tales, Fables and Folk Poetry from the Lur of Bala-Gariva.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Thackston's textbook is the most recent addition to Arabic instructional materials. It is perhaps the friendliest Western grammar of Arabic. Its grammatical explanations are lucid and concise, yet they provide a complete, adequate description of a basic grammar of Arabic. The book comprises a preface, a chapter on preliminary matters, 40 lessons, supplementary readings from the Koran (Qur'an ? the holy book of Muslims) and hadith literature (traditions of the prophet Muhammad), 10 appendixes, English-Arabic and Arabic-English glossaries, an index of verb and derivational patterns (56 of them), and a general index. All the lessons have one consistent design: Each one is subdivided into sections and subsections. The explanations are accompanied by numerous examples. Each lesson concludes with a vocabulary list and two types of exercises: grammatical manipulation (providing case and mood endings) and translation.

As a textbook, this work is particularly useful in programs where a reading proficiency of the Koran and hadith is desirable within a relatively short period of time, given that the students already have a reasonable grasp of Arabic structures and vocabulary. Overall, it is a very well designed book of basic grammar that can serve as a useful supplement for intermediate and advanced students of Arabic in various programs. -- Mahdi Alosh, Modern Language Journal

Product Details

• Paperback: 328 pages
• Publisher: IBEX Publishers (September 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0936347406
• ISBN-13: 978-0936347400
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #422,867 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

36 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Book, November 23, 2000

By 

Jonathan Bailey (Lawton, OK USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic: An Elementary Grammar of the Language (Paperback)

.... [This] book presents very
little in the way of Arabic text with Arabic vowels. In all the tables
you get unvocalized Arabic accompanied by transliteration which tells
you the vowels and pronunciation. This may annoy those who would like
to have experience with the actual text of the Koran which is written
with Arabic letters and Arabic vowels.

I would like to respond to
the review of the sincere Muslim below who found the technical
terminology to be a bit confusing. As one who is experienced with
classical languages and introductory grammars in general, the language
is no more than is necessary to truly understand the structure of the
language. If a prospective student of Arabic is not intimidated by the
prospect of learning what might be the most difficult language of the
world, then he should not let himself be dissuaded by Thackston's
terminology. Arabic is a very difficult language. Part of that
difficulty is that it is difficult to describe. Thackston is not
writing this book for those who want enough Arabic to survive on the
streets of Bahrain. He is writing it for those who want to learn the
subtle nuances of meaning in the Arabic so that they can better
understand an enigmatic text in which they are quite likely looking
for the secret of all being. If you truly want to understand Arabic
well enough to open the fine nuances of the Qur'an, then you will have
to be able to understand the finer points of grammar. In fact,
Thackston gives only a rough overview of the grammar of the Koran,
focussing mainly on familiarizing a new student with the basic
building blocks of the language, and relative to other grammars that I
have seen, his technical terminology is quite light. He does want to
equip the new student of Qur'anic Arabic with the understanding that
he will need in order to continue advanced studies later. Any less
from Thackston would be doing the student a disservice.

28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars It is a great grammer for the student on their own!, August 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic: An Elementary Grammar of the Language (Paperback)

I am an American muslim who is using this book to help me understand Qur'aanic Arabic in its purest form. I recommend only those who are willing to apply themselves and those with a good background in languages to buy this. The reason being is that the author uses many linguistic terms, which may intimidate or confuse the reader. The only negative thing about this book is that it contains no answers to the exercises. Otherwise, it has many bonuses, especially for the muslim reader. He/she will be able to read the Arabic from 'ahadiith with ease. It is a two-fold bonus. The learner not only learns how to read Arabic without vocalization, but is understanding what he/she is reading also. To top it off, that reader whether they be muslim or not, will enjoy reading Qur'aan Kariim ( kariim meaning Holy) in Arabic and understanding the true meaning without incorrect translation. Hats off to the author who compiled this book because I am very picky when it comes to a person who is not a native speaker of that language attempting to write about that language.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those learning on their own, October 18, 2000

By 

Richard A. Weaver (lawrenceville, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Koranic and Classical Arabic: An Elementary Grammar of the Language (Paperback)

An excellent introduction to classical (Koranic) Arabic. It consists of an introduction to the sounds and script, and is followed by 40 lessons.

The format is very similar to the textbooks of Lambdin and Huehnergard: each lesson introduces several grammatical points, and these are followed by vocabulary, readings, and exercises. Arabic script is used throughout, but the vocabulary and grammatical explanations are transliterated into Roman letters, as well.

2 points to mention ... I found the section on the Arabic script to be short of practice material. I'd recommend "Alif Baa", published by Georgetown University Press, as an excellent introduction to Arabic sounds and script. Be sure to get the 4 tapes that accompany the workbook. This will allow you to concentrate on the grammar; otherwise, the lessons can be a tedious exercise in decoding until the script becomes more familiar. Second point: I'd get the "Key to the Exercises"; it contains the answers to both the English-to-Arabic, and Arabic-to-English exercises given in the main text.

All in all, a very user-friendly introduction to a fascinating language and culture.