French

Sips of Culture: Summer Drinks from Around the World

Arabic, Cultural Insights, French, Kurdish, Persian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian / Suhara Mushtaq

The final days of August and the approaching end of summer give us all the more reason to savor the remaining warm days with a refreshing drink in hand! Why not take your seasonal sips a step further with NaTakallam? Explore our favorite summer drinks from the Middle East to Latin America and around the world! Each beverage tells a story of history, culture, and the unique flavors of its homeland. So even as your summer travels wind down, let’s take a delicious journey across the globe, one drink at a time!

1. Jallab

Jallab (Arabic: جلاب) is a beloved summer drink across the Levant – that’s Syria, Palestine, Lebanon, and Jordan. With a distinct floral aroma, this refreshing beverage is made from dates, grape molasses, and rose water, a perfect combination for hot summer days. It’s often served with crushed ice, pine nuts and raisins, and also used to add flavor to ice-cream and yogurt!

Jallab is enjoyed year-round but it also a staple for rehydration during Ramadan.

Ingredients (1 serving):
2 cups cold water
1 ½ tablespoon date syrup
1 ½ tablespoon grape molasses
1 teaspoon rose water
Pine nuts (optional)
Golden raisins (optional)
Crushed ice (optional)

Recipe:
Mix the date syrup and grape molasses with rose water. Add the cold water and stir well. Pour into glasses over crushed ice. Garnish with pine nuts and raisins for a traditional touch. Serve immediately to enjoy chilled.

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2. Sharab al-Busfeyr

Summer is synonymous with seasonal fruits, including our favorite: oranges. Made with the juice of Seville oranges (also known as bitter oranges or sour oranges), Sharab al-Busfeyr literally means “the drink of Seville oranges” in Arabic, and offers a sweet and slightly tart way to cool off as we bid farewell to summer.

Around the Arab world, bitter oranges are harvested in the late winter / early spring season. To enjoy this fruit longer, locals preserve it in this syrup form to savor throughout the summer months. In this way, Sharab al-Busfeyr is a seasonal delight that connects people to their land and its fruits.

Ingredients (4 servings):
2 pounds Seville oranges
Sugar (in equal weight to the orange juice)

Recipe:
Firstly, juice the oranges, and then add in an equal weight amount of sugar. Stir the sugar and juice together and repeat frequently throughout the day until the sugar is fully dissolved. You can also use a blender for this process. Do not add any water to the mixture. Once the sugar is dissolved, transfer the syrup into a clean bottle. It is best kept in the fridge to increase its shelf-life to one year.

To drink, mix ¼ part syrup to ¾ parts water – serve with ice if desired!

Did you know, the word for “orange” across languages has one of the most fascinating etymologies? Explore how language connects people in the places you least expect, when you learn with NaTakallam’s Language Partners from conflict-affected backgrounds.

3. Jus de Bissap

Jus de Bissap, literally “hibiscus juice,” is actually an infusion made of dried Roselle Hibiscus flowers, which are commonly sold in markets across many African countries, from Senegal and Ghana to Egypt and Sudan (where the drink is more commonly known as “كركديه” karkadeh in Arabic). Following migration patterns, Bissap and other hibiscus drinks are also popular in many Caribbean countries.

This vibrant red drink is tangy and sweet, often enjoyed cold to combat the intense heat. Bissap is more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of hospitality and is often served at celebrations and gatherings.

Ingredients (6 servings):
2 cups dried hibiscus flowers
1 ½ cups sugar (increase or reduce according to taste)
1 teaspoon orange blossom water
Mint leaves (optional)

Recipe:
Boil the hibiscus flowers in water for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and stir in the sugar and orange blossom water until dissolved. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate. Serve over ice, with mint leaves for an extra refreshing touch.

Did you know that French is the second most geographically widespread language in the world (after English) and is spoken on all continents? In fact, Africa is home to more French speakers than any other continent! Connect with the global Francophone community when you learn French with NaTakallam’s instructors.

4. Ayran

Ayran is a traditional yogurt-based drink popular amongst Kurdish, Persian, Turkish and more communities spanning from Central Asia to Eastern Europe. This simple yet refreshing beverage is made by mixing yogurt with water and salt, resulting in a hydrating drink perfect for the hottest of summer days. Containing a healthy dose of protein and electrolytes, Ayran is enjoyed both with meals and as a stand-alone drink to quench your thirst.

Ingredients (1 serving):
1 cup plain, whole milk, strained yogurt
½ cup cold water
A pinch of salt
Mint leaves (optional)
Ice cubes (optional)

Recipe:
Mix the yogurt with water and a pinch of salt. Shake vigorously to make it as frothy as possible. Pour into a glass over ice cubes if desired. Garnish with mint leaves, and serve chilled for a cooling and nutritious drink.

Now that your glass is (hopefully) full (with Ayran), explore the many flavors, dialects and scripts of the Kurdish language with NaTakallam’s native Language Partners!

5. Doogh

Doogh is a Persian yogurt-based drink similar to Ayran, but unlike Ayran, Doogh is fermented, often carbonated, and can also be infused with additional herbs and flavorings (e.g. mint, dried rose petals, ground black pepper). Known for its cooling properties and as a source of probiotics, it is often paired with kebabs and other rich dishes that have a naturally “heaty” profile (from the use of earthy spices in local food).

While the recipe below offers a simple way to prepare Doogh today, the traditional method of preparation takes multiple days! First, milk and yogurt are mixed in a specific ratio until smooth. This mixture is gently heated until uniformly warm, then salt is stirred in, and the mixture is placed in a closed container to ferment for 3-4 days. It is this fermentation process that gives Doogh its natural savory flavor and fizz!

Ingredients (4 servings):
2 cups plain, whole milk yogurt
2 cups sparkling water
½ cup mint leaves
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried rose petals (optional)
Ice cubes (optional)

Recipe:
Blend the yogurt, mint leaves, salt and rose petals in a blender. Pour in club soda and mix with a wooden spoon, scraping down sides of the blender, until everything is incorporated. Serve Doogh in iced-filled glasses, garnished with mint if desired.

If you’re inspired by these Persian flavors, discover more about the colorful culture through its language. Start learning Persian with NaTakallam’s tutors and uncover the stories behind drinks like Doogh and more.

6. Papelón con Limón

Papelón con Limón is one of the oldest and most popular beverages in Venezuela! Simply made from unrefined sugar cane (also known as “piloncillo” or “panela” in Spanish), lime juice and water, Papelón con Limón is an easy and tasty way to freshen up on a summer day.

Ingredients (4 servings):
8 ounces papelón (unrefined cane sugar)
½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice
4 cups hot water
4 cups cold water
Ice cubes (optional)

Recipe:
Pour hot water over the unrefined cane sugar. After it has dissolved and cooled off, add the lime juice and cold water, and stir well. Serve with ice cubes. ¡Salud!

As far back as the 18th century, Papelón con Limón was a favorite among field workers for its high nutritional value. This now-classic drink won over the love of successive generations, and is a part of the heart and soul of Venezuelan culinary culture, offering a glimpse into the history and indigenous flavors of the region. Learn more about the rhythms of Venezuelan life through learning Spanish with NaTakallam’s native-speaking tutors.

7. Agua de Limón con Chia

Long before chia seeds became a health trend, they were a staple food for the Mayans and Aztecs. Agua de Limón con Chia is lime juice with chia seeds, which swell in water to create a cooling, slightly gelatinous texture. A perfect thirst-quencher on hot summer days!

Ingredients (5 servings):
3 large limes
¼ cup chia seeds
4 cups water
½ cup sugar (increase or decrease according to taste)
Ice cubes (optional)

Recipe:
Pre-soak the chia seeds in 2 cups of water until gelatinous. Squeeze the juice from the limes into a pitcher, and whisk in the soaked chia seeds, remaining water, and sugar to taste. Stir well and serve over ice cubes if desired.

From ancient wisdom to today’s vibrant traditions, immerse yourself in the language and culture of Latin America with NaTakallam’s native tutors.

8. Kompot

Kompot is a traditional drink in Eastern Europe, made by simmering fresh or dried fruits with sugar. It can be enjoyed hot or cold, but in the summer, it’s served chilled, offering a sweet and fruity refreshment. A staple in Slavic households, Kompot is often prepared in large batches and enjoyed throughout the day.

Ingredients (4 servings):
6 cups chopped organic fruits (apples, apricots, peaches, plums, berries, cherries etc.)
4 cups water
4 tablespoons sugar

Recipe:
Combine the fruits and water in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and stir in the sugar. Allow the compote to cool for a minimum of 2 hours (or maximum overnight in the fridge). As it cools, the flavors will infuse and intensify. You can then serve chilled, choosing whether or not to strain the fruits! (Strained fruits can be cooked to purées.)

The Kompot drink is related to the broader European concept of fruit “compote,” which is French for “stewed fruit.” This beverage is designed to use any surplus of summer fruit, as well as fruit that may be bruised or overripe, reflecting the creativity of local communities to ensure no food is wasted! Gain insight to native Slavic practices when you connect with NaTakallam’s bilingual Ukrainian–Russian Language Partners.

From the tangy kick of Jallab to the sweet comfort of Kompot, each sip of these summer drinks offers a delicious glimpse into diverse cultures, rich histories and communal traditions. Why not take your cultural exploration one step further? Sign up for NaTakallam’s language sessions today and connect with the communities that make these drinks so special!

Whether you’re interested in Arabic, Armenian, French, Kurdish, Persian, Russian, Spanish, or Ukrainian, our native-speaking Language Partners are here to guide you on your linguistic journey.

Start learning today and bring the world to your doorstep!

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the Swiss Alps, the Eiffel Tower, and a gorilla

French Slang Around the World

French, Getting Started with Language Learning / Suhara Mushtaq

In any French lesson, you’ll mostly be learning standardized French — including with NaTakallam. But one of the advantages of learning from native speakers is that you also have access to all the fun, hip expressions that rarely make it into textbooks. Here’s a smattering for your enjoyment!

🦁 Belgium 🦁

While you might have learned that the French word for “lunch” is le déjeuner and “dinner” is le dîner, the Belgians call “lunch” le dîner and “dinner” is le souper (you might recognize the English word “supper” here). They also have different words for a couple of important numbers: “seventy” is septante instead of soixante-dix and “ninety” is nonante instead of quatre-vingt-dix.

🍁 Canada 🍁

When a French Canadian wants to tell you to “hold on tight” — whether literally or figuratively — they might tell you to attache ta tuque! A tuque being a knitted winter hat, a rather important garment in Canada!

🦍 Democratic Republic of Congo 🦍

Want to visit Congo’s famous wildlife parks? You’ll get extra brownie points if you remember to tell your guide merci mingi instead of merci beaucoup.

🐘 Côte d’Ivoire 🐘

You might know the standard French word maquis, which means a kind of shrubland and, by extension, a guerilla fighter. (French Resistance fighters in World War II were often called Maquis.) However, in Côte d’Ivoire, this term has come to mean a kind of local fast eatery serving African food.

🥐 France 🥐

If you’ve spent much time in France, you probably came across some examples of verlan, a collection of French slang words characterized by swapping the letters or syllables of the standard French word they’re formed from. Examples include meuf (from femme, woman, but carrying more the sense of a “chick”); relou (from lourd, heavy, and meaning emotionally heavy or irritating); and kanri (from américain).

⚜️ French Guiana ⚜️

French Guiana is officially an overseas department of France, but being located across the ocean in South America, it understandably has developed its own vernacular! One example is djal, which means copain or copine, the French words for “boyfriend” and “girlfriend.”

🐝 French Reunion 🐝

Another overseas French department, Reunion is located in the Indian ocean and is the original source of the famed French vanilla. It too has its own unique version of French, and one lovely word you’ll hear here is dalon, which means ami — “friend.”

⛰️ Switzerland ⛰️

We’ll wrap up this world tour with Switzerland, where French is one of four official languages. Swiss French uses the same numbers as Belgium along with huitante for quatre-vingt (“eighty.”) But a more casual expression you’ll hear is Ça joue ? Which means “Is it playing?” and is the Swiss version of Ça va ? or “How’s it going?”

Feel free to comment with your favorite French slang expression! To learn more, check out Eleven Ways to Say Hello in French, French Words That Made Their Way from Arabic, or a detailed explanation of French’s two competing Counting Systems. Or simply sign up for a FREE trial of a French lesson with a NaTakallam native-speaking Language Partner!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mikaela Bell is a freelance editor and content writer with a background in anthropology and linguistics. An American based in France, she is also fond of reading, cooking, studying languages, fibercrafts and Irish stepdance.

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Counting in French with two French counting systems:

Counting in French – Two Different Systems

French, Getting Started with Language Learning / Suhara Mushtaq

Carrie had been living in France for several years and was pretty proficient in the language, so when she and another American friend decided to take a trip to French-speaking Switzerland, she didn’t expect to have any language problems! The accent took a little getting used to, but the actual problems came when she went to make a purchase — and encountered a number she’d literally never heard before. “What on earth is…septente-trois?!” she asked.

For those who learned the “standard,” what we really ought to call “Parisian” French taught in most schools, it can be a minor shock to learn that French actually has multiple competing number systems for the 60–90 range. You probably learned to count like this:

	Parisian French
10	dix
20	vingt
30	trente
40	quarante
50	cinquante
60	soixante
70	soixante-dix
80	quatre-vingt
90	quatre-vingt-dix

If you’re new to French, no, you’re not going crazy — 70 is literally “sixty-ten.” 71 is “sixty-eleven” (soixante-onze), then “sixty-twelve” (soixante-douze), and so on until you get to 80, which is… “four-twenty.” 81 is “four-twenty-and-one” (quatre-vingt-et-un), and so on until 90, which is “four-twenty-and-ten,” then 91 is “four-twenty-eleven” (quatre-vingt-onze), up to “four-twenty-nineteen” (quatre-vingt-dix-neuf) for 99 and then, thank goodness, we’re back to a more familiar system from the moment we hit 100 until 170.

In other words, the French count by tens until they reach sixty, at which point they switch to base twenty. But wait — isn’t this the country that invented the metric system? But they don’t always count in base 10? How did that happen?

As it happens, a base-10 or decimal counting system is far from universal. Many languages all over the world use a vigesimal or base-20 counting system, including Yoruba in Africa, Mayan and Inuit in the Americas, or Ainu in Japan. It’s easy enough to see how it happens: you have ten fingers and ten toes, so why not? (A few languages actually use other systems, like base 12, base 15, or base 60, but we won’t get into that here.) Most Indo-European languages, however, use a base-10 counting system — with one notable exception: the Celtic family. Modern speakers of Welsh and Scots-Gaelic still count in base 20, though they have a decimal system that schoolchildren might learn in, for instance, a math class. (In Irish, the decimal system is used even in everyday speech.)

Linguists theorize that when the ancestors of modern Celts left the Indo-European homeland, they picked up base-20 counting from the Basques, who also count in base 20 and who used to live in a much wider area of western Europe than they do today. And that’s where this little historical linguistics lesson becomes relevant to French, because France, if you think back to ancient history classes in school, used to be a Celtic country. In the year 58 BCE, future Roman Emperor Julius Caesar looked at the Celtic lands to the north of Italy, then called “Gaul,” and decided they needed some Roman roads. His subsequent conquest of Gaul brought the future country of France new taxes, a new language, and a new counting system — because Latin, unlike the Celtic-speaking Gauls, used base 10.

Today, all languages descended from Latin, called “Romance languages,” count in base 10, as you will know if you’ve ever studied Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, or Romanian, among others. Many French speakers, however, never completely abandoned the Gaulish system of counting in base 20, even after the Gaulish language itself became extinct. Over time, however, various base-10 alternative numbers have become more or less common in different parts of the French-speaking world. So a more complete picture of the French counting system looks something like this:

trois-vingts	60	Literally “three-twenty.” This one isn’t used anywhere anymore, but it crops up frequently in French documents from a few centuries ago, so you can see that the base-20 counting pattern used to be more widespread than it is today.
soixante	60	Happily, this is the only number for “sixty” you need to know for any French-speaking country or region.
trè-vingt-dix	70	With trois-vingts gone the way of the French kings, it should be no surprise that trè-vingt-dix is hot on its heels. You may still hear it in some rural areas of eastern France near the Swiss border, but that’s about it.
soixante-dix	70	This is what you’ll hear in most of France, Canada, West Africa and sometimes in East Africa.
septante	70	This, however, is what you’ll encounter in Switzerland, large swaths of rural eastern and southern France, Belgium and former Belgian colonies in East Africa. (While West Africa was colonized by France, East Africa was colonized by Belgium, and today French speakers there might use either Belgian or French terms. Those who are closest to the institutions put in place by the Belgians are most likely to use Belgian expressions! Travel comic artist Itchy Feet did a fun strip on the topic.)
quatre-vingt	80	You get this one in most of France, Canada, Africa and Belgium — but not Switzerland.
octante	80	A lot of French people who use quatre-vingts believe that this is the word for “eighty” used in Belgium and Switzerland — the same areas that use septante and nonante. But as noted above, the Belgians actually say quatre-vingt, just like the French do, and the Swiss mostly use huitante (see below). In fact, while historical documents show that this word used to be more common, the only place you’ll hear it today is scattered parts of rural eastern France and a little bit in rural western Switzerland.
huitante	80	Huitante is the preferred word for “eighty” in Francophone Switzerland, though you might occasionally hear it in some rural areas of southeastern France and southern Belgium. You’ll also hear some variations such as utante and otante.
quatre-vingt-dix	90	This is the word you’ll hear in most of France, Canada and West Africa. Some people in East Africa also use it.
nonante	90	This is used in pretty much the same places you’ll hear septante: Switzerland, Belgium, East Africa and rural areas of France along the eastern and southern borders and coastline.

So, there you have it! And you thought at least learning to count would be easy! The good news is that the system used in most of France and taught in most textbooks — the one that appears in the first table up above — is understood pretty much everywhere, so if you ever decide to take a trip to Switzerland, don’t worry that they won’t be able to understand you! Just brush up on your Latin roots (remember, sept means “seven,” which should be a clue if you come across septante) and be prepared to ask if you come across a number you don’t recognize. You’ll most likely get a good-natured laugh, and the person will be happy to either “translate” it for you or write it down!

Resources:
https://francaisdenosregions.com/2016/10/08/septante_nonante/
https://francaisdenosregions.com/2017/03/26/comment-dit-on-80-en-belgique-et-en-suisse/
https://blog.pimsleur.com/2020/08/17/counting-systems-in-different-languages/
https://www.lefigaro.fr/langue-francaise/francophonie/ces-chiffres-gaulois-que-nous-employons-sans-le-savoir-20190621

Not sure why you should be learning French? Here are five solid reasons! Or maybe you want to learn a few different way to say hello in French? How about a few ways to talk about love? Otherwise, check out this list of French words that made their way from Arabic!

Finally, want to practice your French while making a social impact? Sign up here to kick-start your language journey with NaTakallam. Based on your language-learning needs and aspirations, you’ll be paired up with one of our fantastic, native-speaking Language Partners from displaced backgrounds. Make a friend for life AND discover a new culture. On y va!

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11 Ways to Say Hello in French

French, Getting Started with Language Learning / NaTakallam

One of the first things we are taught when starting a new language is basic greetings. Textbooks, however, often fail to introduce the variety of ways we can express a simple “Hello!” In reality, a greeting will often change depending on the time of day, the formality of the situation, and the region you are speaking in–this last is particularly true of French! Ranging from Swiss to Haitian, young to old, here are many different ways you can greet someone in French like a true native!

**1. Bonjour – across the francophone world**

2. Bonsoir – across the francophone world

When broken down, bonsoir literally means “good evening” – bon equating to “good” and soir, to “evening.” As the name implies, the use of bonsoir is exclusive to evening greetings, after about 6 pm and often in more formal situations. For instance, a waiter at a restaurant may approach you at dinner with a bonsoir. The same word can be repeated back to them in response.

3. The Double Meanings of Salut and Ça va ? – across the francophone world

Some of the first greetings taught in school French classes all over the world are salut (meaning “greeting” and related to the English word “salute,” but similar in use to “hi”) and ça va ? (equivalent to “how are you?”). However, many fail to mention their other meanings.

As well as “hi,” salut is also an informal way of saying “bye.” In addition, Ça va ? is another way of saying “I’m fine.” So responding to the question of Ça va ? is very easy; just repeat it! Ça va, et toi/et vous ? (Et toi ? means “And you?”- toi is used with family or friends whereas vous is more formal)

4. Quoi de neuf? – across the francophone world

Used in casual settings, Quoi de neuf ? translates to “What’s up?” or, more literally, “What’s new?” (Note that neuf can mean both “nine” or “new” depending on its context.) This is a very common conversation starter, which has similar implications to “How are you?” Therefore, an appropriate answer, given the informality of the situation, would be Ça va (“I’m fine”).

5. Coucou – France

Without a doubt less formal than the standard bonjour, coucou is a sweet and affectionate way of saying “hi, there.” Coucou’s original meaning translates to “peek-a-boo,” and thus it’s still commonly used when greeting or playing with a child. Although not very typical among adults, many will still use it on the street and in texts or emails to greet friends.

While coucou can simply be replied back, it is also correct to respond with salut or bonjour.

6. Jourbon – France

How good would an article on French greetings be without a little verlan thrown in, just to confuse everyone? The definition of verlan can be found in its name – verlan is the inversion of l’envers, meaning “the reverse.” The essence of verlan is, thus, the act of splitting up a word according to its syllables and switching them around. For instance, if we split up bonjour and swap the two constructions together, we are left with jourbon.

Verlan was originally created as a means to maintain the confidentiality of illegal proceedings. However, it has now evolved and become a common form of slang, first used by young people living in the suburbs (banlieues) of French towns, and has now spread to most young people who continue to keep up with new terms.

7. Ciao – Switzerland

Although this greeting is often attributed to the Italian language, the French-speaking Swiss (who make up about 1.9 million of the country’s population) are also known to say ciao, meaning “hi” as well as “bye.” This greeting is widespread and very casual. The response can be the same back, or the alternative casual greeting, salut.

8. Adieu – Switzerland

9. Bon matin – Quebec

The dialect present in the Canadian province of Quebec retains many aspects of the French that was spoken in Paris during the 17th-18th centuries. While mainland French uses bonjour to mean both “good morning” and “good afternoon,” bon matin still exists in contemporary Québécois. The word-for-word translation of bon matin is “good morning”; bon means “good” and matin means “morning.”

10. Bonjou and Bonswa – Haitian creole

From the title of this greeting, you might notice that a special element of Haitian Creole is the strong presence of phonetic spelling, meaning that a word is often written the way it’s pronounced.

Starting with bonjou! This greeting derives from its mainland French counterpart bonjour, meaning “hello.” However, while the French bonjour is used to greet people in the morning and afternoon, in Haiti, bonjou would be applied exclusively in the morning.

Bonswa, on the other hand, would be used to greet someone in the afternoon and evening. Its mainland French alternative, bonsoir, literally translating to “good evening,” is only appropriate after sunset. A correct response to both bonjou and bonswa is simply to repeat the greeting back to the other person.

11. C’est comment? – Côte d’Ivoire

This greeting is owed to a type of Côte d’Ivoirian slang, known as Nouchi, which appeared in its capital, Abidjan, in the 1980s. When inquiring about someone’s wellbeing, you can use C’est comment? equating to “What’s up?” This is used regardless of the time of day.

Some common replies include Voilà moi, meaning “Here I am,” a directive for the other person to look at you and see for themselves. Ya foye and Il n’y a rien imply that “Everything is fine.” Alternatively, if things aren’t going too great, you can opt for C’est mou or C’est djinzin.

Anxious to try out some of these greetings? Book a session today with one of our native French Language Partners at NaTakallam and kickstart your linguistic journey. Your interest enables our skilled tutors to support themselves by passing on their knowledge, while also creating friendships beyond borders.

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French Words That Made Their Way from Arabic

Arabic, Cultural Insights, French / NaTakallam

From the Arabs of Andalusia in the 8th century, who brought immense commercial, scientific, and literary knowledge to Europe, all the way to the more recent Middle Eastern and North African migrations in the last decades, Arabic-speaking populations have had a considerable impact on the French language and culture.

French, an official language in 29 countries and one of the most-widely spoken Romance languages, has over 500 everyday words with Arabic origins (and that’s not even counting slang terms!).

If you take a close look at this list, you will also see that while these terms all entered French from Arabic, some of those Arabic words were borrowed in turn from other languages such as Greek or Sanskrit – and many of the French variants then made their way into English. Even in centuries past, the world was far more connected than we realize!

Here is our list of 35 French words that made their way from Arabic:

Abricot (apricot) – from the Arabic word al barqūq (اَلْبَرْقُوق‎), meaning “plums,” which is itself derived from Latin praecoquum, meaning “early-ripening fruit”
Alchimie (alchemy) – from the Arabic word al-kīmiyā (كيمياء), derived from the Greek khemeioa which was in turn either a name for Egypt or the Greek word khymatos, meaning “that which is poured out”
Alcool (alcohol) – from the Arabic word al-kuhul (الكحول), meaning “darkened with kohl”, a metallic powder used as make-up to darken the eyelids, which itself comes from the Arabic “kahala” (كحل) meaning “to stain, paint”
Algorithme (algorithm) – derived from the surname of 9th-century Persian mathematician Al-Khwarizmi (الْخُوَارِزْمِيّ), whose works introduced advanced mathematics to the West
Algèbre (algebra) – from the Arabic word al-jabr (الجبر), meaning “reparation” or “the reunion of broken parts”
Artichaut (artichoke) – from the Arabic word al-khurshuf (الْخُرْشُوف‎), meaning “artichoke”
Assassin (assassin) – with a fascinating etymology and story, evolved from the Arabic word hashashin (حشَّاشين), meaning ‘hashish users’, derived from the word hashish (حشيش), meaning ‘grass’ or ‘[powdered] hemp’
Azur (azure, shade of blue) Arabic – from the Arabic word al-lazaward (اللازُورِدِ), meaning “lapis-lazuli”, a semi-precious stone known for its deep-blue color.
Bougie (candle) – taken from Béjaïa (بجاية), an Algerian city/port town where tapered hand-dipped candles were made
Café (coffee) – from qahwa (قهوة), the Arabic word for “coffee”
Chiffre (digit) – from the Arabic word sifr (صِفر‎), meaning “empty” and, by extension, “zero”
Coton (cotton) – from quṭn (قطن), the Arabic word for cotton
Douane (customs) – from the Arabic word diwan (دِيوَان‎), meaning “office”
Echecs (chess) – from shatranj (شطرنج), the Arabic word for chess, which is derived from the Sanskrit chaturanga, meaning “four members of an army” – elephants, horses, chariots, foot soldiers
Elixir (elixir) – from the Arabic word al-ʾiksir (اَلْإِكْسِير‎), meaning elixir, which is ultimately derived from Ancient Greek xēríon (ξηρίον), meaning medicinal powder, which in turn comes from the Greek xērós (ξηρός) meaning “dry”
Gazelle (gazelle) – from ḡhazaal (غَزَال‎), the Arabic word for gazelle
Girafe (giraffe) – from the Arabic word for giraffe, zarāfah (زرافة), meaning “fast walker”
Hasard (chance) – from the Arabic word az-zahr (اَلزَّهْر‎), meaning “dice”
Henné (henna) – from the Arabic word hinna’ (حِنَّاء‎), the name for the tree used to make henna
Jupe (skirt) – from the Arabic word jubba (جُبَّة‎), meaning “long garment”
Magasin (shop, warehouse) – from the Arabic word makhazin (مَخَازِن‎), plural of the Arabic word for “storeroom”
Mesquin (petty/stingy) – from the Arabic word miskeen (مِسْكِين‎), meaning “poor”
Nénuphar (waterlily) – from the Arabic word niloofar (نِلُوفَر), meaning “lotus, water-lily,” ultimately derived from Sanskrit nīlotpala (नीलोत्पल)
Orange (orange) – from the Arabic word naranj (نارَنْج), which was borrowed from the Persian narang. The fruit naranj refers specifically to the bitter orange and can be traced back to the Sanskrit word naranga.
Pastèque (watermelon) – from the Arabic word bṭikh (بَطِّيخَة‎), meaning “melon, watermelon”
Quintal (100 kg) – from the Arabic word qinṭaar (قِنْطَار‎), which is ultimately derived from Latin centenarius, meaning “containing a hundred”
Razzia (raid) – from the Arabic word ghazwa (غَزْوَة‎), meaning “raid, military campaign”
Safari (safari) – from the Arabic word safar (سفر), meaning “journey, travel”
Satin (satin) – from the Arabic word zaytūn (زَيْتُون‎), the transliteration of Citong, the city in China where the fabric originated (thought to be around modern day Quanzhou)
Sirop (syrup) – from the Arabic word sharab (شَرَاب‎), meaning “beverage”
Sofa (couch) – from the Arabic word souffah (صُفَّة‎), referring to “a long seat made of stone or brick”
Sucre (sugar) – from the Arabic word sukkar (سُكَّر), meaning “sugar,” which is ultimately derived from the Sanskrit word śárkarā (शर्करा), meaning “ground or candied sugar”
Tarif (rate) – from the Arabic word t‘aarifa (تَعْرِفَة‎), meaning “tariff”, which in turn comes from “تَعْريف”, meaning “information, notification”
Toubib (doctor, informal) – from the Arabic word ṭabīb (طَبِيب‎), meaning “doctor”
Zénith (point of the sky directly overhead at any place; the highest point or achievement of something) – from the Arabic phrase samt ar-ra’s (‎سَمْت اَلرَّأْس‎), meaning “path over the head”

Want to learn more about French and/or Arabic? Check out our affordable, one-on-one language sessions for either language! Both are taught by native French and Arabic speakers from refugee and displaced backgrounds.

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Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Learn French

French, Getting Started with Language Learning / moulham

In an increasingly globalized, digital world, speaking several languages is an asset. To those of you wondering which second or third language to pick, here are five good reasons to learn French!

1. SCALE

French is spoken by around 300 million people. It is, along with English, one of the few languages spoken on all five continents! French is a major language in international communication: be it at the UN – where it is one of the 6 official languages, or at multinational events such as the Olympics or Eurovision.

2. CULTURE

France and the Francophone world have produced a plethora of cultural icons. From famous painters (Cluade Monet, Auguste Renoir), thinkers, writers and poets (Balzac, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir, Amhadou Kourouma) to legendary singers, composers and musicians (Edith Piaf, Claude Debussy, Daft Punk), fashion designers (Gabrielle Chanel, Christian Dior), film directors and actors (Jean-Luc Godard, Luc Besson, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Simone Signoret)… the list goes on! What’s more exhilarating than diving into this rich culture aided by the knowledge of its original language!

3. TRAVEL

France is a great travel destination – with its variety of historic locations within the heart of Europe and landscapes, from Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) to the Alps to explore. So too are destinations such as Mauritius, Seychelles, Morocco, Quebec and Monaco – where French is commonly spoken, too! Learn French to converse with locals and share meaningful experiences in a number of countries from around the world – whether you are enjoying the sea in Mauritius or Seychelles, the desert in Morocco, the mountains in Quebec, or the Grand Prix in Monaco!

4. ACHIEVABLE CHALLENGE

Although it can be intimidating at first, French is not a difficult language to learn! Its grammar is similar to that of a lot of European languages (mainly due to their Romance origins). Many English words have roots in Old French – apparently, as many as 10,000 loanwords! This is perhaps not surprising given the long history of political and cultural exchange between France and Great Britain, with French once being the language of the English court for several centuries.

5. GASTRONOMY

This is one of France’s strengths and its influence has extended to the rest of the world. If you ever find yourself seated in a fancy restaurant, learning French will come in handy! No wonder France is the homeland of the Michelin-star rating system (read more on its fascinating origins here)! From all the table-related customs (the word “etiquette” literally comes from the French “étiquette”) to the fine art of pronouncing the names of dishes, knowing French will help you fit right in!

Learn French and explore more of such linguistic and cultural connections with NaTakallam. Our brilliant Language Partners come from displaced communities from around the Francophone world. Book a session for yourself or for a loved one today and kickstart your journey exploring the richness of the French language and cultures!

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5 Ways to Say “I Love You” in French

1 Comment / French, Getting Started with Language Learning / NaTakallam

French is known as “le langage de l’amour”, the language of love! And we believe that love should not be defined by just a day or month. Here are 5 French phrases that you can use to express love this Valentine’s Day (or any day!).

1. Je t’aime
This is the most commonly used way to say “I love you” in French to a loved one, family member or friend!

2. Mon chéri/Ma chérie
Meaning “my darling/dear”, this is another common phrase of endearment used throughout the Francophone world. Fun fact: The term “chéri” is also used in the US as a form of endearment, common in (French-speaking) New Orleans and Louisiana.

3. Ma moitié
While literally meaning, “my half”, this term is better translated in English as “my better half” and understood as referring to a beloved “partner in crime”. This can be used with friends and romantic partners alike.

4. Avoir un cœur d’artichaut
This phrase literally means “to have an artichoke heart,” but refers to someone that falls in love easily or often!

5. Mon cœur bat la chamade
They don’t call it the language of love for nothing! This poetic expression translates as “my heart beats loudly [for you]”, encapsulating the anticipation and excitement in seeing a loved one.

A fun fact, the word “la chamade” has an archaic use, meaning “a trumpet of signal inviting the enemy to parley”.

Do you have “un cœur d’artichaut”? Fall in love with French with NaTakallam’s unique one-on-one language learning with native tutors from displaced backgrounds.

Ps. Looking for a special Valentine’s gift? The Gift of Language is meaningful and impactful, a gift like no other!

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10 Untranslatable Love Expressions From Different Languages

Arabic, Armenian, Cultural Insights, French, Kurdish, Persian, Spanish / moulham

Love is a universal language but some days you need a little extra help with expressing your affection to your loved one. Here are our top 10 love expressions in 6 languages.

1. Arabic: Damu-hu/hā khafeef (دمه/ دمها خفيف)
Literally meaning “his/her blood is light”, this expression is used to say that you find someone extremely funny and adorable! Don’t forget that gender matters in Arabic: when referring to a male, use damu-hu khafeef, and for a female, use damu-ha khafeef.

2. Spanish: Eres un bombón
Like the previous expression, this phrase is a way of complimenting a loved one when they look particularly sweet. It literally translates to “you are a bonbon”.

3. French: Mon petit chou (masculine) or Ma choupinette (feminine)
This unique term of endearment can often be confusing. It literally translates to “my little cabbage”! However, you’re not calling your loved one a cabbage here but a “chou” short for ‘chou à la crème’, a sweet French puff pastry!

4. Persian (Farsi): Delam barāt tang shode (دلم برات تنگ شده)
When “I miss you” just isn’t enough, employ this poetic Persian phrase. It literally translates to “my heart has tightened for you”. This expression conveys the physical agony of being separated from a loved one – you miss someone so much that you can’t breathe!

5. Spanish: Me haces mucha falta
Although this Spanish expression is commonly translated as “I miss you”, it has a more heartwarming meaning to it. When broken down, it translates to: you make a big absence in me, or you are lacking from me!

6. French: Retrouvailles
Perhaps more relevant these past two years than ever: the unmatched feeling of joy when finally reunited with a loved one after much time apart – that’s exactly what this untranslatable French word conveys!

7. Kurmanji Kurdish: Kezeb-a min
Go beyond the typical terms of endearment with this Kurmanji expression. Address your loved one – lover, family or friend – with: “kezeb-a min”, literally meaning “my liver”. This expression conveys how vital they are to your life, like the liver to the human body!

8. Arabic: Tuqburnii (تقبرني)

No, we did not mix up our Valentine’s Day and Halloween expression lists! Although this phrase literally means: “you bury me”, it’s used to imply that one would rather die and have you bury them, than live without you! A rather touching expression of love!

9. Persian (Farsi): Doret begardam (دورت بگردم)
Another poetic Persian phrase, this one translates literally to: “let me circle around you”, in effect meaning, “I would do anything for you”. We love the planetary imagery this evokes!

10. Eastern Armenian: Janit mernem (ջանիդ մեռնեմ)
Literally meaning “let me die on/for your body”, this is said to show your profound love and care for someone! A heartwarming expression of love, to be taken metaphorically, of course ;)!

Roses are red, violets are blue, express love in new languages, & meet NaTakallam’s awesome (refugee) language tutors, too! Treat yourself to our unique language lessons or give the Gift of Language to your loved ones, near or far. Available in Arabic, Armenian, English, French, Kurdish, Persian and Spanish.

At NaTakallam, every language session contributes to the livelihoods of our skilled tutors from displaced backgrounds. Learn a language, make a friend, change a life.

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5 Ways to Say “Thank You” in French

French, Getting Started with Language Learning, Thank You / moulham

Bonjour (hello)! Rounding up our “thank you” series, this week’s blog explores 5 different ways of saying “thank you” in French.

If you’re just tuning in, check out our previous posts on how to express gratitude in Spanish, Arabic and Persian.

**1. Merci (mekh*-see)**

Merci is the most common way to say “thank you” in French. The response you may hear is de rien, which literally translates to “from nothing”, meaning “you’re welcome”. You might also hear avec plaisir which means “with pleasure”.

Fun fact: merci is also used commonly in French-speaking countries across the MENA region as well as in Farsi-speaking countries!

* The letter “r” in a French word is pronounced as a soft version of the Arabic “kh”, like in the word “Khaled”.

**2. Merci infiniment (mekh-see an-fee-nee-man)**

You can combine merci with adverbs such as beaucoup, mille fois, infiniment to form expressions such as merci beaucoup (thank you very much), merci bien (thanks a lot), merci mille fois (thank you a thousand times) and the strongest, merci infiniment translating to “thanks infinitely”.

3. C’est très gentil à toi/vous (seh tkheh jan-tee a twa/voo)

In more formal settings, one might say “that’s very kind of you”. It generally follows merci and can be used when someone does you a favor.

A useful tip: if you’re thanking an elder, or in a situation that requires you to use the polite form, use the formal counterpart of toi which is vous, applicable to both men and women, to a single person or to a group of people: “C’est très gentil à vous!”

**4. Merci de tout coeur (mekh-see dah tu ker)**

A heartfelt phrase meaning “thank you with all my heart”. It’s also sometimes used with the verb j’espère, to express hope. For example: J’espère de tout coeur que tu vas réussir cet examen, meaning “I hope with all my heart that you’ll pass this exam”.

5. Cimer (see-mekh)
Spice up the standard merci by using its inverse, “cimer”. Caution: this word is French slang, also known as “verlan”, for “thanks” and used mostly in conversations in younger crowds.

These are 5 ways to express gratitude in French. This holiday season, level up your language skills with one of NaTakallam’s native language partners or Gift a Conversation to your French-learning friends! À bientôt!

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