Syriac Identity of Lebanon – part 6: Syriac Lebanese vocabulary

By Dr Amine Jules Iskandar Syriac Maronite Union-Tur Levnon

We have seen in article 2 of this series that both the syntax and grammar of the Lebanese dialect are entirely Syriac. But it is also important to know that the current Lebanese vocabulary still contains a significant amount of Syriac words, even after centuries of progressive Arabization.

In this article we will provide a sample of words used in everyday life that expresses the Syriac dimension of the Lebanese spoken dialect.

1 – Guard

2 – Fine, Resting. Example: Kifak? mniħ = How are you? I am fine.

3 – Tasty (good taste)

4 – Someting in between Good and So. Example: tèb ktob el esem = so write down the name.

5 – Beautiful

6 – So, then. Example: ba‘d dén = afterwards.

7 – For, to. Example: dawwé ta to’ra = let’s turn on the light to read.

8 – Yes

9 – More, more and more if we like what is being said (used in Lebanese Zajal poetry)

10 – To raise, lift

11 – To dig

12 – To shiver

13 – To stick

14 – To deafen

15 –  Time, or a timer (mainly used for irrigation).

16 –  Small, a physically small person or object.

17 – Small: a small, niggardly personality or person.

18 – When?

19 –  Hand

20 – To compose

21 – Water

22 – a Belly

23 – Left side

24 – Those, these

25 – This

26 – The 12 months of the solar year

28 – Two

29 – All of you

30 – In Lebanon

31 – Sir, Lord

32 – Lady, Spouse

33 – Throw (Only in the Syriac of the Maronites. From French Crusaders origin: jète)

34 – Throw

35 – Tomb

36 – Procession

38 – Read

42 – Quickly

43 – To dive, also Baptism

44 – To stand up

45 – People

46 – Fast, flow

47 – Thick hair

49 – Where?