7.4: Letter Daad

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Learning Objectives

In this section, you will be able to:

Read and write ض in its different shapes.
Pronounce the letter ض with short and long vowels.

Introduction

The letter "ض" (Daad) is the fifteenth letter of the Arabic alphabet and holds a special place in the Arabic language. Known as the "emphatic" or "heavy" "d," Daad is pronounced with a unique sound that does not exist in English, making it one of the more challenging letters for non-native speakers to master. This distinctive sound has led to Arabic being referred to as "لغة الضاد" (Lughat al-Daad), or "the language of Daad."

Daad is pronounced as a voiced alveolar emphatic plosive, which means it is produced by pressing the tongue against the alveolar ridge with the sides of the tongue also touching the upper teeth, and then releasing it with an emphatic quality. The sound is deeper and more resonant than the regular "d" sound in English.

Mastering the pronunciation and usage of Daad is crucial for Arabic learners. Its unique sound requires practice and careful listening. Correct pronunciation is important for clear communication and understanding in Arabic, as the difference between emphatic and non-emphatic sounds can change the meaning of words.

For example:

ضوء (daw'): Light
دور (dawr): Role or turn

The distinction between Daad and its non-emphatic counterpart "Daal" (د) is essential for conveying the correct meaning.

Daad is not only a linguistic marker but also a cultural one. Arabic is often called "Lughat al-Daad" because Daad is considered a unique sound to the language. This highlights the cultural pride associated with the Arabic script and pronunciation.

The Letter Daad ض

The letter Daad “ض” is articulated from the one or both sides of the tongue and from the molars and the gum area next to the molars. This letter can be articulated from one side (right or left) of the tongue alone, or from both sides of the tongue simultaneously, which is more difficult. “ض” has the characteristic of compression of the sound, as well as tafkheem (elevated/heaviness), so the deep part of the tongue raises when pronouncing it and compresses the sound at the same time. The “ض” represents the emphatic counterpart of “د”. To pronounce “ض”, place your your tongue in the same position as you did to say “ص” and “د”, and the result will be “ض”.