1.1: Cardinal Directions
- Page ID
- 278219
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- Identify and use Cardinal Directions in Arabic to describe location and geography.
Introduction to Cardinal Directions in Arabic
In Arabic, the cardinal directions (الاتْجاهات الأَساسية) are used similarly to other languages to describe location, geography, and navigation. Below is a guide to the four main cardinal directions and some additional terms related to orientation.
- North (شمال - Shimāl)
- Example: الشَّمال (Ash-shimāl) refers to the direction of the North.
- South (جنوب - Janūb)
- Example: الجَنوب (Al-janūb) is the direction of the South.
- East (شرق - Sharq)
- Example: الشَّرق (Ash-sharq) refers to the East.
- West (غرب - Gharb)
- Example: الغَرب (Al-gharb) refers to the West.
Intercardinal Directions:
These are the directions between the four cardinal points.
- Northeast (شَمال شرق - Shimāl Sharq)
- Northwest (شَمال غرب - Shimāl Gharb)
- Southeast (جَنوب شرق - Janūb Sharq)
- Southwest (جَنوب غرب - Janūb Gharb)
Usage in Sentences:
Look at the map and then read the sentences using the cardinal directions in the table below.
| English Meaning | Arabic Sentence |
|---|---|
| Libya is east of Egypt. | ليبيا شَرقُ مِصْرَ |
| Sudan is south of Egypt. | السُّودان جَنوبُ مِصْرَ |
| Tunisia is west of Libya. | تونُسُ غَرْبُ ليبيا |
| Syria is north of Jordan. | سُوريا شَمالُ الأُردُن |
In this short video, you will learn how to say and recognize the four cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and the four intercardinal directions (e.g., Northeast, Southwest) in Arabic. The video also introduces practical vocabulary and example sentences to describe the location of Arab countries using direction words. As you watch, pay close attention to the pronunciation and how each term is used in context. At the end of the video, you will be challenged to apply your knowledge by identifying and naming countries on the map of the Arab world using Arabic directional terms. This activity will help reinforce your vocabulary and geographic understanding in a fun, visual way.
Activities
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Check Your Understanding
- Write 6-7 sentences about places in your city using cardinal direction words:
- Example: مدينتي جنوبُ العاصمة. الجامعة شمالُ السوق
- Write a short paragraph describing the location of your home, school, and other places. Use the new vocabulary for directions such as: north (شمال), south (جنوب), east (شرق), and west (غرب).
- Example: بيتي شمال السوق، والمدرسة شرق المسجد. الحديقة غرب الجامعة.
- Draw and Describe a Simple Map: Draw a simple map of your neighborhood or an imaginary city. Then write four complete sentences in Arabic describing the locations of different places using directions. Use words like north (شمال), south (جنوب), east (شرق), and west (غرب).
- Example: المكتبة شرق المستشفى. المدرسة شمال الحديقة.
- A Trip Through the Arab World: Imagine you are taking a trip to four Arab countries. Write a paragraph in Arabic describing how you travel from one country to another using direction words such as north (شمال), south (جنوب), east (شرق), and west (غرب).
- Example: أَذْهَبُ منْ مصرَ إلى السودان، ثمَّ إلى الْيَمَن في جنوبِ الجزيرة العربية. بعد ذلك، أُسافرُ شمالًا إلى الأردن.