Arabic for Nerds 2: A Grammar Compendium - 450 Questions about Arabic Grammar

I bought the Kindle version of "Arabic for Nerds" almost a couple of years ago. I find myself returning to it whenever traditional grammar books fall short and reference books feel obscure. As my grasp of the language grows, so does my fascination with this book. This intrigue even led me to acquire the hardcover editions. So, what is at the heart of this fascination? Despite its casual title, the book deals with pretty sophisticated stuff. It effortlessly goes deep into the complexities of classical grammar, all the while offering riveting explanations in a style that contemporary readers will find appealing, and even entertaining. The book provides plenty of examples drawing both from classical and modern texts to illustrate the usage. Such a unique blend of a contemporary approach in grammar is a rarity. The author keeps you engaged with enticing phrases like: "Arabic has a sophisticated approach for this…" or "There is a mysterious connection between...". He brings your attention to unexpected aspects of the language with stimulating statements such as, "There is a cryptic grammar term for this…" or "There is a delightful grammar trick for this...", "Let us look at the DNA of the expression…". His writing will sustain your curiosity even when the complexity of the subject might nudge you into disinterest and disengagement. Occasionally, he will alert you against pitfalls with labels like, "WATCH OUT:", because in your quest to comprehend, you might inadvertently draw incorrect conclusions. He will summarize the rules for you, or even give you a "RULE OF THUMB" after discussing a lengthy topic. How can you do without a book like this? Diving into studies with Mr. Drissner offers more than mere explanations of a set of grammar rules. He navigates you into the hidden beauty within Arabic grammar. He aids you in forging a deep connection, sparking in you a passion for a subject that might have appeared intimidating previously. He will show you the exceptional logic of Arabic grammar, a phenomenon he aptly dubbed as "the internal harmony of the language". You can trust Mr. Drissner to be your guide for an expedition into the magnificent logic of a subject that might have eluded you. I have searched extensively, both online and for printed books on Arabic grammar. I found nothing as resourceful in a single book. I can now confidently say that these two volume books are the most comprehensive yet captivating book on Arabic grammar in English.

Gerald Driβner has produced a comprehensive compendium of nettlesome and problematic issues plaguing non-native students of Arabic more likely than not from the first one that ever tried to learn Arabic. The second volume following its concomitant Arabic for Nerds is a heavy tome (both literally and figuratively) weighing in at 807 pages (including the very useful index) and is decidedly not for the faint of heart. Drissner makes clear that the text is intended for Intermediate High to Advanced level students and contends that mastery of its contents could push one to the ACTFL Superior level, though this reviewer retains serious doubts about the latter claim. Nonetheless, the text focuses on the thorny issues of proper iraab (formal voweling in Modern Standard and Classical Arabic) in the light of works by native grammarians (taking both a diachronic and synchronic view of the issues) who are cited with proper sources, legibly printed Arabic examples in an easily accessible font style and English translations with notes on how iraab can change the precise meaning, particularly in idaafa consructions. Toward that end, Gerald Drissner has succeeded remarkably well in providing a very lucid, informative, and fascinating book on not only Arabic now but also its development over time, replete with examples from various dialects, Classical Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic. This reviewer would highly recommend this book and its predecessor as in invaluable fount of knowledge on the Arabic language and how to improve one's use and understanding of the language. Reginald Lee Hefner, M.A. (Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language [TAFL]), Middlebury College and currently Lecturer in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, and Modern Hebrew at York College of Pennsylvania (YCP).

Arabic For Nerds 1 and 2 reveal the sugar cane furnishings of the proverbial Arabic steel house. As someone who inched along the path laid out by the Madinah books for almost two years I felt myself losing the spark of interest in studying that I initially experienced. To put it simply, I was burning out on Arabic. This led me to look for alternatives and then finding the Arabic for Nerds series. These books by Gerald Drissner "fill in the gaps" in a couple of ways. Firstly, as the author himself states, there is not much to be found when looking for intermediate to advanced material on Arabic grammar. Although, it is not difficult to locate any number of Teach yourself Arabic style and Arabic grammar books on a beginner level. AFN is targeted to intermediate and advanced learners who want to get into the nitty gritty of grammar. Personally, these books are helping me foster a deeper connection with the Qur'an. Secondly, I am finding that AFN 1 actually *does* fill in the gaps of my knowledge. As I read, or should I say "savor" a particular entry, I find myself saying "Oh! That's what that means." The beginning level grammar books that I've read tend to gloss over topics, not going in too deeply, and leaving the reader with a skeleton or framework for how Arabic works. Arabic For Nerds puts meat on those bones. Mr. Drissner is careful to use the Arabic terminology for grammar devices, something that as far as I can tell is not often encountered in most grammar books written for a Western audience. The books themselves are densely packed with information. Arabic for Nerds 2 is over 800 pages. I own both books and really don't think I will be needing any additional resources for the foreseeable future.

بارك الله فيك

Die Breite und Tiefe der Information über die arabische Grammatik ist bewundernswert. Ich bin begeistert!!

Must have for any student learning Arabic! Most grammar books widely used like Hidayatun, Sharh Qatar an Nada can be difficulty for the new learner and technical. This book is written in simple English and will definitely assist you in learning Arabic. As a student of Arabic (Fusha) for many years, I would strongly recommend

Livre pour niveau avancé (au moins C1+) qui explique clairement et de façon attrayante les subtilités de la grammaire arabe. On peut lire quelques petits articles chaque jour. Très utile pour progresser logiquement et efficacement.

HARDCOVER BINDING IS VERY POOR COMPARE TO THE OVERALL PRICE.