Arabic Moon Letters

Front 1

ا

Back 1

'a' as in 'alphabet'

Note: This is the alif. It has three variations, but all are considered the alif.

Front 2

أ

Back 2

'a' as in 'Almost'

Note: This is a variation if the alif. It originates deeper in the throat and requires rounding of the tongue to produce. The 'L' behind it is highlighted for correct pronunciation but once vocalization is learned you should drop the 'L' sound.

Front 3

إ

Back 3

'e' as in 'epitome' (Eh-pit-ome)

Note: This is a variant of the alif. It is much lower than the other variants and originates in the front of the throat.

Front 4

ب

Back 4

'b' as it 'butter'

Front 5

ج

Back 5

'j' as in 'adjunct'

Note: This is a very low 'j' and should be pronounced with your teeth together.

Front 6

ح

Back 6

'h' as in 'how'

Note: Do not pronounce the 'o' after the h unless Arabic vowels dictate an 'o'. i used the word "how" since the 'h' is perfectly voiceless.

Front 7

خ

Back 7

'kh' as in 'khamseen'

Note: This is a two-part English sound put into one. Say the 'k' and 'h' together, not as k-h. Force the air through your nasal cavity to produce the combined 'kh' sound.

Front 8

ع

Back 8

'Aa' as in 'baa'

Note: This is a very hard 'a'. It stays in the lower-back of the throat.

Front 9

غ

Back 9

'gh' as in 'aghast'

Front 10

ف

Back 10

'f' as in 'fine'

Front 11

ق

Back 11

'q' as in 'quarrel' or 'quail'

Front 12

كل
ك

Back 12

'k' as in 'backout'

Note: There are two ways to write the Arabic 'k' but both are pronounced the same. ك is only written at the end of words.