We have learnt about some Arabic letters so far. And we have been transliterating only using consonants. In this lesson we will learn about the arabic fatHa: how it looks, its purpose, its usage, its sound.

Edit

What it looks like

It looks like a line over a letter. The line is sometimes horizontal, but it is usually slanted. It is never vertical, that is a different symbol. The line must be over the letter, that is, it must not be under the letter. A line underneath the letter is a different symbol.

Edit

Its Purpose

It indicates a short vowel sound, that is pronounced right after the letter it is on.

What is meant by "being pronounced right after" ex. ka the "a" sound is pronounced right after the "k" sound. The fatHa would represent that "a" sound.

Edit

Usage

fatHa is not always written. It is a diacritic (a small symbol added later). Its main use is in words the reader is not familiar with, in order to make sure the reader pronounces it correctly.

Edit

Sound

it makes the short "a" sound.

What is meant by the short "a" sound. It is meant that it is pronounced for a less amount of time. Make sure you don't pronounce it "aa". And make sure you don't pronounce it so that it rhymes with "bay" or "Okay" or "say". Pronounce it so it rhymes with "umbrella".



If you see a fatHa on a letter pronounce the fatHa sound right after the letter. kaaf +fatHa = "ka"

• َك + َ = ك

Go over all letters you are familiar with. Draw each one. Add a fatHa.Instead of pronouncing its name, pronounce the letter with the fatHa (example: instead of "kaaf" say "ka").