The Arabic alphabet has a rich history, one that is closely linked with the development of culture and society in the Middle East. In this comprehensive introduction the authors trace the origins of the Arabic alphabet back to Aramaic, which also gave rise to the Hebrew and Greek alphabets. Using detailed illustrations the authors investigate early Arabic papyri and early Islamic inscriptions as well as classical Arabic scripts. John F. Healey and G. Rex Smith bring the story up to the present day by examining the practice of calligraphy, printing and computing in Arabic.

This answer key is to be used with Alif Baa: Introduction to Letters and Sounds, Third Edition. Please note that this answer key is only useful to students and teachers who are NOT using the companion website, which includes self-correcting exercises.

"This book proceeds step by step through all the letters of the Arabic alphabet, showing the sounds they stand for and how they are combined into words. Nothing essential is left out, but no unnecessary complications are added. Readers will find that progress is rapid and will be surprised at the relative ease with which they master the first steps in learning this important world language."--Publisher.

Discusses the basics of the Arabic language and provides instruction in the Arabic alphabet.

"An introduction to reading and writing Arabic"--Cover.

Al-birka, this textbook is composed of six units in which we will look at the letters of the Arabic alphabet in groups, to highlight the similarity between certain letters and make it easier to learn the script. In each unit, letters are introduced one by one, showing how each one is written and pronounced, based on the following model. First, you will find a box introducing the letter, the different ways in which it can be written and the pronunciation. We also include a word in Arabic that begins with that letter and which will help to identify the letter. We indicate if this letter is a sun letter or a moon letter, which is also a feature of its pronunciation. Then, we practice writing this letter. Finally, you will find a series of exercises helping you to identify the letter visually and by sound. These exercises also develop your writing skills and your vocabulary. The answers are found at the end of the book.