This chapter contains all the unfamiliar vocabulary used throughout the novella, which are taken from Arabic. Most of these words I have learned throughout the years and I didn't have the energy to confirm if they mean what they actually mean, lol. Most of their pronunciations are straightforward enough since they're spelled out phonetically. If you see a word that has a wonky definition or if I forgot something, just let me know in the comments!
Abaya [عباية] - a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by women in parts of the Muslim world including North Africa and most of the Middle East
Ahla(n) [أحلا] - hello, hi; a way of greeting
Almas [ألماس] - diamond
Azizi [عزيزي] - my darling; a type of endearment
Bint [بنت] - girl
Fatoor [فطور] - breakfast
Habibi [حبيبي] - my dear/love; a type of endearment
Haris [حارس] - guard, soldier
Himar [حمار] - donkey, used as an insult
Hujoom [هجوم] - attack (used imperatively)
Jabal [جبل] - mountain
Jama'a [جماع] - group/crew/gang
Jinn [جن] - also spelled as djinn, it is a lowly spirit in Middle Eastern and Islamic mythology that has the ability to change its form and possess humans
Laa [لا] - no
Kahwa (or Qahwa) [قهوة] - coffee
Kharra [خر] - the 's' word (nope, I won't spell it out even if I did somewhere)
Khubz [خبز] - bread; usually pertains to flatbread
Majlis [مجلس] - a kind of sitting area where community members gather to discuss local events and issues, exchange news, receive guests, socialize, etc.
Majnoon [مجنون] - crazy, insane
Marhaba(n) [مرحبا] - hello, hi; a way of greeting
Mustaheel [مستحيل] - impossible
Sabar [صبر] - patience
Saif [سيف] - sword
Salam [سلام] - peace; a way of greeting
Sayyida [سيدة] - lady, madam
Shukran [شكرا] - thank you
Souk (or Souq) [سوق] - market
Tabba(n) [تبا] - damn
Thobe [ثوب] - an ankle-length robe, usually with long sleeves; it is similar to an abaya but for men
Ukht(i) [أختي] - (my) sister
Walad [ولد] - boy
Yalla [يالا] - come on/hurry up! (used colloquially)
Za'eem [زعيم] - boss, leader
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The Jewel of Zecaj | ONC 2022
Fantasy[TJZ'S EXPANDED VERSION IS NOW AVAILABLE IN MY PROFILE!] Believed to be created by the founder of Zecaj, the Jewel of Opulence is said to curse whoever possesses it with endless riches beyond their wildest dreams. Desperate to get his hands on more...
