Using Arabic Synonyms

by Dilworth B. Parkinson

Designed for those who have already developed a basic competence in Arabic, this comprehensive synonyms guide aims to broaden and improve the learner's vocabulary by helping them find the right word for the right context. Presenting words of related meaning together, it provides a range of options which will help avoid repetition and improve style, enabling students to develop a deeper awareness of the subtle differences in meaning and usage of different words. Each entry is illustrated with authentic examples of the synonyms in use, showing their unique meanings and grammatical properties, and enabling students to quickly recognize them in real-life contexts. The book is complete with two clear indexes, in English and Arabic, enabling the reader to instantly and easily locate any word. An essential reference for college and undergraduate students, their teachers, and other language professionals seeking a clear, user-friendly guide to Arabic vocabulary and its usage.

704 pages, Paperback

First published October 27, 2005

Reviews

[David Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is more useful as a language maintenance tool to be used steadily over time rather than as a quick reference tool. In the book, 5 to 10 words expressing a concept are grouped together, and then each of the words is used in three or four sample sentences. An Arabic-language and a second English-language index point users to the various concepts.

This book is just one example of many great innovations that have occurred in language learning and language reference publications over the past decade or two. I hesitate to give it five stars because the format, though innovative, isn't quite there yet. I suspect the author will hit on better and better ways to organize the material in future editions. Nevertheless, even in its current imperfect format, this is the best all-in-one tool I know of for those proficient in Arabic to broaden their vocabulary while enhancing their reading and comprehension skills.

[patrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Parkinson's book is useful for those seeking help improving their vocabulary for written Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). The book's contents are taken from an extensive survey of several leading Arabic newspapers over a few years, so this is definitely useful for the student of Arabic who wants help with that rarely taught but frequently needed skill - knowledge of "media Arabic."