Arabic Articulation Points

In Arabic, articulation points (known as “Makharij” in Arabic) are the specific places in the mouth, throat, or lips where the Arabic letters are pronounced. Understanding these points is essential for accurate pronunciation of Arabic sounds. Each letter in Arabic is produced from a particular location in the vocal tract, such as the throat, tongue, or lips. This article will explain the various articulation points and how they contribute to the unique sounds of the Arabic language.

A. What are Articulation Points?

Arabic sounds come from specific locations in the mouth, throat, or lips, called articulation points. Speakers pronounce each letter depending on its articulation point. For example, the letter Haa (ح) is articulated from the throat, while Baa (ب) is produced by pressing the lips together. Understanding the articulation points helps in mastering the correct pronunciation and distinguishing Arabic sounds from those in other languages.

B. Types of Articulation Points

Arabic articulation points can be categorized into different types based on the area of articulation. These include sounds produced from the throat, tongue, and lips. The following sections describe each type:

Throat Articulation Points: Letters of the Throat (حروف الحلق)

The throat letters are those pronounced from the throat.

• Letters: خ, غ, ح, ع, هـ, ء
• Pronunciation: These letters, as a result, are articulated using the throat.

Examples:

• “حب” → ح (love)
• “علم” → ع (knowledge)

To understand more about phonology in general, you can visit the Arabic Phonology Wikipedia page .

Tongue Articulation Points: Letters of the Tongue (حروف اللسان)

These letters, which are articulated using different parts of the tongue, can be classified into three categories. The tongue letters can be further divided into three categories based on the position of the tongue inside the mouth:

Back of the Tongue with the Upper Palate

• Letters: ك, ق
• Pronunciation: Speakers produce these letters from the back of the tongue, near the soft palate.

Examples:

• “قمر” → ق (moon)
• “كتاب” → ك (book)

Middle of the Tongue with the Upper Palate

• Letters: ص, س, ي, ش, ج
• Pronunciation: Speakers articulate these letters from the middle of the tongue, touching the roof of the mouth.

Examples:

• “جمل” → ج (camel)
• “شمس” → ش (sun)

Tip of the Tongue with Teeth

• Letters: ض, س, ز, ظ, ص, ث, ذ, ط, د, ت
• Pronunciation: Speakers articulate these letters by placing the tip of the tongue against the upper teeth.

Examples:

• “تفاحة” → ت (apple)
• “سماء” → س (sky)

Lip Letters (حروف الشفاه)

The lip letters are those that are pronounced by using the lips.

• Letters: و, م, ف, ب
• Pronunciation: Speakers articulate these letters by bringing the lips together.

Examples:

• “بيت” → ب (house)
• “ماء” → م (water)

Tip of the Tongue and Upper Palate

These letters are articulated by placing the tip of the tongue against the roof of the mouth.

• Letters: ر, ل
• Pronunciation: Speakers produce these sounds by placing the tip of the tongue against the upper palate.

Examples:

• “لبن” → ل (milk)
• “رمل” → ر (sand)

C. Summary Table

Here is a summary table listing the articulation points for each letter group:

D. Exercise

1. Match the Letter with its Articulation Point

Instructions: Write the correct articulation point next to each letter.

E. True or False

Instructions: Write ✅ if the statement is correct, and ❌ if it is incorrect.

1. The letter م comes from the lips.
   ✅ ❌
2. The letter ج comes from the throat.
   ✅ ❌
3. The letter ق comes from the back of the tongue.
   ✅ ❌
4. The letter ر comes from the tip of the tongue and palate.
   ✅ ❌

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