Moon Letters and the Definite Article
In Arabic, the definite article "the" is formed by attaching the prefix ال to the beginning of a noun.
The Arabic alphabet is divided into two groups based on how they interact with this prefix: "Moon letters" and "Sun letters."
When a noun starts with a Moon letter, the prefix is pronounced exactly as it is spelled, with a clear "L" sound. The word for "moon" (قمر) naturally starts with a Moon letter. Notice the clear "L" sound in the following sentences:
The word for forest (غابة) also starts with a Moon letter!
Sun Letters and Assimilation
When a noun starts with a Sun letter, the "L" sound of the definite article is completely dropped. Instead, the first letter of the noun is doubled (pronounced with extra emphasis).
The word for "sun" (شمس) starts with a Sun letter. When we say "the sun" (الشمس), we do not pronounce the "L." Instead, we jump straight from the "a" vowel of the prefix into a doubled "sh" sound.
Here are more examples of Sun letters in action. Notice how the "L" is swallowed by the words for "river" (نهر), "sky" (سماء), and "tree" (شجرة):
Sun and Moon Letters Together
When you mix vocabulary, paying attention to which words drop the "L" sound and which words keep it will greatly improve your pronunciation flow. Listen closely to how the prefix changes depending on the word that follows it.
