The launch of a new book is turning the spotlight on the Emirati dialect in a bid to help non-native Arabic speakers gain a deeper appreciation of the vernacular.

Yalla Narmis: The Top 2,000+ Words and Expressions for Understanding Emirati Dialect by Nasser Isleem is now available on Amazon and at NYU Abu Dhabi’s bookstore.

Containing thousands of words and expressions commonly used by Emiratis in everyday conversation, the book touches on the language’s structure, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar.

Author Nasser, a Palestinian native and senior lecturer of Arabic at NYU Abu Dhabi said: “This book gives learners a sense of the natural feel of the language. Learners need to learn how words come together to make sense in Emirati Arabic. It is when you get phrases correct that your Emirati Arabic becomes fluent, not when you have studied all the grammar rules.”

The Emirati language is heavily derived from words and phrases evolved from other countries and neighbouring tribes. “Words have arrived in the UAE via the country’s non-Arab population, these have been adapted and incorporated,” Nasser explained. “For example, ‘abarkin’ is the local declination of the English word ‘I park’ and ‘leisen’ derives from the English word ‘license’.”

For more information visit: arabiyyaat.com/en