Welcome to Deewan Arabic Podcast
This podcast is for Levantine colloquial Arabic students of all levels, who are looking to improve their listening and speaking skills and who want to expand their vocabulary and Arabic knowledge. In these podcast episodes, the Deewan team interviews Arabic students and locals from Amman and the Levant region, to talk about different topics of interest to Arabic learners, as well as the personal experiences of the people they speak to.
Accompanying each of our podcast seasons is a book, which we believe is an integral part of our language teaching process. The first of its kind, the podcast book contains a glossary of terms from each episode and written exercises relevant to each episode’s audio content.
Season 1
Hosted by Mohammad Ayaseh
Introduction to Season 1
English/Arabic
This new podcast is for Levantine colloquial Arabic students of all levels who are looking to improve their listening and speaking skills and who want to expand their vocabulary and Arabic knowledge.
My life in Jordan
beginner level
In this episode, Areen, one of our teachers at Deewan, interviews Amber, one of our students from Belgium. Areen asks Amber about her life in Jordan in general and what she thinks about her experience here so far.
My story with arabic
intermediate level
In this episode, Amanda - one of our students from Ireland - shares her Arabic learning journey with us as she tells Enas - one of Deewan’s teachers - the reason she decided to learn Arabic and come back to Jordan a second time.
My studies & arabic
intermediate/advanced level
Anne "The Arabic Serial Killer", a masters’ student from Belgium, shares with us how learning Arabic helped her with her research about one of the Iraqi refugees’ communities in Jordan, and how that research improved her Arabic listening and speaking skills and her cultural knowledge.
Racism
advanced level
In this episode, Scott أبو السوس and Mohammad talk about racism and equality in general, but especially in the U.S., Scott's home country. They touch on this topic during their chat, what the situation is today, how things have changed, and what is needed for further positive changes in the future.
my routine as a mom
intermediate
Enas is chatting with Diana, a Jordanian who was born and raised in the US. Also, one of Deewan's many students who is Jordanian by birth, and is now learning Arabic to connect with their roots. Diana and Enas talk about how becoming a mom changed Diana’s life and daily routine.
having a dog in Jordan
beginner/intermediate
In this episode, Duaa, one of the co-founders of Deewan is chatting with her student Clair from the US. Clair loves dogs, and she has one that she takes care of in Amman, so in this podcast episode, she shares her experience of being a dog owner in Jordan with us.
cooking is not my thing!
beginner/intermediate
This episode shows a conversation between Heba and Sophia in which they discuss Sophia’s life in Amman and her favourite activities to do before the pandemic hit. They also compare their cooking skills after talking about magloobeh, a traditional Arabic rice dish.
the Jordanian heritage
intermediate/advanced
This episode shows a conversation between Enas and Charlotte from Belgium in which they discuss Charlotte’s PhD research about Jordanian heritage, and how she used the situation surrounding the pandemic to her advantage whilst undertaking her PhD here in Jordan.
a latina and arabic
beginner high/intermediate
This episode shows a discussion between Hiba, one of Deewan's Arabic teachers and Marcela, a Mexican student who lives in Colombia. Hiba asks Marcela everyday questions about her profession, her education, and the countries in the world she’s previously been to, and they talk about Arabic culture and compare it to Mexican culture from the point of view of Marcela, who had lived in Jordan for 3 years and a half.
Refugees situation in Europe
advanced
In this episode, we hear Amée’s interesting opinion on refugees in Europe. During a conversation with Hiba, she shares her experience as a Brit living and working in Greece in the humanitarian field. From her experience, Amée explains that taking in refugees has a positive effect as some refugees help to develop the community that gives them shelter, proving that no good deed goes unreturned and unappreciated.
Season 2
Hosted by Sara AlZyoud
Introduction to Season 2
English/Arabic
After season one was more successful than we could have ever imagined, we decided to continue the podcast for another season and introduce new and more exciting topics with more interactive exercises.
how to be vegetarian in Jordan
beginner high/intermediate
The first episode of the new season introduces us to Clara through her conversation with Areen. They tell us all about vegetarianism, and more specifically, vegetarianism in Jordan, a country famous for its Levantine cuisine with many popular vegetarian options. Clara tells us if it’s hard to be vegetarian and why she would or would not recommend it. Listen to find out how she answered these questions!
to palestine with love
intermediate/advanced
This episode brings you a conversation between Johanna and Hiba about the illegal occupation of Palestine. Johanna is an American who grew up with the same stereotype shared by the western media, but after coming to Jordan as a kid and getting to visit Palestine several times, she immediately fell in love with the country and its culture, and even more so… felt for its suffering people. Listen as Johanna tells us all about the more-or-less forbidden love story between an American and the Palestinian Cause, why all Americans need to get to know the cause more, and how it’s a humanitarian cause that should be shared by any person with a sense of humanity.
cross-continental conversations
intermediate/advanced level
This episode brings us to one of the most enlightening conversations we have heard on this podcast. Mohammad and Georgina discuss the vast differences between European cultures and Middle Eastern cultures, Europe from the point of view of Mohammad, a Syrian living in Germany, and the Middle East from the point of view of Georgina, a Brit who has lived in the Middle East for a couple of years.
fitness not so first!
intermediate/advanced level
In this episode, Hannah from Germany talks to Hiba about her love of sports, especially yoga, running and riding her bike! The pandemic means Hannah is not able to go to the gym or work out with her friends but is making it work from home. The two bond over their mutual love of fitness, their workout and diet preferences, and just how much COVID-19 has affected their fitness lifestyle.
ready for take-off
beginner
This episode is perfect for beginner listeners, as students get to hear Enas and Adriana’s conversation about Adriana’s favourite thing in the world to do travelling. Adriana talks about her travelling experience and her favourite and least favourite parts and her future.
culture vs. culture
intermediate/advanced
This episode is a conversation between Hiba and Svenja, a German living in Berlin, about the little details relating to social life and customs that we never notice when comparing Jordanian and European culture, like texting and response times!
tango
intermediate
How did a German woman fall in love with an Argentinian/Uruguayan dance? Listen to Nicole talk to Areen, one of our Arabic teachers, about how she got into tango and started practising it. This dance was once forbidden for its intimacy and the close personal contact required between a man and a woman.
arabic, religion and the middle east
intermediate
In this episode, Mohammad, one of the founders of Deewan, talks to Dayini who comes from Malaysia. They discuss why Dayini is learning Ammiyeh (colloquial) Arabic as well as FusHa (Standard) instead of just FusHa Arabic which is typical of Islamic Southeast Asian countries like Malaysia and Indonesia.
retired but not tired!
beginner
In this episode, we hear an enlightening conversation between Roger and Areen. Roger is a 70-year-old retired man from Scotland who has been living in Jordan for two years. Interested in Jordan and its culture, he decided to take up Arabic!
one race: human
intermediate
This episode includes a crucial conversation between Allison, a black American, and Duaa. We listen to Allison describe the struggles that people of colour must face every day all around the world, but for Allison, especially in America.
Season 3
Hosted by Angela Dudley
Introduction to Season 3
English/Arabic
We are excited to continue the success of both season 1 and 2 as thousands of you from around the world have listened in. An accompanying book is available for season 1 containing all of the transcribed episodes, a glossary of terms from each episode and written exercises, from either Amazon or Deewan. The book for season 2 will be released in the near future. I am Angela, living in the beautiful city of Amman and a student at Deewan. I am excited to host season 3 of this podcast series.
The Real Rugby Spirit!
intermediate
In this episode Hiba is in conversation with Patrick. He is a student from the UK studying Arabic here. Listen a discussion about Patrick's experience so far of living in Amman, life as a student and sport in England, including a passionate debate about whether rugby really is the violent sport it is often made out to be.
Minutes With a Doctor!
intermediate
In this episode Hiba is in conversation with Tabia. She is a gynaecologist from Germany and a student here in Amman. Listen in for the next twenty minutes to hear about her work as a doctor, her time in Jordan and, of course, an interesting discussion about Covid 19.
Difference Is Beautiful!
advanced FusHA
In this episode, Hiba is in conversation with Shaheera. She is a student from Pakistan who grew up in Italy and is currently working as an intern here at Deewan. This podcast is the first one produced in FusHa so it may sound a little different. Listen to find out why this episode is called “Difference is Beautiful” as Hiba and Shaheera discuss differences in culture, food, the importance of bread, pasta, and driving rules.
Ramadan Mubarak! Eat less, Think more!
advanced level
Have you ever wondered why people fast during Ramadan, and what the traditions are? Well, today we're answering your questions as Hiba is in conversation with Areen. Areen is a teacher here at Deewan and she is talking to Hiba about Ramadan and her personal thoughts and experiences of this holy month.
Bint Battuta!
advanced
In this episode it is not a student sitting behind the microphone but the co-founder and teacher at Deewan. Duaa co-founded Deewan and is in conversation with Hiba about her love of travel. Season 3 is going to feature podcasts with many of the staff at Deewan so that you too can get to know them. Listen in to hear about Duaa’s journeys around the world including to India. I really do hope that you enjoy their conversation.
Bunch OF love - كَمشِة حُب
advanced
Today chocolates are being bought, flowers are being sent and love is in the air. Yes, today is Valentine’s Day. Not only is it a special day here, but we also carry on this podcast series by getting to know a very special staff member. Suzan talks and laughs with Hiba as they discuss all things love. Suzan is the key person behind the admin and keeps Deewan running! Listen to her talk about love and the language of love. Will you agree with Hiba that food should be a new love language?
Tatreez-Palestinian embroidery
advanced
What do you think when you hear the word Palestine? It probably isn’t "embroidery" but that is what our podcast guest is passionate about. Sara is a student from Italy, is fascinated by Palestine and very keen embroiderer. Listen in to hear about this craft, Palestine, and her experience of living in Jordan.
Feels like HOME!
beginner
In this episode, Zahida is in conversation with Hiba. Listen to their short conversation about Zahida's trips to various Middle Eastern countries. She was fascinated by her trip to Oman but maybe slightly less so with her trip to Qatar.
Pierro, the teacher and student!
beginner
In this episode, Hiba is talking to Pierro. He is actually not a student here in Amman but instead, he emailed us to be involved in this podcast as he has learnt Arabic by himself through talking to people and going to language exchanges. Anyone is welcome to feature on this podcast series - if you are interested, please do contact Deewan
Get to know a Jordanian!
advanced
This final episode is with Adnan who is in conversation with Hiba. Adnan is a Jordanian student studying here, and he talks about life in Amman and his favourite sport, archery. He is a member of the first archery club in Jordan, so this is a great choice for those interested in the sport. Also do listen to Patrick's episode as he discusses another sport, rugby.
