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LESSON 212The Definite Article
Definite and indefinite articles
In English, “the” is the definite article, while “a” and “an” are indefinite articles. The definite article refers to something specific — e.g. “I washed the dog” (the speaker and listener know which dog is meant). The indefinite article refers to something non-specific — e.g. “I saw a dog” (the listener does not know which dog).
The Arabic definite article
In Arabic script, the definite article is written using al. It is attached to the beginning of a noun or adjective.
In Moroccan Arabic: the first sound “a” is not pronounced; the “l” may be pronounced, or the first consonant of the word may be doubled. Which form is used depends on the first letter of the word.
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