I’m sorry, but there seems to be a problem with the mp3 file.

what does laakin mean in the sentence? Thanks

John, لكن - laakin means “but” and و - wa means “and”. These two conjunctions are often used together as in our dialogue. ولكن - wa laakin and you can translate the pair as simply “but”.

In the begining of our podcasts, we have been testing a new approach to the intro. Basically, we are presenting a short dialogue that is somehow related to the previous lesson. It’s purpose is to strengthen your mastery of the sentence structures and grammar points used in the previous lessons, while broadening your vocabulary through substitution.

Beginner Lesson 1 presented possessives (as in “your nationality”), Beginner Lesson 3 presented the question word ما - maa (what) and Beginner Lesosn 6 presented the formation of nationalities. Recombining these points, and adding the vocabulary word jinsiya (nationality) we created this conversation for you.

yaa may, maa jinsiyatik?
‘anaa ‘urduniya. wa ‘anti?
‘anaa suuriya, wa ‘anta yaa Timothy? maa jinsiyatak?
‘anaa ‘amriikii.

So, what does everyone think of the review dialogue at the beginning of the lesson? Should we continue doing it? Should we modify our approach somehow?

Thanks. I really appreciate your patient and thorough answers. Shukran!