Culture

A Practical Guide to Cultural Appropriation and Appreciation

Cultural appropriation can be difficult to define and the line between appropriation and appreciation is often very fine, which can make it tempting to hide from debate all together for fear of getting it wrong. Our practical guide will help you understand cultural appropriation and recognise the power that we have as individuals and consumers to push back against discrimination and exploitation.

READING LIST | 8 Books to Help You Understand Lebanon

With Beirut in people’s hearts at the moment, we have a reading list for you that will increase your understanding of Lebanon from its turbulent history to its beautiful culture. Whether you’re looking for a challenging non-fiction read, or you want to learn how to cook some delicious Lebanese recipes, this reading list will help you to learn about this incredible country and its people.

Immersion Itinerary: Modern Standard Arabic Edition

One of the most effective ways to learn a language is to do it the natural way – by immersing yourself in Arabic throughout your daily life. After all, that’s how native speakers learn! This Immersion Itinerary is the perfect way to kickstart the process and try out what works for you.

Instagram Accounts to Follow If You’re Learning Arabic – Part Two

Here it is – Part Two of our list of the best Instagram accounts to follow if you’re learning Arabic! Instagram can be the perfect way to incorporate Arabic into your daily routine and this list of accounts will help you put your scrolling habit to good use!

Essential Resources on LGBTQIA+ Issues in the Middle East

To mark Pride Month, we’re sharing a list of resources for anyone who’d like to learn more about LGBTQIA+ issues across the Middle East and North Africa, and in diaspora communities around the world. The list includes books, podcasts, articles, online platforms, music and Instagram accounts to follow.

Instagram Accounts to Follow If You’re Learning Arabic – Part One

Bored of your Arabic textbooks and endless lists of vocabulary to learn? Don’t overlook Instagram as a resource for Arabic! Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, Instagram is an absolute treasure trove for Arabic students, as long as you know where to look. We’ve put together a selection of our absolute favourite Instagram accounts to follow if you’re learning Arabic.

Emotion and Tradition — The World of Bedouin Women’s Poetry

Bedouin women’s poetry is a rich, if little-known tradition of verse that stretches from Pre-Islamic Arabia all the way to the present day. While known within the Gulf and preserved in local communities, it rarely receives large-scale attention, generally because the emotional lives of women are considered culturally sensitive.

RECIPE | Lebanese koftas with griddled flatbreads

There are so many pronunciations for this Middle Eastern dish, from kafta to koftas, kebab…

Dihya, the legendary Amazigh warrior of the Aures

This week we’ve teamed up with Amazing Amazigh to share the story of Dihya, the legendary Amazigh queen and warrior. Amazigh (or Imazighen) is the name given to the indigenous people of North Africa. Scroll down to read all about Dihya’s role in the history of North Africa and how she became a symbol of Amazigh resistance and a Maghribi (North African) feminist icon!