How to say “Can you spell that?” in Tunisian Arabic (Tounsi): Tnejm t’Äoudli bel Harf bel Harf ?

Quick Answer & Pronunciation Breakdown

In Tunisian Arabic (Tounsi / Derja), the word for “Can you spell that?” is Tnejm t’Äoudli bel Harf bel Harf ?.

Arabizi / Chat Spellings: tnejm t’äoudli bel harf bel harf ?, tnejm taoudli bel harf bel harf ?, tnejm t3oudli bel 7arf bel 7arf ?, tnejm t3aoudli bel 7arf bel 7arf ?, tnejm taoudli bel 7arf bel 7arf ?

How to Pronounce Each Sound

• Ä (ع) — Deep guttural 'a' articulated from the back of the throat (Arabic 'Ayn ع). Example: sbÄ
• H (ح) — Deep, forceful breathy 'H' from the throat (like fogging up a pair of glasses). Example: Halib
• T (ط) — Heavy, emphatic 'T' pronounced with a fuller mouth resonance. Example: yfTor
• ’ (ء / ع) — Glottal stop or brief vocal pause, like the catch in the middle of 'uh-oh'. Example: me’aza
• r (ر) — Tapped or rolled 'r' with the tip of the tongue. Example: ras

Found in Tounsi in Black & White (46. Common Phrases (Jomlet Ädéya), p. 226) by Paul R. Beeman (“Am Paul”) & Khaled Arres.