Qamous: Unlocking the Power of Arabic Dialects

Anthony Youssef
3 min readFeb 25, 2024

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I’m excited to introduce you to a project that’s close to my heart and is currently in development: Qamous. In a world where language serves as a bridge between cultures and ideas, Qamous aims to unlock the richness and depth of the Arabic language like never before.

Qamous’ Word of The Day

What is Qamous?

Qamous means dictionary in Arabic, but it is more than just a dictionary app; it’s a comprehensive toolkit designed to empower Arabic language speakers and learners alike.

Whether you’re an old Egyptian uncle who heard some slang that you’re not used to, a young Jordanian trying to understand a word that your friend used earlier today, an American student seeking to enhance your Arabic vocabulary, a language teacher looking for innovative teaching aids, or simply someone curious about the beauty of Arabic words, Qamous has something for everyone.

Qamous users will be able to explore definitions contributed by others, like or dislike them, and report inappropriate content. You will be able to know which Arabic-speaking country/countries this word is widely used in. Finally, an English version of the website will be available with a Franco-Arabic version of each word, accompanied by an English definition.

Moujam Al Alfaz Al Amiya (dictionary of non-classical vocables in the spoken Arabic)

Why Qamous Matters

Arabic, with its centuries-old history and diverse cultural significance, deserves to be celebrated and explored to its fullest extent. However, I’ve noticed a lack of accessible and user-friendly resources tailored specifically to Arabic language learners, particularly those interested in mastering dialects like Lebanese Arabic. This gap inspired me to create Qamous, a platform that not only provides accurate definitions but also offers insights into the cultural context and usage of Arabic words.

Qamous’ Homepage

How You Can Help

Creating and maintaining a project like Qamous requires time, effort, and resources. That’s where you come in. By supporting Qamous on GitHub, you’ll be contributing directly to the ongoing development and improvement of this vital resource for Arabic language enthusiasts worldwide.

Your support can take many forms:

  1. Spread the Word: Share Qamous with your friends, colleagues, and fellow language enthusiasts. Together, we can build a strong community around this project and foster a greater appreciation for the Arabic language and its many unique and rich dialects
  2. Contribute: If you have skills in software development, Arabic linguistics, or design, consider contributing to Qamous on GitHub or connecting with me over LinkedIn where we can speak more. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps make Qamous better for everyone.
  3. Sponsorship: If you find Qamous valuable and would like to support its development financially, consider becoming a sponsor on GitHub. Your sponsorship will enable us to dedicate more time and resources to roll out Qamous faster and build new features that benefit the Arabic language community.
The Arabic Urban Dictionary

Final Thoughts

Qamous is more than just a dictionary; it’s a celebration of Arabic language and culture. With your support, we can take Qamous to new heights and ensure that Arabic language learners have the tools they need to succeed.

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