Tunisian Arabic language facts for kids

Tunisian Arabic, also called Tunisian, is a group of dialects of Maghrebi Arabic. People speak it in Tunisia, a country in North Africa. Over 11 million people use it every day. Speakers often call it Tounsi, meaning "Tunisian," or Derja, which means "everyday language." This helps them tell it apart from Modern Standard Arabic, which is the official language of Tunisia.

What is Tunisian Arabic?

Tunisian Arabic is a type of Arabic that developed in Tunisia. It's part of the Maghrebi Arabic family, which includes other dialects spoken in countries like Algeria and Morocco. While it shares roots with Modern Standard Arabic, it has its own unique sounds, words, and grammar.

How is it Different from Official Arabic?

Think of it like this: Modern Standard Arabic is used in formal settings, like news broadcasts, books, and official documents. It's the Arabic that people learn in school across many Arab countries. Tunisian Arabic, on the other hand, is what people use when they talk to their families, friends, and in daily life. It's more relaxed and changes over time, just like how spoken English can be different from formal written English.

History of Tunisian Arabic

Tunisian Arabic has a long history. It grew from the Arabic brought to North Africa by Arab conquerors many centuries ago. Over time, it mixed with words and influences from other languages spoken in the region. These include Berber, which is the language of the native people of North Africa, and also French and Italian, because of Tunisia's history with European countries.

Famous Speakers of Tunisian Arabic

One famous person who often spoke Tunisian Arabic was Habib Bourguiba. He was the first President of Tunisia after it gained independence. Even when giving important speeches, including those for religious events, he would often use Tunisian Arabic. This showed how important and widely used the language was among the people.

Images for kids

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  Tunisian leader Habib Bourguiba often gave speeches in Tunisian Arabic.

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  A way to write Tunisian Arabic using Latin letters, created by William Marçais in 1908.

See also

In Spanish: Árabe tunecino para niños