Arabic throat letters, also known as qalqalah letters, are a group of consonant sounds in the Arabic language that are pronounced with a distinct emphasis on the throat or glottis.
They are produced from the deep part of the throat. They have a distinct pronunciation compared to other Arabic consonants.
These letters produce a bouncing or echoing sound when pronounced, and they are characterized by a quick closure of the vocal cords followed by a release of pressure.
What Is The Meaning Of Throat Letters?
Throat Letters In Arabic are known as “heavy” or “emphatic” letters and they are called this because they are pronounced using the muscles in the throat, which produce a distinct sound.
There are six Arabic throat letters:
ق (qaf) ص (sad) ض (dad) ط (taa) ظ (zhaa) ع (‘ayn)
These letters are pronounced from the back of the mouth, using the throat muscles to emphasize the sound.
They are different from the other letters in Arabic, which are pronounced from the front of the mouth.
The places of throat Arabic letters:
Emerging from the throat are six letters. Within the throat, there are three points of articulation.
Two letters emerge from each makhraj, let’s take a look at these in detail.
1. The Upper Throat – Adna al halq
From the upper throat emerge two letters, these are Khaa’ ( خ ), pronounced “kh” and Gyan ( غ ), pronounced “gh”. It is erroneous to pronounce these two letters from the mouth, and every effort should be made to distinguish the upper throat from the inner mouth area.
Note that ghayn is articulated from the same makhraj, but just below the khaa.
2. The Mid-Throat – Wasat Al-halq
The mid-throat is the point of articulation for the following two: Haa’ ( ح ), pronounced “HH“ and ‘Ayn ( ع ), pronounced ” ‘A “.
It is important to understand that haa ( ح ) and haa ( هـ ) are not the same, and that haa exhibits a much sharper sound and is articulated slightly above the ‘ayn.
3. The Deep Throat – Aqsal-halq
The deepest part of the throat produces two letters, Haa’ ( هـ ), pronounced “hh” and Hamzah ( ء ), pronounced as a glottal stop.
A glottal stop is defined as “a speech sound produced by a momentary complete closure of the glottis, followed by an explosive release”. The haa emerges from the same area but just above the hamzah‘s point of articulation.
To sum up, the six letters that emerge from the throat are: khaa’ ( خ ), ghayn ( غ ), haa’ ( ح ), ayn ( ع ), haa ( هـ ), and hamzah ( ء ).
These six letters are called Al-Ahruf Al-Halqiyyah. (the throat letters).
List of Words With Letters Throat Examples
Here is the list of Throat letters and examples to understand it fully:
1. Letter Hamza (ء)
Applying Tafkheem (to be heavy) in the case of Tarqeek (to be light)
(Hamza) is a light throat letter, but it is a common mistake to make it heavy, especially if Hamza is close to a heavy letter.
this mistake in that throat letter may happen in a word like {أصابعهم}
Applying Tasheel (not closing the articulation point of Hamza completely) in a case of Tahqiq (closing it completely), such as {يا أيها}
When pronouncing this throat letter, one should close the throat completely.
Making Hamza sound too weak not to be heard. This mistake happens in case of stopping, such as {السماء }.
2. Letter Haa (ه)
Applying Tafkheem (to be heavy) in the case of Tarqeek (to be light)
(Haa) is a light throat letter, but it is a common mistake to make it heavy, especially if it is close to a heavy letter, like {النهار}.
Pronouncing the weak sound of the throat letter Haa and upon pronouncing the throat letter (Haa), one should not separate between the vocal cords more than required, this mistake may happen in a word like {اهدنا}.
Do not pronounce the sound of the throat letter (Haa) clearly if it is close to another Haa or a sound very near to Haa like the throat letter (ح), such as {جباههم} and {وسبحه ليلا}.
Pronouncing weak sound of throat letter Haa, or change its sound to the sound of Alif, in case stopping, like {الحاقة}
3. Letter ‘Aeen (ع)
Pronouncing the throat letter ‘Aeen (ع) from the articulation point of the heavy Alif, such as {نعبد}.
The throat letter ‘Aeen should come from the middle of the throat,
Cutting the sound of the throat letter ‘Aeen especially when it has sukoon, such as {يعملون}.
Tawasut (fair running of sound) should be applied to the throat letter ‘Aeen, for its articulation point is not so strong and not so weak.
Applying Tafkheem (to be heavy) for the throat letter ‘Aeen, this mistake is common especially if it is close to a heavy letter, such as: {عصوا}.
Pronouncing the throat letter ‘Aeen similar to the Hamza, such as {يعلم}
4. Letter Haa (ح)
Pronouncing the throat letter Haa (ح) like Khaa (خ) or Haa (هـ), such as {الرخمن الرخيم} or, like {الرهمن الرهيم}
This mistake is done basically by non-Arabs, for they are not used to using the articulation point of Haa (ح) which comes from the middle of the throat.
Pronouncing the throat letter Haa (ح) without applying Hams (running of air) properly, such as {الرحمن الرحيم}.
Hams should be applied to the letter Haa.
Pronouncing the throat letter Haa (ح) unclearly especially if it was close to ‘Aeen, {فاصفح عنهم}.
‘Aeen and Haa comes from the same articulation point, that is why the characteristic of Hams in Haa should be applied properly not to be skipped {فاصفح عنهم}
5. Letter Ghayn (غ)
Mixing the sound of throat letter Ghayn with the sound of Qaaf (ق), such as {غير المغضوب}
Ghayn is pronounced from the nearest part of the throat, however, Qaaf comes from the back of the tongue, and some mix Ghayn with the sound of Qaaf,
Applying Idgham for throat letter Ghayn into Qaaf, such as {لا تزغ قلوبنا}.
That mistake happens when the reader does not apply the characteristic of Rakhawah (running of sound due to weakness of articulation point) for the letter Ghayn.
Changing the throat letter Ghayn sound to the throat letter Khaa, such as {يخشى} and {يغشى}
That mistake happens because Ghayn and Khaw are produced from the same articulation point, but their characteristics are different: Ghayn has Hams (running of air), but Khaw has Jahr (stopping air).
Applying Qalqalah for throat letter Ghayn, such as {المغضوب}
This happens when the Quran reader does not apply the characteristic of Rakhawah for Ghayn (running of sound).
Applying stronger Tafkheem (to be heavy) in case Ghayn was with Kasrah, such as {من غِل}.
One should apply the lowest level of Tafkheem for the throat letter Ghayn in case it has Kasrah.
6. Letter Khaa (خ)
Making the throat letter Khaa light, such as {خالدين}, khaw is a heavy throat letter, so heaviness shall be applied for it.
Applying strong Tafkheem (to be heavy) in case of Khaw with Kasrah, such as {وخِيفة}One should apply one of the lowest levels of Tafkheem for the throat letter Khaw in case it has Kasrah.
Common Mistakes Made When Pronouncing Throat Letters
Pronouncing the Throat Letters In Arabic can be challenging for non-native speakers. As some common mistakes made when pronouncing these letters include:
1. Confusing The Letters:
The Arabic throat letters include the letters ح (haa), خ (khaa), and غ (ghayn). Non-native speakers may confuse these letters with other similar sounds in their native language, such as “h” or “g” in English.
2. Not Using The Correct Pronunciation:
The correct pronunciation of these letters involves producing a guttural or raspy sound from the back of the throat.
Some non-native speakers may attempt to pronounce these letters using the sound of their native language, which can result in incorrect pronunciation.
3. Mispronouncing The Short Vowels:
Short vowels are an essential part of Arabic pronunciation, and mispronouncing them can affect the overall sound of the word.
Some non-native speakers may fail to pronounce the short vowels correctly when pronouncing throat letters.
4. Overemphasizing The Throat Letters:
While it’s important to pronounce throat letters correctly, overemphasizing them can also affect the overall sound of the word.
Some non-native speakers may pronounce these letters too heavily, causing the word to sound harsh or unnatural.
5. Failing To Distinguish Between Similar Sounds:
Arabic contains several similar sounds that may be difficult for non-native speakers to distinguish.
For example, the letters ح (haa) and خ (khaa) are similar, but their pronunciation differs slightly. Non-native speakers may fail to distinguish between these sounds, resulting in incorrect pronunciation.
Importance Of Understanding Throat Letters In Arabic
Understanding the throat letters in Arabic is essential for anyone who wants to learn to speak the language correctly and accurately.
Here are some reasons why understanding the throat letters is important:
1. Correct Pronunciation:
The throat letters are pronounced differently from the other letters in Arabic.
Understanding how to produce these sounds correctly is crucial for speaking the language fluently and accurately.
Without mastering the throat letters, it’s challenging to achieve the correct pronunciation of many Arabic words.
2. Avoid Miscommunication:
Mispronouncing Arabic throat letters can often lead to misunderstandings, as words with the same pronunciation but different throat letters can have entirely different meanings.
It is, therefore, essential to learn and understand these letters to avoid confusion and effectively communicate with native speakers.
3. Cultural Significance:
The Throat Letters In Arabic are an essential part of the language and are often used in religious and cultural contexts, such as reciting the Quran or reading poetry.
Learning to pronounce throat letters correctly is an important part of understanding the culture and traditions of the Arabic-speaking world.
4. Professional Opportunities:
Knowledge of the Arabic language, including its throat letters, can open up professional opportunities.
Especially in fields such as translation, interpretation, international business, and diplomacy.
How can I improve my pronunciation of throat letters in Arabic?
To improve your pronunciation of throat letters, practice Regularly
Like any skill, mastering throat letters requires practice.
Spend time each day practicing the pronunciation of these letters and paying attention to the correct throat constriction.
If possible, seek guidance from a qualified Arabic language teacher or Quranic recitation instructor who can provide feedback and corrections and it will be better to consider working with a native Arabic speaker or a language teacher.
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Conclusion
Understanding these articulation points is crucial for proper and some sounds of Arabic throat letters are special for the Arabic language. Mistakes may occur due to changing the proper articulation points of the throat letter or do not apply its correct characteristics.
Practical recitation of the Quran in front of well-trained teachers is always required.
Learning and mastering these points are essential for accurate Quranic recitation, and resources such as Tajweed courses offer comprehensive guidance for those seeking proficiency in this aspect of Arabic language and Quranic studies.
