POST 6: Talib, the Archaeologist

How Do You Say “Archaeologist” in Arabic?

Quick answer: An archaeologist is عالم آثار (ʿālim āthār), pronounced AA-lim aa-THAAR. It means “scholar of antiquities.”

Meet Talib, the Archaeologist from Northern Saudi Arabia

Northern and north-western Arabia is full of ancient sites, including Hegra in AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Talib is right at home there as one of the [Northern Shabby Little Fellas → Hub link].

How Do You Pronounce ʿĀlim Āthār?

Say AA-lim aa-THAAR. The ʿ is the deep throat ʿayn sound. The th in āthār is like the “th” in “think.”

Where Do the Words Come From?

ʿĀlim (عالم) means scholar, “one who knows,” from ʿilm (علم), knowledge. Āthār (آثار) means remains or antiquities, from athar (أثر), a trace or footprint. Archaeology is ʿilm al-āthār (علم الآثار), “the science of the traces.”

How Do You Say “Talib Is an Archaeologist” in Arabic?

طالب عالم آثار (Ṭālib ʿālim āthār).

FAQ

• What is archaeology in Arabic? علم الآثار (ʿilm al-āthār).
• What does āthār mean? Traces, remains, or antiquities.
• How do you say a female archaeologist? عالمة آثار (ʿālimat āthār).

Take Talib home: [Keychain] Next: [Meet Samir the Chef →]