Topic: Arabic

"اَلْمُعَلِّمة في بَيْروت."

Translation:The teacher is in Beirut.

June 30, 2019

5 Comments

https://www.duolingo.com/BillDe
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  • 616

How can I tell the difference between the phrase "the teacher in Beirut" and the translation given here "the teacher is in Beirut"?

June 30, 2019
https://www.duolingo.com/M_Alrehaily

    As you said, "The teacher in Beirut" is a phrase, not a complete sentence. So it would be grammatically wrong had it been written alone. However, "The teacher is in Beirut" is a complete sentence.

    July 1, 2019
    https://www.duolingo.com/BillDe
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    • 616

    However: In teaching Arabic (and all other languages) duolingo often gives us phrases to translate, not only complete sentences. If the exercise said "translate the complete sentence" I would know the answer, but I have never seen that anywhere in duolingo.

    Does anyone have a better answer?

    July 2, 2019
    https://www.duolingo.com/notpeanut
    • 1094

    I think the period means it's supposed to be a complete sentence. I haven't noticed whether this course is consistent about that though.

    July 7, 2019
    https://www.duolingo.com/BillDe
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    • 616

    I never noticed it either, and it certainly isn't a standard on other duolingo languages, but I have seen a few more cases since your comment that seem to confirm your idea.

    Thanks for the catch! Great observations!!

    July 8, 2019
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