Arabic is hardwired to the body. Of course, every language has a mass of words with biological associations, but Arabic especially has a treasure trove of words rooted in body parts. For instance, mutaqadim, which is Arabic for advanced or forward, is derived from the word qadam, or foot.
This week, we examine how the neck features across several words and phrases.
Raqaba is Arabic for neck. While it is also referred to as alunuq, the word raqaba arguably has a wider influence. It can denote caution and scrutiny. It can come as a form of a threat. Given the neck’s place on the body, and its function in helping us move and turn our heads, it is easy to see how it has come to mean all these things, sometimes with an added letter or a few simple changes in diacritics (defining accents or marks).
Raqaba is at the root of the word raqib, a verb meaning to watch. Raqaba can mean to guard or watch over. To raqaba something, or someone, can also mean to wait for them.
The neck is also the root of words such as raqeeb in both its military context, referring to a low-ranking officer, and its definitions of close observer or keeper. The word is also at the root of marqaba, meaning lookout or watchtower. The word censorship, or alraqaba, can also be traced to the neck. Altaraqub, or anticipation, also has its foundation in raqaba.
Several phrases also incorporate the neck. If someone "biddu khalaa raqabe", it means they deserve to have their neck broken. To tell someone they can count on you, whether for help or monetary support, you can say "raqabti sadade". If you want to tell someone they are close to you, or within your inner circle, you can say they are "min izam al raqabe".
match info
Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
A new relationship with the old country
Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.
ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
