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Index

Descriptive cataloging

Romanization
   Sources
   Table (link to LC pdf doc)
   Vocalization
   List of words
   Geographic names
   Proper names
   Separable/inseparable
   Terms of resp.
   Tanwin

Capitalization

LC rule interpretations

Applications of the Descriptive Cataloging Manual

 

Romanization of tanwin in Arabic

According to the romanization table, "tanwīn is normally disregarded in romanization". It is only indicated in two cases: when it occurs in indefinite nouns derived from defective* roots, and when it indicates the adverbial use of a noun or adjective.

A common misinterpretation of this rule results in the romanization of tanwīn following a number. The two cases where tanwīn is indicated do not include this situation unless the noun in question is derived from a defective* root.

Arba‘ūn ḥadīth (NOT ḥadīthan)
اربعون حديثا
Thalāthūn ‘ām (NOT ‘āman)
ثلاثون عاما

*"defective" roots are those with a waw or ya as the third radical

Last modified: April 22, 2009