Elementary Arabic Morphology 2
Implied Vowel Signs
Does a vowel sign appear at the end of all words?
In which words are vowel signs implied?
Which vowel signs are implied with words that end in an alif?
Which vowel signs are implied with words that end in a yā' preceded by a kasrah?
Which vowel signs are implied with words that end in a wāw preceded by a dummah?
Which vowel signs are implied with words complimented by a first person yā'?
No, there are some words whose vowel signs are not pronounced, rather they are implied.
Implied vowel signs occur in the following words:
• Nouns and verbs ending in an alif.
• Nouns and verbs ending in a yā' proceeded by a kasrah
• Verbs ending in a wāw proceeded by a dummah.
• Nouns connected to the first person yā'.
The dummah, fathah, and kasrah are implied in nouns and verbs ending in an alif. For example: الفتی (youth)
The dummah and kasrah are implied in nouns and verbs ending in a yā' proceeded by a kasrah, but the fathah is pronounced. For example: القاضي (judge)
The dummah is implied in verbs ending in a wāw proceeded by a dummah, but the fathah is pronounced. For example: یَلهو (he diverts)
The dummah and fathah are implied in nouns connected to the first person yā', but the kasrah is pronounced. For example: أُمِّي (my mother)