moqaddima مقدمة
Algerian Darja · noun
“moqaddima” (مقدمة) is a noun in Algerian Darja meaning introduction (of a text, speech).
Meanings
- introduction (of a text, speech)
- opening theme (series, show)
- front, forefront (fi moqaddimat)
Usage
Moqaddima belongs to the Standard Arabic register, but it is common in Algeria, at school as well as in daily life. It means the introduction of an assignment, a book or a speech. In comments about series and shows, it is often used for the opening theme: moqaddimat el moussalsal (the series' opening theme). In a casual register, you also hear the loanword l'intro. The expression fi moqaddimat means "at the head of, in the front rank". The pronunciation is often mqeddma in relaxed speech.
Example
المقدمة تاع هاد المسلسل تعجبني بزاف
el moqaddima ta3 had el moussalsal t3ejbni bezzaf
“I really like the opening theme of this series.”
How to write it in Latin letters
In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “moqaddima” but also “mokadima”, “mouqaddima”, “mqedma” and “moqadima”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.
Type “moqaddima” on the Arabic keyboard
In Moroccan Darija
Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “introduction to a text or talk”; “preamble, opening”: mo9addima in Moroccan.