3elm علم

Tunisian Derja · noun

“3elm” (علم) is a noun in Tunisian Derja meaning science, knowledge.

Meanings

1. science, knowledge
2. flag (pronounced 3lam)

Usage

In the sense of knowledge or a scientific discipline, 3elm (or 3ilm) belongs to a rather formal register. It is found in expressions such as 3ilm el fi9h (Islamic jurisprudence) or in sayings about the value of knowledge. In everyday conversation, the same Arabic spelling is also used for 3lam, "flag": 3lam tounes, the Tunisian flag. Only the pronunciation distinguishes the two words. They should also not be confused with the verb 3allem, "to teach, to teach someone". Context is generally enough to resolve the ambiguity.

Example

How to write it in Latin letters

In Arabizi, Darija written in Latin letters, you will find “3elm” but also “3ilm”, “3lem” and “3alem”. No spelling is official: people write the sounds as they hear them.

Digits stand in for Arabic letters that have no Latin equivalent: 3 is ayn (ع), a voiced sound from deep in the throat with no English equivalent.

Type “3elm” on the Arabic keyboard

In Moroccan Darija

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Moroccan Darija, where it means “to teach, instruct”; “to mark, flag”: 3allem in Moroccan.

In Algerian Darja

Spelt the same way in Arabic, the word also exists in Algerian Darja, where it means “to teach, instruct someone”; “to educate, train”: 3allem in Algerian.