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Understanding the Pronunciation of Hijab

Published in Language Pronunciation 2 mins read

How to Read Hijab?

To "read" the word "hijab" typically refers to knowing its correct pronunciation. The word is pronounced hih-JAHB.

Pronouncing "hijab" correctly involves understanding its origins and common usage. According to resources like the YouTube video titled "How to Pronounce Hijab (correctly!)", this word is among those that many people mispronounce, often due to it originating from Arabic. Therefore, learning the accurate pronunciation is important.

Here's a simple breakdown:

  • First Syllable: Pronounced like "hih" (as in "hit").
  • Second Syllable: Pronounced like "JAHB" (rhymes with "mob" or "job").

When put together, it sounds like hih-JAHB.

Why Focus on Pronunciation?

As noted in the reference material, words like "hijab" are considered "more confusing" for many and are frequently mispronounced. Understanding the correct way to say it ensures clear communication and respect when discussing the topic.

Key Pronunciation Points:

  • The stress is on the second syllable (-jahb).
  • The initial 'h' sound is similar to the 'h' in "house".
  • The 'j' sound is like the 'j' in "job".
  • The 'a' sound in the second syllable is a short 'a' sound, similar to the 'a' in "father" in some accents, or a shorter 'a' sound. The most common English pronunciation uses a sound like the 'a' in "job".

Getting the pronunciation right is a simple way to show understanding and accuracy when using the term.