Press release
For immediate distribution
27 August 2014
Oxford University Press publishes ground-breaking new Oxford
Arabic Dictionary
New Modern Standard Arabic dictionary features over 130,000 words and
phrases, 200,000 translations, 70,000 real example phrases
On Thursday 28 August 2014, Oxford University Press will celebrate the print and digital
publication of the Oxford Arabic Dictionary.
Produced by an international team of expert translators and advisors using Oxford’s
renowned language research programme, the Oxford Arabic Dictionary is the first of its
kind to be based throughout on real modern evidence of both English and Arabic usage.
The unique Arabic corpus, developed specially for this project, provides evidence of the
latest vocabulary used in computing, business, the media, and the arts, making the
resource the most up-to-date bilingual Arabic and English dictionary available. The
dictionary focuses on the standardized variant of Arabic used in writing and formal
speech, commonly known as Modern Standard Arabic.
One of the key strengths of this project is the 70,000 real example phrases that illustrate
the dictionary entries. These examples help the user interpret everyday modern meaning
and usage accurately, and cement the Oxford Arabic Dictionary as the most pragmatic
work of its kind.
The dictionary is available in print and is also accessible online via subscription at
Oxforddictionaries.com/Arabic. The online edition is fully accessible on mobile and
tablet, and, via specially developed search software, enables learners and users of
Arabic and English to search more than 330,000 words, phrases, and translations.
Regular word and content updates will ensure that the online Oxford Arabic Dictionary
continues to reflect the latest vocabulary and trends in language usage.
Tressy Arts, chief editor of the Oxford Arabic Dictionary, comments:
“When I was a student in the nineties, I used an Arabic-English and an English-Arabic
dictionary from the seventies. In 2014, these two were still the best options available.
The Oxford Arabic Dictionary finally gives learners and translators a modern dictionary in
which they can find the Arabic for ‘blog’ and ‘tweet’ as well as for ‘camel’. The dictionary
is clear, with sense indicators and examples showing which translation to choose;
comprehensive, with over 26,000 entries on either side; and evidence-based, which is
unique for Arabic. It shows both English and Arabic as the vast, dynamic world
languages they are, and creates a unique bridge between the two.”
Casper Grathwohl, President, Dictionaries Division at OUP adds: “With the rising
demand for Arabic language skills in the business world, the media, and public life, the
Oxford Arabic Dictionary is a long-awaited and unsurpassed resource, essential for
anyone using both Arabic and English.”
Key facts
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Publication date is 28 August 2014
More than 130,000 words and phrases
200,000 translations
Covers Modern Standard Arabic, and British and American English
Extra content including tables of Arabic verbs, numbers, and dates
Oxford Arabic Dictionary FAQ: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/oxforddictionaries-arabic-faq#modern-standard-arabic
About OxfordDictionaries.com: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/words/about-odo
About Oxford University Press: http://global.oup.com/uk/about/, or follow us on:
twitter.com/OxfordWords & facebook.com/OxfordDictionaries &
blog.oxforddictionaries.com
For media enquiries or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Nathalie Viselé
Director
Shamal Marketing Communications
PO Box 502701
Office 106 I Arjaan Office Tower I Dubai Media City
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Office: +971 4 3652711 I Direct : +971 4 3652712
Mobile : +971 50 4576525
Fax:+971 4 4278703
E-mail: nathalie@smc-pr.com
Web site: www.smc-pr.com