New Orts #47
December 8 MMXXIV
One of the most significant aspects of the Arabic script--also used for Persian, Turkish, and Urdu, among other languages--is its adaptability. Written from right to left, its 28 letters are made of 17 basic forms that consist of simple vertical and horizontal strokes. These strokes can be altered and modified to accommodate any surface or scale, yet they maintain their integrity and readability. This inherent flexibility of the Arabic script means it can convey a specific message as well as serve as an integral part of the decorative scheme of an object or building. Letters curve or extend to conform to the shape of a particular surface, be it metalwork, glass, stone, wood, textile, or paper. To heighten their decorative quality and further blur the distinction between their functions as writing and ornamentation, letters and words are twisted, braided, and even radically transformed into human or animal shapes.
— from an exhibit at the Freer Gallery (part of the Smithsonian Institution), Washington, D.C., November 1999
In Arabic, as in other Semitic languages, words are based on three-consonant roots. This three-letter structure provides the general concept, and vowels impart specific meaning. For example, the triplet k-t-b refers to writing. With the addition of vowels it can morph into kitab (book), katib (writer, clerk), kutub (books), kataba (he wrote), etc. [Similarly, in Hebrew too k-t-b indicates writing: a ketubah is a marriage contract (literally, a writing).] Another consonant cluster in Arabic is s-l-m; it shows up in words indicating ideas of submission, peace, etc. Some of the words employing this triplet are Islam (surrender to God's will), Muslim (one who submits), salaam (peace), [compare shalom in Hebrew], etc.
— source misplaced. Anybody know? Tell me!
some info is here: https://arabicwithnichole.com/blog/arabic-root-letters-morphology
We all learn from mistakes; but only a fool insists on learning from his own.
— this witticism has a long history, mostly in this alternate form:
Learn from the mistakes of others: You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
The history in untangled here: https://quoteinvestigator.com/2018/09/18/live-long/