Pronunciation: [ˈaɹabi] (IPA) 
The word "Araby" is a term used to refer to the Middle East or the Arabian Peninsula. It is spelled as /əˈreɪ.bi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "ə" is pronounced as "uh", while "reɪ" is pronounced as "ray", and "bi" as "bee". The letter "a" in the first syllable is pronounced as a schwa, which is the neutral vowel sound in English. Overall, the spelling of "Araby" accurately reflects the phonetic sounds of the word.
Araby refers to a term primarily used in literature, specifically referring to the short story "Araby" by James Joyce. However, it can also be applied to other works of literature or real-life contexts.
In the literary sense, Araby serves as the title of James Joyce's short story published in 1914 in his collection called "Dubliners." The story revolves around a young boy infatuated with a girl who becomes his obsession. Araby functions as a symbol throughout the story, representing both the allure and disappointment of unattainable desires. It embodies the boy's idealized vision of a foreign, exotic land that can fulfill his longing for love and escape from his mundane reality. However, when he arrives at the actual bazaar called Araby, he is faced with the harsh reality of his unfulfilled expectations, highlighting the theme of disillusionment.
Beyond the literary context, Araby may also be used as a general noun to refer to an Arabic market or marketplace. This definition references the vibrant, bustling, and sometimes chaotic open-air markets found in Arab cities where people buy and sell various goods, including food, textiles, spices, and unique artifacts. These markets often serve as important cultural hubs and offer a glimpse into the rich heritage, traditions, and commerce of the Arab world. Whether fictional or real, Araby embodies a sense of allure, mystique, and the potential for both fulfillment and disappointment.
Poetic for Arabia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Araby" is derived from the Arabic word "Arabiyyah" (عربية), which means "Arabic" or "Arabian". In the English language, it is often used as a poetic or archaic term to refer to the Arabian Peninsula or the Arab world. The word is sometimes associated with exotic and romanticized notions of the culture, landscapes, and people of the Arab world.
