The word "Levantine" is spelled with four syllables: /ˈlɛvəntaɪn/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by a "v" sound. The second syllable has a schwa sound, followed by a "n" sound. The third syllable starts with a "t" sound, followed by a long "i" sound and another "n" sound. The final syllable has a long "e" sound and ends in a "n" sound. "Levantine" refers to a region in the eastern Mediterranean, including parts of Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Israel.
Levantine refers to something or someone from the Levant, a geographic region located in the eastern Mediterranean. The Levant encompasses countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Israel, and parts of southern Turkey. The term "Levantine" may be applied to the people, culture, language, or anything pertaining to this region.
When referring to people, Levantine is used to describe individuals who are native to or descended from the Levant. It typically refers to the local population, characterized by their distinctive cultural, linguistic, and historical heritage. Levantines exhibit a diverse mix of influences stemming from various civilizations that have influenced the region throughout history, including Arab, Turkish, Persian, and European.
In terms of culture, Levantine encompasses the customs, traditions, arts, and cuisine of the Levant. The Levantine culture is renowned for its rich historical heritage, vibrant arts, and literature, as well as its culinary delights such as falafel, hummus, and kebabs.
The Levantine language, also known as Levantine Arabic, is a dialect spoken in the Levant. It has its unique characteristics and vocabulary, but it is generally considered a variant of the Arabic language.
Overall, Levantine refers to anything related to the Levant region, including its people, culture, language, and history. It represents a distinct identity influenced by a long history of diverse civilizations and traditions.
Of or pert. to the Levant.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Levantine" derives from the Latin term "levāntīnus", which means "of the East" or "from the Levant". The Levant refers to the region in the eastern Mediterranean, including modern-day countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Jordan, and Cyprus. The Latin term originated from the French phrase "levantin", which developed during the Crusades to describe those from the eastern Mediterranean. The term "Levantine" was later adopted into English to refer to people or things connected to the Levant region.