Pronunciation
The Definite Article in Fluent Speech/Reading (Part 2)
The الـ after Verbs
In preparation for this section, please review hamzat al-waSl هَمْزة الوَصل, the sun letters and moon letters الحُروف الشَّمْسِيّة وَالحُروف القَمَريّة in Unit 8 of Alif Baa and the two points covered in Chapter 5. Also, review Web grammar notes for Chapter 4 regarding the endings for the different types of الفعل المضارع (also presented in Chapters 10 and 13 of AK). In Chapter 8, you will learn the endings for the past tense الفعل الماضي. The rule presented below is applicable to the past tense as well.
The الـ after Verbs Rule
It is important to learn the correct ending vowel for verb conjugation in Arabic not only because it may affect the meaning but also because it helps with speech fluency through the application of the linking rule.
Examine the examples below and click on the Ara
۱- أنا أحبُّ الـْبرد. 
MeaningI like the cold (weather).
۲- هل تحبّينَ الثـَّلج يا سامية؟ MeaningDo you like snow, Samia?
Notice how in the first example, we are dealing with a moon letter in the word الـْبَرد. Pronouncing the final vowel on the verb أحبُّ allows for the eliding of هَمْزة الوَصل and the direct connection to the لـْ. The second example presents the case of a sun letter word الثـَّلج hence the eliding of the الـ altogether and the direct connection between the ـنَ and the ثـَّ. Listen and repeat these utterances aloud.
Speak to Your Instructor
Practice listening and saying the following sentences in preparation for the chat session where you will be asked to read them aloud to your instructor.
۱- أخي يشاهد التليفزيون دائمًا. MeaningMy brother watches television all the time.
۲- والدتي تحبّ القراءة وهي لا تشاهد التليفزيون كثيرًا. MeaningMy mother likes to read and she does not watch a lot of television.
۳- يا نادية هل تعملين اليوم؟ MeaningNadia, are you working today?
٤- والدتي تدرّس الكيمياء. MeaningMy mother teaches chemistry.
٥- هل تعرفون الأستاذ أحمد؟ MeaningDo you (plural) know Professor Ahmad?