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Discrimination
التمييز (at-tamyīz) is a noun meaning 'discrimination' or 'differentiation,' referring to the act of treating people unfairly based on protected characteristics such as race, religion, gender, or ethnicity. It can also mean 'distinction' or 'distinguishing' in a more neutral sense. This word is widely used in modern Arabic to discuss social justice, legal matters, and human rights.
Worksheets, games, and lesson plans for Years 1-11
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يجب على المجتمع محاربة التمييز بجميع أشكاله.
Yajib 'alá al-mujtama' muhārabat at-tamyīz bijamī' ashkālihi.
Society must fight discrimination in all its forms.
القانون يحظر التمييز على أساس الجنس أو الدين.
Al-qānūn yahzur at-tamyīz 'alá asās al-jins aw ad-dīn.
The law prohibits discrimination based on gender or religion.
تعاني النساء من التمييز في سوق العمل.
Ta'ānī an-nisā' min at-tamyīz fī sūq al-'amal.
Women suffer from discrimination in the job market.
لا يجوز أي تمييز بين المواطنين أمام القانون.
Lā yajūz ayy tamyīz bayn al-muwāṭinīn amām al-qānūn.
No discrimination is permitted between citizens before the law.
تم إدانة شركتهم لممارستها التمييز ضد الأقليات.
Tamma idānat sharikathum limumārasatihā at-tamyīz ḍidd al-aqalliyyāt.
Their company was convicted for practicing discrimination against minorities.
The concept of التمييز has become increasingly important in contemporary Arab discourse, particularly in discussions about women's rights, religious minorities, and workplace equality. Arab nations have developed anti-discrimination laws and joined international conventions against discrimination, though implementation varies across countries. The term is frequently used in legal, educational, and media contexts when discussing social reform and human rights issues.
Remember that التمييز typically carries a negative connotation when referring to unfair treatment, though it can also mean neutral 'differentiation' or 'distinction' in certain contexts. When discussing discrimination, you'll often see it paired with prepositions like ضد (against) or على أساس (based on). The related verb يميز means 'to distinguish' or 'to discriminate,' so context is important for determining the specific meaning.
The Arabic word التمييز (at-tamyīz) is a fundamental noun in modern Arabic that translates to 'discrimination' or 'differentiation.' While the word can have a neutral meaning referring simply to the act of distinguishing between things, in contemporary usage it predominantly refers to unfair and unjust treatment of individuals or groups based on protected characteristics such as race, ethnicity, religion, gender, nationality, or disability.
التمييز derives from the Arabic root م-ي-ز (m-y-z), which carries meanings related to distinguishing, differentiating, or separating. The related verb يميز (yamayyiz) means 'to distinguish' or 'to discriminate,' demonstrating how the same root can express both neutral differentiation and prejudicial treatment depending on context and intent.
In contemporary Arabic, particularly in legal, educational, and media contexts, التمييز primarily refers to discriminatory practices. It is frequently used when discussing:
Legal and Human Rights Contexts: Arab nations have incorporated anti-discrimination principles into their legal frameworks. Phrases like "القانون يحظر التمييز" (the law prohibits discrimination) appear regularly in legal documents and constitutional texts. International human rights instruments translated into Arabic use this terminology extensively.
Gender and Women's Rights: One of the most common applications is التمييز ضد النساء (discrimination against women), reflecting ongoing discussions about women's equality in employment, education, and family law throughout the Arab world.
Religious and Ethnic Discrimination: The phrase التمييز على أساس الدين (discrimination based on religion) is used to address concerns about religious minorities and interfaith relations in Arab societies.
Workplace Discrimination: في سوق العمل (in the job market), التمييز is discussed in relation to hiring practices, promotion opportunities, and workplace treatment.
As a feminine noun in Arabic (despite not ending in ة), التمييز takes the definite article ال (al-) to become "the discrimination." When used with prepositions:
Understanding التمييز is enhanced by knowing related terms:
Discrimination remains a significant social issue across Arab nations, with التمييز featuring prominently in discussions about:
Gender Equality: Women's rights organizations and advocacy groups frequently use this terminology when addressing workplace discrimination, educational access, and family law provisions.
Minority Rights: The treatment of religious minorities, migrant workers, and LGBTQ+ individuals is discussed using this vocabulary in both mainstream and social media contexts.
Socioeconomic Disparities: Discrimination based on social class, nationality, and socioeconomic status is an emerging area of discussion in Arab human rights discourse.
When using التمييز in conversation or writing:
Context Matters: While the literal meaning can refer to neutral distinction, in modern usage it almost always implies prejudicial treatment unless otherwise specified.
Paired with Prepositions: You'll frequently encounter التمييز paired with ضد (against), على أساس (based on), or في (in/at), making these combinations important to master.
Related Verbs: When discussing someone's discriminatory actions, use the verb يميز (yamayyiz) in negative constructions like "لا يجب أن نميز" (we should not discriminate).
Formal vs. Casual: This is predominantly a formal or semi-formal term used in official, legal, educational, and journalistic contexts rather than casual conversation.
In news articles and official documents, you'll find التمييز used in phrases such as:
التمييز is an essential vocabulary item for anyone seeking to understand contemporary Arab discourse on social justice, human rights, and equality. Its usage reflects the Arab world's increasing engagement with international human rights standards and growing internal advocacy for more equitable societies. Mastering this word and its related terminology provides valuable insight into how modern Arabic addresses issues of fairness, justice, and human dignity.