Modern Arabic Transliteration

Mourad Bendjennet sent us information about a new way of transliterating Arabic that has come about since the advent of computers. Here we're talking specifically about transliterating Arabic by writing the language in the Roman alphabet to show how to pronounce it in English... “With the [...]

Can Someone Help with the Lyrics or Melody to the Arabic Lullaby called “Doha Ya Doha”?

Rondi wrote to me... Hello Lisa! This is Rondi Charleston – I am a singer/songwriter in the NY area. I have an important recording project coming up in which I need an Arabic Lullaby to incorporate into an original song. I'm searching for the MELODY! Sheet music? or an MP3? I heard about [...]

The Muslim Festival Eid al-Adha – Festival of Sacrifice – is Celebrated Today

This year Eid al-Adha (a holiday that's also known as Eid Kbir) is held on the 18th to the 20th around the Muslim world. It's a festival celebrating Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. Everyone dresses up and goes to the mosque to perform the Eid prayer. Families that can [...]

100!

Mama Lisa's World features children's songs from around the globe, in the original languages, with English and French translations. I'm very happy to announce that we've just added our 100th culture! Monique of Mama Lisa's World en franais recently visited Tunisia. She brought back many photos, [...]

For All of You Star Wars Fans: Tataouine is a Real Place in Tunisia

If you're a Star Wars fan you know that Luke Skywalker grows up on the planet Tatooine. But what you may not know is that Tatooine is a real town in Tunisia! (Spelled “Tataouine”.) The connection between Tatooine and Tunisia goes deeper than the just the name. Many of the scenes in [...]

Can Anyone Help with a Cuban Rhyme/Finger Play that starts with “Chiquitica así”?

Jeannie Backer wrote to us for help with a Cuban Finger Play. Here's her note... My mother from Cuba used to sing a song/rhyme to usthat I only partially remember, maybe you have heard something similar. It's not a song as much as a cute thing that a child says to adult to ask for

The [...]

About the Song “Cooma Lotta Veesay”

We received the note below with the song “Cooma Lotta Veesay”. Many variations of this song exist, including “Kumala Vista”. It also shares lyrics with the action song called “Flee, Fly, Flo“. Here's the email: “In the late 1950s, we lived near a [...]

Does anyone know this version of Catalina Matelina?

Dennis Lytle wrote to us asking for information about a rhyme: “Any info on the rhyme my parents taught us would be appreciated... I tell you bout vat girl of mine vat looks so sveet and dress so fine, vat come from Dootchland on the Rhine a couple of veeks ago. Her eyes are blue [...]