• From right, Luma Adnani, Ibrahim Taha, Lina Adnani and Lutfi Zayed in the studio where they are recording their for songs Arabic their entertainment and educational cartoon Adam Wa Mishmimish in Amman, Jordan, on March 13, 2017. Salah Malkawi for The National
    From right, Luma Adnani, Ibrahim Taha, Lina Adnani and Lutfi Zayed in the studio where they are recording their for songs Arabic their entertainment and educational cartoon Adam Wa Mishmimish in Amman, Jordan, on March 13, 2017. Salah Malkawi for The National
  • The Adam Wa Mishmimish cartoons teach children the alphabet, numbers, colours and shapes – and also good behaviour, such as going to bed when they are told and the importance of being polite.
    The Adam Wa Mishmimish cartoons teach children the alphabet, numbers, colours and shapes – and also good behaviour, such as going to bed when they are told and the importance of being polite.
  • Arabic language experts are concerned that Arabic, the sixth official language of the United Nations since 1973, is at risk in Jordan and other Arab countries. Here, Ibrahim Taha and Lina Adnani are in the recording studio for Adam Wa Mishmimish. Salah Malkawi for The National
    Arabic language experts are concerned that Arabic, the sixth official language of the United Nations since 1973, is at risk in Jordan and other Arab countries. Here, Ibrahim Taha and Lina Adnani are in the recording studio for Adam Wa Mishmimish. Salah Malkawi for The National
  • Lina, seen here, says globalisation and the influence of western culture and pop music has also contributed to deteriorating attitudes towards the Arabic language among her generation. Salah Malkawi for The National
    Lina, seen here, says globalisation and the influence of western culture and pop music has also contributed to deteriorating attitudes towards the Arabic language among her generation. Salah Malkawi for The National
  • Ibrahim, 37, who has played the guitar since he was a child, composes tunes with a combination of Middle Eastern, Western and Latin flavours. Salah Malkawi for The National
    Ibrahim, 37, who has played the guitar since he was a child, composes tunes with a combination of Middle Eastern, Western and Latin flavours. Salah Malkawi for The National
  • The team working with producer Chris Mullender in the studio where they record their Arabic songs for Adam Wa Mishmimish. Salah Malkawi for The National
    The team working with producer Chris Mullender in the studio where they record their Arabic songs for Adam Wa Mishmimish. Salah Malkawi for The National
  • Luma, Ibrahim and Lina have plans for even more seasons. ‘We are planting the seeds for children to love their language,’ says Luma. Salah Malkawi for The National
    Luma, Ibrahim and Lina have plans for even more seasons. ‘We are planting the seeds for children to love their language,’ says Luma. Salah Malkawi for The National

World

Behind the scenes with Arabic cartoon ‘Adam Wa Mishmish’ - in pictures

  • English
  • Arabic

A collaborative family effort by Luma Adnani, her husband Ibrahim Taha and her younger sister Lina, the project aims to make learning Arabic a pleasurable experience in a region where many young people prefer the English language.

Jordan