How to Pronounce keffiyeh

Meaning and Context

The keffiyeh is a traditional Middle Eastern headscarf, historically crafted from a square of cotton or linen, renowned for its distinctive checkered pattern, often in black and white or red and white. Originating as a practical garment for Bedouins in the arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula, it provided essential protection from the sun, dust, and sand. Over the 20th century, particularly following the Arab Revolt of the 1930s, the black-and-white keffiyeh pattern evolved into a potent symbol of Palestinian identity and national solidarity, while the red-and-white variant remains strongly associated with Jordanian heritage. Today, this iconic Arab headscarf is recognized globally, worn both as a traditional Middle Eastern headdress and as a fashion statement, though its display often carries deep political and cultural connotations. Its method of wearing, whether draped over the shoulders or secured with an agal (a black cord), signifies both regional tradition and personal expression, making it an enduring emblem of Palestinian culture and Arab heritage.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The term is most commonly transliterated into English as "keffiyeh," which aligns with its pronunciation in Levantine Arabic. Alternative spellings frequently encountered include "kufiya," "kaffiyeh," and "kuffiyah." The variation "kufiya" (كُوفِيَّة) is a direct transliteration from the Arabic and is considered equally correct. Common misspellings and typos often arise from phonetic interpretations or keyboard errors, such as "keffiyah," "kefiyah," "keffiya," or even "kafiya." In some historical or regional contexts, it may be referred to as a "ghutrah" or "shemagh," though these terms can denote slight variations in style, fabric, or regional origin (with shemagh being more common in the Gulf region). It is important to note the distinction from the "agal," which is the black cord ring used to hold the keffiyeh in place, not the headscarf itself.

Example Sentences

The intricate black-and-white checkered pattern of his keffiyeh stood out vividly against the desert landscape.

Many visitors to the region purchase a traditional cotton keffiyeh as both a functional item for sun protection and a meaningful cultural souvenir.

She elegantly draped the red-and-white kufiya over her shoulders, complementing her modern attire with a nod to traditional Jordanian style.

In recent years, the appropriation of the keffiyeh as a mere fashion accessory, divorced from its historical and political weight, has been a topic of considerable debate.

The elder demonstrated the classic method of folding and securing the headscarf with an agal, a skill passed down through generations.

During the protest, the sea of keffiyehs symbolized a unified stance and collective identity.

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