avivagabriel (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

"Debka" is now a shared word among many middle-eastern cultures, and is shared by Arabs and Israelis alike, belonging to both Muslims and Jews. Once a word spreads throughout cultures, it belongs to all the people who have integrated the word into their languages, lives, and societies.

avivagabriel (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Yes, Huseen, you're correct that "debka" was originally created by Arabic-speaking people, and is from the Arabic language. But! All languages, from Arabic to Hebrew to English, has words that originally came from another language or culture. There is no "pure" language.

avivagabriel (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Thanks so much, Hageulah, for your quick and full answer on the meaning of "debka," and its cultural origins. I really appreciate knowing about this. Sounds like it's a shared term among a number of middle-eastern countries and cultures.

avivagabriel (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Thanks so much for your quick, complete answer on the meaning of "debka," and its cultural origins. I really appreciate knowing about this. Sounds like it's a shared term among a number of middle-eastern countries and cultures.

Hageulah (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Debka/Dabke is a Dance from Countries of the Middle East around the Mediterran Sea.It would mostly danced on Weddings in rows, where the dancers hold hands or put the hands on the shoulders of their Dance-Neighbours. Debka or Dabke means to stamp with the feets on the ground to the rhythm of a Darbuka. The first Dancer, who lead the Dande-row, shows the figures and steps and make the tempo of the Dance. Mirjam - Hageulah

avivagabriel (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

What does the word "debka" refer to, or mean? I ask about both the original arabic word/dance, and the way it's currently used in either Israel or Arabic countries.

Hageulah (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

thank you for your friendly comment, yes,we love the Israeli Dances, especially to the Yemenite Songs! Mirjam

ohmyrama (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

I love this Music. Mirjam, you are amazing! Keep up the fantastic work. Salam.

Hageulah (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

Yes, we know that the Debka originally is an arabic word and dance. But this is an Israeli Dance Debka-Style. The Singer is an Israeli (Miszrahi Jew) and he sings in Hebrew.It doesn't matter and it isn't important for us, from where the music comes. We dance to every music, especially the beautiful Israeli Dances, because of their different steps and figures and mixed ethnic Style with oriental influence. Mirjam

huseen135 (November 30, 1999 at 12:00 am)

debka is an arab word its oursstop calling it israelomg trying to establish a cultureand than you hate against uswho caresi know who the true arabs are by blood