Special thanks

I would like to express my gratitude to all the institutions and individuals who provided assistance in my fieldwork and contributed to the successful completion of this project:

• The Institut français du Proche-Orient (IFPO) in Beirut, which hosted me as part of a delegation from the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS) for two years. I also thank them for the gracious hospitality I received during my regular field visits.
• Mr. Jad Makki, son of the late Mr. Hassan Makki, author of this lexical compilation. Jad Makki entrusted me with his father’s linguistic legacy, allowing me to continue his work of collecting and publishing the corpus.
• The Makki family in the locality of Arkay (Caza of Saida), especially Mr. Qassem Makki, whose support and commitment have been invaluable. I also extend my gratitude to the residents of his village, who gave me their time and attention to answer my questions and shed light on my research.
• Geuthner Editions, which entrusted me with the mission of carrying out this extensive work. To all of them, my most sincere gratitude.

I would also like to express my deep gratitude to my colleagues and loyal friends for their dedication and valuable contribution to the realization of this project:

• The late Professor Hiba Chbaro-Sinno (Saint Joseph University), may she rest in peace, for the work she carried out in revising the corpus and shedding light on the words and expressions of the Beirutis. Her erudition and intellectual rigor have left a mark on this work.
• Dr. Younes Zalzali (Islamic University), who has followed this project since its inception. He accompanied me in almost all my fieldwork and meticulously reviewed the lexical data in Arabic. My gratitude knows no bounds for this loyal friend, whose contribution to the Makki Lexicon is considerable. My thanks also go to the Zalzali families of Deir Qanoun Al-Nahr and Khiam (South Lebanon), who provided unwavering support.
• Professor Rola Zoubian, as well as several residents of Mazraat Al-Chouf, whose valuable assistance enriched this research.

I also express my deep gratitude to the families of the Bekaa, who generously opened their homes and shared their memories to enrich this work:

• The Al-Atrache family in Younine, and particularly the women of the village, who generously shared their knowledge and stories.
• The Kassar family in Baalbek, especially Mr. Hassan Kassar, his wife, his brother-in-law the poet and professor Ibrahim Salah, and Dr. Ubada Kassar, whose support was invaluable.
• The Abi Nassif family in Gaza, West Bekaa, whose valuable information significantly contributed to enriching the Makki Lexicon.

My sincere thanks also go to Friedrich Bockern and his colleagues in Akkar, who facilitated my fieldwork in this region.

I wish to express my gratitude to Mr. Khodr Diya from Ṣīr al-Ġarbiyya (Nabatiyeh Governorate), for the valuable information he provided me.

To all those who contributed to this endeavor, I am infinitely grateful.