Methods for Learning Arabic

Methods for Learning Arabic

Learning Arabic can be challenging. This language, considered exotic by most westerners, has a number of sounds not familiar to native speakers of English, and its vocabulary is mostly unrecognizable. In addition, there are a number of different dialects spoken throughout the world, although Egyptian Arabic is the dialect that is most widely understood. There is also a unique writing system which is written right to left like its cousin Semitic language, Hebrew. The written form of Arabic is relatively consistent throughout the Arabic speaking world, and like Chinese or Japanese, this writing is considered more than just a form of communication, it is an art form. For anyone learning Arabic, these challenges are worth facing, as Arabic is a language steeped in culture with a long written history. Here are some of the options for learning Arabic.

Internet/Free Transparent Language offers a free vocabulary trainer to get started learning Arabic. Get your Free BYKI� Lite download by Transparent Language

Book/Audio Combo PDQ Arabic This method from Transparent Language is a good way to get started learning Arabic. There are four audio cds and a 64 page workbook with transcriptions of the audio and exercises to work further. The audio, spoken in Egyptian Arabic, is based around dialogue and real-life conversation, the best way to prepare yourself for using a language.

Audio Only
Pimsleur Comprehensive Arabic (Eastern)
As far as ease of use and quality of the material and method, Pimsleur is the best. You learn to speak Arabic in a natural and comfortable way. It's the same for all Pimsleur language programs, but Arabic with its different alphabet and writing system requires extra effort when it comes to reading. The Pimsleur focus is clearly on speaking skills and this is where they shine. There is an included reading booklet and accompanying cd, but in order to fully study Arabic, additional materials will be needed to improve reading skills and to advance in the language. Note that there are separate courses for Eastern Arabic and Egyptian Arabic. Read my more in-depth Review of Pimsleur Products or listen to the first lesson of Pimsleur Arabic free below!

To order Pimsleur Arabic click here to start learning Arabic in just 30 minutes a day!

Software

Rosetta Stone's immersion style method is one of the very best. Their approach is one of full media - images, audio, written words etc., and intructs you expertly in every aspect of language - listening, speaking, reading and writing, and makes it interesting in the process. They offer a cd-software based personal edition or a unique alternative. For a subscription fee, you can have complete access to their online Arabic software. If you have the time to take advantage of their 500+ hours of instruction in a few months, you can get one of the best language learning products at a bargain price! Otherwise, the personal edition software will give you complete access all the time, for the full price, of course. RosettaStone is an ideal choice for learning Arabic with all of its special characteristics.

Rosetta Stone is an excellent choice for learning Arabic. Read my review of Rosetta Stone or see for yourself how Rosetta Stone works for you and try out the free demo -

Here are some language resources for learning Arabic for you to begin to study Arabic or learn about Arabic culture. Also, check the Language Resources page for lots of other resources to help you learn Arabic or any other language. Search for penpals, live chats, language exchanges and other resources.

"Language is a city to the building of which every human being
brought a stone."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

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