Are you worried that Arabic will be too hard to learn? This guide will help you understand the best methods for learning Arabic and what you should study first to make the learning process easier. This way, you’ll be successful however you choose to use your new skills.
What is Arabic?
Arabic is an ancient language and is part of the family of Semitic languages that also includes Hebrew and Aramaic. Early versions of the language date back to the 8th century BCE but it has been refined and evolved over several centuries.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is listed as the sixth most common language in the world with more than 360 million people speaking various Arabic dialects. While common across the globe, Arabic is drastically different from English and the languages of Europe, which makes it challenging to learn. Composed of an entirely different alphabet made up of 28 consonants and three vowels, it’s known as an “impure abjad.” Arabic is also written and read right to left with no upper or lower case, creating another hurdle for those wishing to learn.
Deeply rooted in calligraphy, Arabic is a language designed to be written, making it equal parts language and art. Steeped in rich history and imbued with the ability to adapt, Arabic is a language built to withstand the tests of time.
Learn Arabic
- Up to $20 off your first class
- 10% Reward Points
- Price lock guaranteed
- No added fees
Thousands of classes & experiences. As featured in Time Out.
Benefits of Learning Arabic?
There are many benefits to learning a foreign language, especially Arabic. Studying a foreign language has been proven to improve brain function, memory, mental flexibility, and creativity, and can even help protect against dementia. Learning Arabic is like exercise for your brain and that conditioning can help you learn other things more efficiently, too.
Wanting to make new friends? You can find Arabic language conversational groups in your area, or become a volunteer at local refugee support organizations to practice your vocabulary while connecting with others. You could also join a neighborhood ESL program and help new Arabic residents practice their English in exchange for tips and tricks on their native language.
Love to travel? Arabic is the official language of 22 countries, so having even a basic understanding of the language can open up numerous new destinations for your choosing. You’ll be able to interact with locals, ask them questions, and understand their culture better. Being able to speak such a popular language also creates an additional layer of safety when you travel, as you’ll be able to navigate public transit, read street signs, and ask for help when needed.
Interested in a new career? Those who are fluent can become translators and help native Arabic speakers communicate in hospitals, schools, or with local social services. Being multilingual is highly desirable in today’s job market so mastering Arabic could lead to successful careers in government, foreign relations, or academic areas. Learning Arabic would also allow you to support refugee and immigrant populations as a case coordinator or program manager.
Is Arabic Easy to Learn?
Arabic and English are two very different languages, so learning Arabic can be substantially challenging. The two languages use entirely different alphabets, with the Arabic alphabet containing only three vowels to English’s six. As mentioned previously, Arabic is also written and read from right to left, which can take some time to adjust to, and contains no distinction between upper and lower case letters. Additionally, the rules of pronunciation differ drastically from English.
All of these factors may seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that learning a new language is both accessible and fun! Studying a language requires minimal supplies and can be much more affordable than other hobbies. Determination and an open mind will help motivate you as you learn, opening an entirely new world consisting of exciting cultures, practices, and ways of life.
The Discovery Center in Chicago is a great place to start if you’re a beginner. Located in Irving Park, Arabic Language—Beginner explores Arabic cultures while offering you practical language experience. Students will have plenty of chances to engage in discussions with each other as this course emphasizes conversational Arabic.
Several classes in Houston are great for new learners. Beginning Arabic: Level 1 teaches practical vocabulary, the basic language patterns of spoken Arabic, and the fundamentals of reading and writing. Beginning Arabic: Level II and Beginning Arabic: Level III will continue to build upon these foundational skills while preparing students to move on to intermediate classes. All of these courses are held at the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University in the Museum District.
The San Jose Learning Center hosts Arabic Level 1 where students will learn the Arabic alphabet and special additional letters like the Hamza, Laam-Alef, and Taa Marboota. This course will highlight the Egyptian, and Levantine dialects, as well as Modern Standard Arabic which is used in modern literature, government, media, educational institutions, and business throughout the Arabic-speaking world. After this class, you can move on to Arabic Level 2 which will focus on the rules of grammar, conjugation of verbs, pronouns, and sentence structure.
What You Need to Know Before Learning Arabic
There are no prerequisites for learning Arabic but having experience with other Semitic languages can be greatly beneficial. If you’ve studied Hebrew or Aramaic, you will be familiar with how vastly different the alphabet is from that of English. Because Arabic can be challenging for English speakers, finding ways to practice your skills will be very important. Conversational partners or groups or local Arabic meet-ups can be a great way to implement what you’re learning.
Arabic will also require patience and passion to help you stay motivated but, with the right attitude and determination, anyone can become fluent in Arabic.
What You Need to Learn Arabic
One great thing about learning Arabic is that there are very few materials required! While the supplies are minimal, each student should possess a passion for the language, determination, and an openness to exploring a new culture. Read below for what items you will want to buy to help you learn Arabic.
Textbook
A quality textbook will make all the difference in your studies. You’ll want one that covers foundational skills like learning the Arabic alphabet; basic greetings; how to conjugate, identify nouns and verbs; and the different vocal sounds that the language uses.
Workbook
Workbooks are also helpful tools for practicing grammar, sentence structure and writing the Arabic script. They’ll provide you with plenty of opportunities to practice mastering the strokes of each letter and composing simple (or advanced) sentences.
Audio Lessons
Audio lessons and a good pair of headphones or earphones are beneficial as well. Hearing the pronunciation will be key to speaking the language well and the easiest way to do so is by listening to native speakers.
Key Takeaways
- Arabic is an ancient language that is designed to be read, making it equal parts written language and art.
- Spoken by over 360 million people, Arabic is the sixth most spoken language in the world.
- There are many benefits to learning Arabic like improving your mental dexterity, making new friends, opening up new travel destinations and experiences, and creating new career opportunities.
- Arabic can be challenging to learn, due to how much it differs from the English language.
- Learning Arabic requires very few supplies. You’ll only need a textbook, workbook, and audio lessons to get you started.
- Interested in other course options? CourseHorse also offers private lessons and private group classes that can be customized to fit your exact needs. You can reach out on the website for more information on all available options, including in-person and virtual classes.