Arabic is widely spoken in the Middle East, and learning it allows you to understand the cultural heritage of their societies. Learning the Arabic language also gives you professional opportunities in local and multinational companies and fields. You can take a course to learn standardized Arabic or immerse yourself in the local cultures for colloquial expressions. Here’s what to expect when taking a course to learn Arabic:
Structured Arabic Courses
Schools offering Arabic language courses feature structured programs based on different proficiency levels. The courses cover various aspects, from the basic alphabet to everyday vocabulary. Arabic courses also use different approaches, including online materials, fun activities, written assignments, and regular evaluations. The courses offer a solid foundation to help you speak, write, and read Arabic. You can find courses for kids, teens, and adults of different proficiency levels. Online courses are also flexible and can meet you at your current level. You can schedule an online meeting with course advisors to help you find suitable courses based on your objectives and competency.
A beginner course focuses on basic vocabulary and sentence structure, including simple greetings and useful daily phrases. You also learn basic phonetics and grammar, such as gendered nouns and verb conjugations. Intermediate courses cover foundational skills that enable you to understand more complex conversations. Expect short stories and structured paragraphs that go deeper into Arabic grammar, tenses, and dual forms. Advanced or proficient-level courses cover fluency and complex formal text and conversations. These courses focus on subtleties and cultural references and can involve formal audio from news broadcasts, interviews, and Arabic TV shows.
Standardized and Dialectical Arabic
Arabic schools teach various forms of the language, including Modern Standard Arabic, colloquial or dialectical Arabic, and classical Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic, or MSA, is the formal standard used in academic settings, public offices, and businesses across the Arabic world. Courts and national news broadcasts also use the MSA standard. This form of Arabic is rarely used in everyday conversations among locals but is required when dealing with formal Arabic content. Dialectical or colloquial Arabic refers to the varied forms of the language spoken by different Arab countries or regions within a country.
The spoken dialects vary, and native speakers from one country can struggle to understand colloquial expressions used in other regions. Arabic courses usually teach MSA, which is the same standard used across all Arab countries. Schools also select specific dialects, like Egyptian, Maghrebi, or Levantine. The Egyptian dialect is highly preferred because it provides a basis for understanding dialects used in other regions. Courses can also cover classical or Islamic Arabic, which is the language used to write the Quran and other classical literature. Islamic Arabic is more complex than MSA and local dialects and is rarely taught outside religious and historical contexts.
Start Learning Arabic Language Today
Online Arabic courses allow you to learn the language remotely and enjoy one-on-one speaking classes with experienced teachers. You can learn at any level, earn certificates, fast-track your progress, or explore opportunities to immerse yourself in local communities speaking the language. Contact an accredited online school today to learn more about Arabic language courses.
