How To Learn Arabic in 8 Steps

In a world that is more interconnected than ever before, learning a new language can open doors to a number of opportunities, both professionally and culturally. Arabic, with its rich history, cultural significance, and global relevance, stands out as a language that offers immense benefits to those who take the time to learn it. 

By choosing to learn Arabic you’re therefore not only opening yourself up to new cultures but opportunities too. If you are new to learning Arabic then you may be wondering where to start, in this article we’ll help you overcome the barriers to learning Arabic with 8 useful tips. 

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the most widely spoken variation of Arabic and is what is taught in schools across Arabic-speaking nations. But note that each country uses a local dialect to communicate on a daily basis. For this reason we input some knowledge of dialects in higher level courses.

It’s the official or co-official language in 25 countries namely in Northern Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and The Middle East – known as the Arab world.

So, what are key reasons to learn Arabic?

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Modern Standard Arabic is believed to be the 6th most spoken language, with 274,000,000 speakers across the world making it the most widely spoken semitic language.

The full list of Arabic-first countries include:

Algeria, Bahrain, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

There are believed to be as many as 30 different varieties of the spoken language as well as influencing a number of other languages such as Persian and even Spanish. Learning Arabic allows you to delve into diverse cultures, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Arab world. 

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Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations, a testament to its global importance. The Middle East plays a pivotal role in geopolitics, economics, and international relations. By learning Arabic, you equip yourself to engage effectively in discussions about current affairs and global issues, making you a more informed and valuable global citizen.

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Having an initial grasp of the language will help beginners to communicate simply in Arabic. Being able to do so will make travel or social interactions that much easier. 

The Arab world boasts thriving economies and industries, from oil and gas to technology and finance. Proficiency in Arabic can significantly enhance your career prospects, enabling you to tap into markets and networks that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Employers often value employees who can communicate with Arabic-speaking clients and partners.

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Like for most languages, for new learners of Arabic, it can take considerable time before reaching fluency. It is very difficult to put a time scale on when you will reach fluency as it depends on the time you commit yourself to learning. At the end of the beginner course (3 modules) you should be able to communicate in basic daily situations.

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If you’re learning Arabic for the first time, then the main barrier you will have to overcome is not only the Arabic alphabet but also learning to read from right to left. The pronunciation can also be a challenge. Here are a few pointers to get you started on your road to fluency. 

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Understanding the script is important to building a strong foundation in the language. Much like learning other semitic languages such as Hebrew it can take some time getting to grips with reading from right to left and understanding a different alphabet. 

At City Lit we introduce the alphabet slowly over the first year of learning so that it is not too overwhelming and gives you time to master it. 

Our beginner courses focus first on speaking and listening to enable you to communicate and improve your pronunciation.

Immerse yourself with Arabic as much as possible. Listen to Arabic music, watch movies, and follow the news to get accustomed to the rhythm and cadence of the language.

Attend online or face-to-face language courses specifically designed for Arabic with resources, structured lessons and interactive exercises to help you progress steadily. At City Lit that’s exactly what we offer students on our Arabic language courses. 

Apps are good tools to practice between classes to.

Find language exchange partners or join online communities where you can practice speaking Arabic. Speaking regularly will boost your confidence and fluency.

Learn about the customs, traditions, and etiquette of Arabic-speaking societies. This knowledge not only enhances your language skills but also fosters respectful interactions.

Dedicate regular time to learning Arabic. Consistency is more effective than sporadic intensive study sessions. When it comes to revising, try using flash cards to help you remember key phrases.

Learning Arabic is a rewarding endeavour that offers cultural enrichment, global relevance, and professional opportunities. Whether you're intrigued by the calligraphy, eager to understand ancient texts, or looking to expand your horizons, Arabic is a language that holds the potential to transform your personal and professional journey.