What is the course about?
The course aims to give you a basic knowledge of Arabic, enabling you to understand how the language works and to start communicating in Arabic in various situations.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Themes: Places in town and directions, describing locations of objects, asking questions, countries, nationalities, capital cities in the Arab World and people, geographical positions, numbers (0-10) and writing basic Arabic phrases.
Grammar: the definite article, sun and moon letters, prepositions, hamza, key questions, the case ending (genitive ) regular plurals, adjectives.
Expressions using e.g “to take”, “to buy”, “to speak”, “to travel”,” to visit”.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Converse in Arabic using common words used in dialect e.g fayn/wayn.
- Describe objects and people e.g strong/weak/tall/short.
- Talk about the places in the town and give directions.
- Asking common questions e.g “where is..?”,” did you..?”,” how much..?”,” how many..?”
- Talk about countries; recognise capital cities and flags in the Arab World, and nationalities.
- Use numbers (0-10) e.g give price/mobile number/ address.
- Shopping e.g for fruit
- Use verbs in the present/past with singular pronouns.
- Use cultural expressions in a variety of contexts.
- Write simple sentences using the Arabic script.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
Students should have completed Arabic beginners: module 1, or have an equivalent knowledge of the language.
For further details of the specific foreign language skills required for this level, please see the languages self-assessment chart at the start of the languages section of our course guide, or at http://www.citylit.ac.uk/self-assess-your-level. You will also need to be able to respond to simple instructions and explanations, as well as read course documents, in English. You will need to be at ease with the use of numbers for daily activities (e.g. using money, telling the time, using the 24 hour clock, reading timetables). It would also be helpful if you had some knowledge of basic grammar terminology such as: a verb, a noun and conjugation.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course is based on the communicative approach:
- active students’ interaction
- emphasis on speaking and listening skills
- pair and group work
- role plays
- use of realia, pictures and authentic material
- use of audio-visual techniques when appropriate
Please note, students are expected to participate in oral classroom activities and to do some homework as and when required.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Textbook: Mastering Arabic 1 (Palgrave), 3RD EDITION ONLY; tutor's handouts will be provided
Please try: the European Bookshop with a 10% discount:
http://www.europeanbookshop.com/setbooks.php?institution=3973&class=51 or Grant and Cutler at Foyles-www.foyles.co.uk/languages (020 7440 3248).
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Arabic beginners made easy: module 3. Please enrol as soon as possible as places cannot be guaranteed.
