6/1/2018 A Guide for Learning Arabic Quickly | Superprof

Tips to Learn Arabic Fast

By Jon, published on 20/02/2018

Blog > Languages > Arabic > A Guide for Learning Arabic Quickly

Contents

How to Learn Arabic: The Basics

Develop Your Knowledge of the Arabic Language

Maintain your Linguistic Proficiency

Travel to an Arab Country to Learn Arabic Faster!

Don’t Want to Go Abroad? Opt for an Intensive Arabic Language Course

Tricks to Learn Arabic Quicker

So How Long Does It Take to Learn Arabic?

Arabic is one of the most important languages in the world today.

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Indeed, nearly 300 million Arabic speakers practice it everyday in a region

that spreads across various countries and continents around the globe.

Arabic is one of the 10 most widely spoken languages in the world.

Naturally you want to learn Arabic in the fastest way possible, right?

Superprof wants to help you succeed in this daring goal. Before you start,
you should know the Arabic language is very different from English, both in
its form and structure.

The Arabic alphabet is completely different to the one used in the main
European languages of French, German, Spanish and Portuguese. This
makes the Arabic script unlike anything native English speakers will be used
to.

What’s more, Arabic differs between different countries in the Middle East
and North Africa.

Each country has it’s own specific dialect which means that some of the
Arabic words, phrases and expressions used will be different depending on
which country you are in.

To make this even more complicated, there are two different forms for
written Arabic. One is called Modern Standard Arabic, and the other,
Classical Arabic.

Luckily the difference between these last two is very small and most Arabic
speakers use them almost interchangeably.

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How to Learn Arabic: The Basics

As we have just mentioned, written Arabic differs from spoken Arabic. You
must therefore be careful not to confuse the two.

Modern Standard Arabic is used widely in the media, press and most books.
Basically any product that has an international audience. Classical Arabic is
that which is used in the Islamic Holy book, the Quran.

Wanting to master all aspects of the Arabic language is synonymous with a

very long process and a lot of work that will surely take years and many
Arabic courses.

By focusing on a goal like learning modern literal Arabic, you can have
success on your side and not waste too much of your motivation.

Buying a Good Language Book

You can’t just choose any edition. It’s better to buy a trusted edition in order
to learn Arabic.

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This language is different from French, English, Spanish or German, and it is

therefore essential to have a grammar book with you at all times when
learning Arabic, especially if you are a beginner.

Here are some recommended books:

Let’s Talk Arabic: Second edition (Arabic Edition)

Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds [With DVD]
Arabic for Nerds: 270 Questions on Arabic Grammar
Arabic for Dummies: a Beginner’s guide to Arabic

Opting for Online Resources

The internet is a great breeding ground for powerful tools when it comes to
learning the Arabic language.

Certain online programs and guides can help you in your learning adventure.

Here are some free tools to help you learn Arabic that you can count on:

Arabic Speak 7: This is an online language training program

created to help with Arabic grammar.
You will find lists of verbs, pronouns, words, and other useful
sentences with clear and simple instructions on how to
memorize them.
Salaam Arabic: This is a very well designed site offering various
free guides for learning Arabic.
Each lesson is divided into categories, namely, days, numbers,
religion, polite formulas, subjects, pronouns, and so forth…
There are also seven grammar sections for beginners and
intermediate students.

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Online Arabic lessons can be a useful way to learn

Madinah Arabic: Another website offering free online Arabic

courses.
This site focuses more on numbers, common vocabulary, and
real situations.
The most advanced users will be able to take part in discussion
forums.

Basic Vocabulary Knowledge

To learn Arabic quickly, you have to first learn basic daily words that could
help with conversation and understanding.

Familiarize yourself with some basic Arabic words like “marhaban” for hello,
“ma’a ssalamah” for goodbye, “aahlan wa sahlan bika” for welcome, “kabeer”
for big, “sagheer” for small, “Alyawn” for today, “akala” for eating, or “dahaba”
to go.

Apps such as Duolingo are great for learning Arabic vocabulary on the go on
your smartphone.

Learning the Arabic Alphabet

It’s one of the bases for learning Arabic quickly and efficiently.

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It’s impossible to speak the Arabic language without knowing its origin.

The letters of the Arabic alphabet and written texts are read from right to
left.

Learn one of many unique Arabic dialects

Some sounds are found in Arabic and not the English language, and vice-
versa.

Use websites like Salaam Arabic to memorize the singular alphabet. They
have audio pronunciation guides to help you step by step in the
pronunciation of each letter.

Note that the vowels are not written in Arabic but are represented by
symbols called “fathas.”

Create Vocabulary Sheets

The best way to learn a foreign language–and especially Arabic, which is

deemed difficult–is to memorize Arabic vocabulary.

An effective way to do this is to write thematic lists of vocabulary words on

worksheets or flashcards.

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Begin by writing the word in Arabic on the front, with its translation on the
back in order to memorize it.

The advantage is that these cards don’t take up much space. You can take
them with you anywhere and test yourself as soon as you have a free
moment.

Then, with time, you will group together the words you learn by meaning,
theme,  genre, and nature.

Unlike the English language, Arabic uses roots that often indicate the
meaning of the word, which will allow you to anticipate the Arabic word’s
meaning.

Time to discover Arabic educational games and other fun ways to learn
Arabic…

Develop Your Knowledge of the Arabic

Language
To quickly improve your knowledge during Arabic language learning, pay
attention to the 4 pillars that will help you whatever your level is:

Take Arabic courses: if possible, try to take university courses

because these courses are at a high very quality and demand
more than other classes. You will most likely have to pass tests
to assess your knowledge and determine your level. Or you can
take tutoring classes with a private tutor who will travel to your
home to teach you the basics of Arabic. Again, this professional
will evaluate your level and adapt his or her course and
language program according to your strengths and
shortcomings, making courses more personal which enhances
quick progress.

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What is the best way to learn how to speak Arabic for you?

Read texts in Arabic: The best way to learn Arabic is to read in

the original language. The more you read in the new language,
the more your brain will get accustomed to the sounds and
turns of phrases. It will start to know how the words work with
one another. Why not try to read a version of the Quran? You
can also find English or bilingual versions.
Listen to the Arabic language: It’s important to immerse
yourself in Arab culture and to hear Arabic native speakers in
order to learn the language and boost your beginner level.
Don’t hesitate to listen to online radios in Arabic or watch TV in
Arabic, such as Al Jazeera for example.
If you have DVDs, you can opt to watch your favorite movie in
Arabic or have Arabic subtitles switched on. This will help you
better understand conversations and what is being said.
Regularly consult a dictionary: to improve your written and oral
comprehension, an English-Arabic dictionary will be of great
help to remember words. The more vocabulary you learn, the
more you will be able to master the language.

Maintain your Linguistic Proficiency

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When learning any language, immersion is essential. The more you are
exposed to a language, you more you absorb, both consciously and
unconsciously.

Through immersing yourself in Arabic you will learn new words and
vocabulary, as as well as the context and grammar within which they are
used.

So make sure you open yourself up to as much cultural, religious and

educational information as you possibly can!

Speak Arabic

It is not only important to memorize Arabic vocabulary, but to read Arabic

texts as well. You have to hear yourself speak it, and keep practising
pronunciation.

Immerse yourself in the culture with native speakers. This can be at a coffee
shop, a bar, a library, or even when you have a direct conversation with
shopkeepers when abroad.

Join a Discussion Forum

The internet is full of forums and places to discuss the Arabic language. It is
also a great opportunity to discover associations or workshops offering
Arabic student meet-ups around you.

Visit a Cultural Center

In most major cities, there is at least one Arabic cultural center.

Don’t hesitate to venture there in order to discover the new language or

deepen your knowledge of Arabic.

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Open your eyes to the fascinating world of Arabic culture

As you can see, there is not just one single method, but several different
ways to learn Arabic quickly.

There’s no age to learn Arabic. Although adults will have less of an

advantage, teaching young children Arabic is effective because of their sense
of observation and adaptation to new linguistic contexts are not as strong as
those aged 0-9. But don’t let that discourage you!

Learning Arabic alone is certainly not an easy task: the specificities of this
language require the presence of an Arabic tutor, or at least someone who
knows and speaks the language perfectly.

Learning it on your own may cause you to pick up bad habits with regards to
grammatical structures or pronunciation.

Travel to an Arab Country to Learn Arabic

Faster!
Do you dream of learning the Arabic language as quickly as possible?

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Immersion will put you in the best conditions to progress quickly, whatever
your level.

Learning Arabic Abroad: The Quickest Method?

Are you hesitating on traveling to an Arabic speaking country to learn literal

Arabic (or classical Arabic or an Arabic dialect)?

You shouldn’t do, especially if your wish is to progress quickly!

If you want to learn Arabic in record time, the quickest path to success is to
speak Arabic to native speakers. “Arabic for Dummies” is fine to start. But at
some point, students will have to confront the reality of language!

When we move to a country for a few weeks or months, we begin to learn

the rhythm of the language. This brings about multiple benefits. By staying in
an Arabic speaking country (Morocco, Tunisia, Qatar, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon
…), you will naturally:

Make the effort to speak the language on a daily basis,

Set aside your mother tongue,
Improve your pronunciation to make yourself understood,
Get used to specific sounds,
Be exposed to natives, and learn to speak like them,
Discover more than just a language, but a whole culture,
Adapt to the Arab world’s lifestyle,
Learn colloquial vocabulary and expressions

Where Can You Learn Arabic?

The Arabic language is spoken in a large number of countries. It is the 5th

most spoken language in the world, with almost 300 million speakers, and is
an official language in 26 countries.

So you have a wide choice of countries where you could learn the language
through immersion: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Algeria, United Arab
Emirates, Turkey, Comoros, Mauritania…

Now you just have to make a choice. To make this choice, consider the
following:

Your personal goals,

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Your budget,
The host structures of the country,
Opportunities for on-site courses,
The administrative formalities,
Cultural differences

Discover a whole new world by going to an Arabic speaking country

Going to Morocco, for example, is quite affordable, and for several

reasons…

When you travel to a new country in order to learn the language, one of the
main objectives is to have a great trip, rich with new experiences. In
Morocco:

Rates remain affordable,

The country has a rich heritage (medinas, mosques, fortified
towns, palaces, museums…)
You will discover sumptuous landscapes, whether it be the sea,
the desert or the Atlas mountains,
You can take Arabic courses whilst experiencing the diverse
culture,
You will discover the culture, gastronomy, and traditions,
…

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If you are a beginner, equip yourself accordingly before your trip: a

dictionary, mobile applications, and some conversation guides to start with…
Take all the materials that will be useful to you to speak Arabic in your daily
life, and don’t forget a good tourist guide in order to really enjoy your stay
and discover the country.

What Not to Do When Learning a Language Abroad

You’re traveling in order to learn a language, so with this perspective in

mind, you need to have everything in your corner in order to reach your
goal. Not only will you progress faster, but you will also enjoy a more
authentic stay off the beaten track.

For this, you must absolutely avoid:

Tourists: Your goal is to meet the locals, not to tour with other
English-speaker and spend your time speaking your own
language,
Hotels: privileged accommodations that will ensure you are
living a lifestyle closer to your country than that of your host
country (which you could discover best through homestays,
couch surfing …),
Speaking English: always make an effort to speak Arabic on a
daily basis. Do not try to find out whether your interlocutor
speaks English or any other language you already know.

Don’t Want to Go Abroad? Opt for an

Intensive Arabic Language Course
If you can’t go abroad to familiarize yourself with the Arabic language, you
can opt for intensive learning. Even if you stay at home, it’s possible to adjust
your daily life in order to bathe as much as possible in the Arabic-speaking
world.

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Group intensives will allow for faster learning!

Intensive Arabic Learning Groups

Do you have an Arabic language private tutor?

Are you in an Arabic group class?

With both methods, you can increase the pace of the lessons in order to
progress faster. By repeating new Arabic words daily, you will start to
memorize them. By learning Arabic phrases that you often use, you will start
to pronounce them more and more easily.

By avoiding spacing out your Arabic courses, you will automatically make
faster progress. Two of the secrets in learning languages are repetition and
regularity. This mode of learning will allow you to have the following daily
practice:

Learning new vocabulary,

Quickly bettering oral fluency,
Developing automations,
Overcoming your apprehensions,
Avoiding demotivation,
…

The use of an Arabic language private tutor or a language school is essential

to develop intensive practice. By being supported and encouraged, you will
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more easily overcome the difficulties of taking new steps in learning the
Arabic language and save a whole lot of time!

Allow Arabic into your Daily Life

There are some solutions to complement your daily immersion if you are not
able to travel abroad.

Fill all aspects of your life with Arabic:

Listen to Arabic TV, or Arabic radio stations,

Spend time on Youtube watching videos that complete your
Arabic lessons,
Read in Arabic to familiarize yourself with new words and
improve your writing skills,
Listen and repeat Arabic vocabulary, train yourself to speak,
even if it is alone in front of your mirror. And to track your
progress; don’t hesitate to record yourself,
Immerse yourself in Arabic culture: cooking, museums,
literature, music…All these domains will bring you further into
your journey in order to speak Arabic better,
If you have friends who speak Arabic, have fun practicing with
them. They will help you to perfect your language skills.

If you want to learn a language quickly, you have to be passionate not only
about the linguistics, but the whole new world opening itself up to you!

Tricks to Learn Arabic Quicker

Are you a beginner?
Do you need a method in order to learn the Arabic language ASAP?

Arabic for Dummies is not a miracle solution. You shouldn’t delude

yourself: correct Arabic pronunciation requires time and practice. However,
some logical tips will help you to approach learning a new language in a
positive way.

One of the keys to success is seeing the glass as being half full. Do not focus
only on what you have left to learn, but look at everything you’ve already
learned.

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One foot in front of the other and you’ll get there eventually. Never give up on your Arabic language

learning!

So How Long Does It Take to Learn Arabic?

Everyone learns languages at different rates. Some people will pick up the
Arabic alphabet quicker than others, which others will excel in learning
Arabic words and phrases.

It is therefore difficult to say how long it takes to learn Arabic, due to the
differences in skills, the ability to learn and the motivation of each person.
However, the U.S Foreign Service Institute suggests it takes about 2,200
hours to learn Arabic.

What is for sure, you want to learn Arabic as quickly as possible.

So to finish up this article, here are some bonus tips for learning Arabic
quickly:

Be motivated and above all, stay motivated! In preparation for

learning Arabic, we always have good resolutions. But to
achieve our goals, it’s important to be constant and not lose
our initial motivation. Find goals that will move you forward
and keep you challenged.

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Do not try to learn everything at once: if your goal is to fend for

yourself during a trip for example, concentrate on phonetics to
learn Arabic daily life vocabulary and phrases…the things you’ll
need! Then, you can improve your language level by learning to
write and read Arabic: start by learning the 28 letters of the
Arabic alphabet and the 3 variants of each letter!
Learn 500 words of vocabulary: once this is over, everything is
possible. You will immediately feel like you can finish your
learning, and improve your grammar and conjugation…
Listen, listen and listen again: learning a new language means
familiarizing yourself with new sounds and a different
pronunciation…Listen, repeat, listen again, until you are
comfortable with the pronunciation of a new Arabic sentence.

Once you have acquired the basics, you will enjoy deepening your
knowledge at your own pace. The beginning is always pleasant, but when
you give yourself the means to progress and discover the secrets of the
Arabic alphabet, Arabic writing, Arabic reading, and learning the Quran’s
Arabic, you will feel a real sense of accomplishment.

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arabic?

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