Teenagers bold enough to attempt to learn Arabic are open to the academic challenges presented by the language. Content offered through Arab Academy follows general learning processes to help teens pick up the language. Understanding the stages of this process helps establish realistic expectations for one’s learning.
- Choose a Dialect
Classical Arabic forms the basis for the Modern Standard and colloquial dialects, but it is used primarily in writing instead of everyday speech. This makes the classical dialect a good option for students who only want to learn Arabic to study texts such as the Quran. Modern Standard forms the foundation of all Arabic used around the world today. All Arab regions have their own dialectical differences. These variations may make colloquial the preferred dialect to study for those who wish to converse with native speakers in different regions of the world.
- Learn the Arabic Alphabet
The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters, all of which are consonants. Vowels are indicated with unique diacritical markers. Learning the Arabic alphabet helps teens correctly pronounce letters and construct words. This then leads to a basic understanding of Arabic sentence structure and verb patterns.
- Study Arabic Culture
Share America reports that as of 2022, 26,000 K-12 students in the United States were studying Arabic. This growing interest in Arabic culture can be leveraged to help children and teens attempting to learn the language. Learning the history and customs that formed the language assists in understanding how and why it is spoken today. A greater cultural understanding may also help maintain a teen’s interest in studying their chosen Arabic dialect.
- Read in Arabic
Reading books, magazines, and online articles written in Arabic may increase a teen’s basic understanding of the language’s syntax. It does this by providing a visual representation of the linguistic principles they’re studying. Frequently engaging with Arabic writing also enables students to identify the distinction between how the language is written and how it’s spoken.
- Practice Through Immersion
Teens with a growing understanding of Arabic should attempt to immerse themselves in the language. Watching Arabic movies and TV shows may help students learn when and where to use points of emphasis. The same knowledge may be gained from listening to Arabic music. Labeling household items with their corresponding Arabic names can help teens start subconsciously referring to them in the new language.
- Connect With Native Speakers
Conversing with a native-speaking mentor allows teens to polish their Arabic language skills. Mentoring sessions should place equal emphasis on speaking and listening. Listening to a mentor speak can show the subtle nuances of spoken Arabic. Mentoring sessions provide a comfortable environment for teens to practice speaking the language and receive constructive feedback from a trusted partner. Real-world conversations like these may increase a teen’s comfort level when hearing the language spoken by people they don’t know.
A Proven Way for Teens To Learn Arabic
Practicing patience during the language learning process helps teens remain committed to learning Arabic. Taking time to master each language stage promotes a thorough understanding of Arabic, but learners can customize their courses and timelines according to their own preferences. Arab Academy offers multiple online courses and resources to encourage students to create a unique learning plan. Contact us today for more information about learning Arabic online.
