Learning a new language is exciting, but it also takes a lot of work. Some languages are easier to learn than others.
There are many ways to learn a new language, but it can be hard to know where to start.
Whenever you learn something new, whether it be a skill or a foreign language, it is recommended to start with the basics.
Many students learning a new language make the mistake of trying to learn too much too fast. The most effective way to learn a language is to start with the basics, then to build up from those.
It can seem discouraging, humbling and frustrating, but once you learn the basics, the rest will come easier and faster.
What Are the Basics and Why Do They Matter?
In learning a new language, the basics include slowly becoming proficient in common phrases such as greetings, saying “goodbye,” “thank you,” “please,” “how are you?,” “my name is…,” “how do I…,” “where is…” and so on.
Learning the basic, most common phrases first will help making more complicated phrases and vocabulary words easier.
It is also useful if you’re in a time crunch to learn a language. For instance, if you’re going to a foreign country on a business trip, you should be able to know the basics well enough to get you by. While you’re in that country, you can get more practice with hearing additional words and phrases.
This is true for learning the Arabic language.
What to Keep in Mind When Studying Arabic
The Arabic language can be difficult to learn because there are different dialects as well as an informal and formal type of Arabic.
When learning Arabic, you must first decide if you’ll be studying Quranic or Modern Standard Arabic.
Chances are you’ll be studying Modern Standard Arabic. This type of Arabic is what you’ll find spoken in everyday conversations. It is also the type that is used in the media such as newspapers and on television.
Quranic Arabic is only used when reading and reciting the Quran as well as in other Muslim religious practices. In the past, this kind of Arabic was also prevalent in literature.
After knowing which form of Arabic you’ll be studying, it is helpful to then begin learning basic phrases and words.
Another thing to consider is what region of the Middle East you’re travelling to. Most Arabic speaking countries have slightly different dialects and some even have multiple dialects within the same country.
At Arab Academy, we offer courses in both Modern Standard Arabic and Quranic Arabic at all levels from beginner to advanced. We also offer courses in Egyptian colloquial Arabic which is widely understood throughout the Arab World. Our instructors are proficient in Arabic and offer routine support.
For working individuals, we offer online courses where you can study whenever and wherever is most convenient for you and you can go at your own pace.
Start learning the basics of Arabic and sign up for Arabic courses today!
