Are you considering learning Arabic? We recommend colloquial Arabic, the popular language spoken by many local communities. Arab Academy can help you learn how to speak and write Arabic with online tools and classrooms in Cairo, Egypt. More than 100 leading schools and universities trust our courses, and we have taught the Arabic language since 1996. There are two main forms of Arabic: MSA and colloquial.
Colloquial Arabic Vs. MSA
Native Arabic speakers around the world use colloquial Arabic in their everyday lives. Colloquial Arabic is subject to regional variations and is affected by geographical location. In countries like Egypt, you’ll find different dialects everywhere you go. Arabic speakers from other regions communicate in their local dialects, but many areas are exposed to different variations. Egyptian colloquial Arabic is comprehensible for most Arabic speakers worldwide.
At Arab Academy, we offer courses on Egyptian colloquial Arabic because it provides an easy way to communicate with native speakers. Egyptian colloquial Arabic is the mainstream dialect used in movies, films, documentaries, and popular TV programs. Many speakers throughout the Arabic community are exposed to the dialect.
MSA (Modern Standard Arabic) is the uniform Arabic language in most Arabic-speaking countries. The language directly results from modern Arabic and refers to the standardized version. MSA is the type of Arabic you’ll find in Arabic language schools, universities, audiovisuals, written media, and formal contexts. The language is used in writing, speeches, and radio broadcasts. Although the style is different, MSA retains the same morphology and syntax.
At Arab Academy, we teach both colloquial Arabic and MSA. We recommend learning the modern standard Arabic if you have no background or previous knowledge of Arabic. MSA can help you study different colloquial Arabic. Once you know MSA, you’ll be able to communicate in Arabic-speaking countries effectively.
Which Colloquial Arabic Should I Learn?
Learning the modern standard Arabic is beneficial if you plan to work in Arabic-speaking countries. For effective communication with the locals, you should practice colloquial Arabic too. Many Arabic speakers don’t speak the formal version in day-to-day interactions. Colloquial Arabic varies from country to country, and you might find different dialects within the same country. We recommend learning the most popularly spoken colloquial dialect, Egyptian.
The Arabic dialects are widespread throughout the Arab world. Many Arabic speakers have no problem comprehending the Egyptian colloquial dialects because they’re used far beyond Egypt. To fully experience the language and culture, you will need to understand the colloquial dialects.
The Egyptian colloquial dialect is one of many Arabic dialects used throughout the Arab world. Other popular colloquial languages include Gulf, Hessaniya, Hejazi, Iraqi, Levantine, Nandi, North African, and Yemeni. You’ll also find variations between counties, so Morrocan Arabic will sound different from Lebanese Arabic, which draws from French. Some dialects differ significantly from MSA and classic Arabic because of multiculturalism and neighboring countries.
Why Should I Learn Colloquial Arabic?
Modern Standard Arabic is the ideal standard if you’re interested in becoming proficient in Arabic. MSA is used in formal academic, diplomatic, and media settings. The locals speak colloquial dialects. If you plan to immerse yourself in the communities in Arabic-speaking countries, you need to learn the colloquial dialects. Here are two reasons why you should learn colloquial Arabic:
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Communicate Effectively
Learning colloquial Arabic allows you to communicate more effectively with the locals. Even if you know the modern standard Arabic, you’ll be communicating with residents who speak colloquial dialects. Colloquial Arabic can make it easier to understand the local population if you plan to work or live in Arabic-speaking countries.
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Assimilating Into New Cultures
Learning colloquial Arabic allows you to stay current in your spoken ability. You can communicate fluently with people without dealing with confusion. Colloquial Arabic helps you understand the culture better as local literature, music, and everyday conversations use colloquial dialects. MSA is mostly spoken or used in formal settings.
Where to Learn Colloquial Arabic Language
Arabic is among the most spoken languages, and you can learn it online or in person. When learning colloquial Arabic, we recommend dialects closer to MSA and classic Arabic. Learning in countries at the heart of the Arabic world gives you the best chance of mastering colloquial dialects. You should consider taking MSA classes along with colloquial Arabic because the standard version is comprehensible by native speakers in many countries.
At Arab Academy, we offer different courses for MSA, classical and colloquial Egyptian Arabic. We’ll take you on an exciting journey as you learn to speak Arabic. You can enroll in our online classes and leverage our rich resources to fast-track your learning process. We have classrooms at our headquarters in Cairo, Egypt, so you can attend Arabic classes while immersing in the local communities. Contact us today at Arab Academy to get started learning colloquial Arabic through our programs.
