Discover the Best Arabic Classes Near Me
The Arabic language is a part of the family of Semitic languages that also includes Hebrew and Aramaic. Early versions of the language date back to the 8th century BCE but it has been refined and evolved over several centuries.
Today, there are over 360 million speakers of various Arabic dialects and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the sixth most spoken language in the world. While common across the globe, Arabic is vastly different from English, presenting challenges for those who wish to learn. It has an entirely different alphabet made up of 28 consonants and three vowels. Often referred to as an “impure abjad,” it is also written and read right to left, creating another hurdle for those who speak English or other romantic languages.
A language designed to be written, Arabic is deeply rooted in calligraphy, and is therefore equal parts language and art. Arabic is ancient, steeped in rich history, and a language designed to withstand the tests of time.
Why You Should Learn Arabic
There are endless reasons to learn Arabic. Learning a foreign language has been proven to improve brain function, memory, mental flexibility and creativity, and can even help ward off dementia. Challenging your brain by earning Arabic can help you learn other things more efficiently, too, as your brain has been conditioned to handle challenges better.
The official language of 22 countries, learning Arabic can be a great way to connect with other cultures and make new friends. You could join an Arabic language conversational group in your area or become a volunteer at local refugee support organizations to practice your vocabulary while helping others. You could also join a neighborhood ESL program and help new Arabic residents practice their English in exchange for tips and tricks on their native language.
Learning a foreign language helps eliminate barriers when you travel, allowing you to interact with locals, ask them questions, and understand their culture better. Being able to speak such a popular language also creates an additional layer of safety when you travel, as you’ll be able to navigate public transit, read street signs, and ask for help when needed.
Becoming fluent in Arabic could even lead to new career opportunities. You could become a translator and work at hospitals, schools, or with your local social services. Being multilingual is highly desirable in today’s job market and knowing Arabic could open up doors in government, foreign relations, or academic areas. Learning Arabic would also allow you to support refugee and immigrant populations as a case coordinator or program manager.
5 Ways to Learn Arabic
There are many ways to learn Arabic in today’s modern and interconnected world. Travel and exploration have never been more accessible and more people than ever before are working and living as expats. This global culture has created a high demand for various ways to study and practice foreign languages. Below is a list of the five most common ways to learn Arabic and what makes them great:
- In-person classes are often considered the fastest and best way to study a new language. These classes provide a traditional setting and the beneficial structure that comes with it. Students also benefit from having face-to-face interaction with both an expert instructor and other students, allowing them to practice their conversational, written, and vocabulary skills.
- Live online classes offer several of the same benefits of in-person (interactions with both an instructor and students with a traditional approach) but with the added bonus of learning from wherever you choose. Gone are the days of sitting in traffic or paying for parking. Your virtual Arabic class can be done from your living room, the library, or a coffee house.
- On-demand virtual classes are similar to live online classes with one main difference: the class is pre-recorded. This means you can stop and start when you please, taking extra time to master tricky verb conjugations or tenses. You won’t be able to ask questions and receive feedback as timely as you would in a live online or in-person class, but on-demand virtual classes offer the most flexibility for students.
- Are you a fan of YouTube? Video tutorials can be a great way to begin to explore a foreign language. These can be self-paced and are often free, making them extremely appealing to beginners.
- Language learning apps are the newest development in the study of foreign languages. Learners will be prompted at various points throughout the day to participate in vocabulary challenges, complete sentences, or learn more about the written form. Typically, these apps offer a free version with the opportunity to pay for a higher level of learning.
While all five of these options can be great places to get started, it’s important to remember that if you’re looking for an in-depth study designed to lead to quicker mastery, then you’ll want to take an in-person Arabic class.
In-Person Arabic Classes
ABC Languages offers private Arabic classes in New York City that can be either one-on-one or comprised of a group of friends, family, or colleagues. Their team of language experts will match you with a professional instructor who will craft a curriculum specific to your needs and goals. In-person lessons are located in Manhattan, but students can also attend online if they choose.
Introduction to Arabic for Business and Commerce is hosted by New York City College of Technology in downtown Brooklyn. Designed for students with no previous knowledge, this class utilizes audio and visual tools to quickly teach you to speak, understand, read, and write Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). You’ll practice your conversation skills through skits and discussions and participate in grammar exercises to help you master Arabic in record time.
The Discovery Center in Chicago is also a great place to study Arabic. Located in Irving Park, Arabic Language - Beginner explores Arabic cultures while helping you get practical language experience. The class has an emphasis on conversational Arabic, so students will have ample opportunities to engage in discussions with each other.
The Boston Language Institute in Fenway hosts Arabic Language and Culture Level 1 that focuses on conversational proficiency as the main goal. By studying the phonology and fundamentals of Arabic syntax, students will learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet and simple texts. By the end of the course, students will be able to greet others, possess mastery of at least 100 vocabulary words, and be more familiar with cultural issues and differences.
You can also progress onto Arabic Language and Culture Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5. Students who complete all five levels will be able to read and understand multi-paragraph texts and converse with confidence.
Arabic 1 at the Washington Academy of Languages in Seattle is a great option for beginners. This class will introduce the Arabic writing system and basic grammar so that students can have a strong foundation for developing their conversational skills. There is a required textbook for this course that students will want to purchase in advance.
There are several in-person class options if you’re located in Houston. Beginning Arabic: Level 1 teaches practical vocabulary and the basic language patterns of spoken Arabic. Students will also get an introduction to reading and writing, as well. Beginning Arabic: Level II and Beginning Arabic: Level III will continue to build upon these foundational skills and help prepare students to move on to intermediate classes. All of these courses are held at the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University in the Museum District.
Located in the greater D.C. area? Adult and Community Education offers an introduction to Arabic course that’s ideal for those with no prior exposure to Arabic. Students will learn the basics like the alphabet, colors, days of the week, greetings, and genders. Establishing these basics allows you to then begin exploring connecting thoughts and forming sentences.
Right in the heart of downtown Washington D.C. the Middle East Institute offers a variety of Arabic language courses for all levels. Offerings include 131 Levantine Arabic Level I, 121 Egyptian Arabic Level I, and 501 Intermediate Arabic Media, providing an expansive education in various dialects and applications of the language.
Virtual Arabic Classes
While in-person classes are the best choice for fast and thorough learning, online classes create opportunities for those who live in areas lacking options. Remote learning also keeps you in the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose), eliminating the need to deal with commuting or parking.
Fluent City offers an introductory course called Arabic - Level 1. This class will cover all the basics like the alphabet, pronunciation, and both formal and informal language. By the end of the class, students will have basic conversational skills to introduce themselves to others, ask for directions, and engage in simple discussions.
ABC Languages offers a full range of courses in Arabic, from beginner to advanced. Arabic - Total Beginner is a six-week course that will teach students conversational Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in 90-minute sessions. Textbooks are not included but students will be provided with intro material for the class and can purchase the book after starting the class.
Arabic Beginner 2 at ABC Languages is ideal for students who are still mastering the alphabet, sounds, and script of the language. You’ll expand upon your knowledge gained from your previous course and develop your conversational skills further.
Looking to dip your toes into Arabic before fully committing? All About Arabic: An Intro Workshop is your chance to do just that. This 90-minute class is taught by native speakers and teaches students a bit about greetings, Arabic script, and pronunciation. It’s a great way to find out if Arabic is for you without signing on for a multi-week course.
Private Group Arabic Classes
CourseHorse also offers Arabic classes for private groups. Get your team together for a one-of-a-kind event where you can all learn Arabic together! Planning a private group class has never been easier. Schedule your event with zero booking fees and you’ll receive confirmation within 24 hours. Need to change your group size after booking? CourseHorse can handle that. In most cases, you can adjust your group size or class details if given at least 72-hours notice. Plus, there are multiple supported platforms, so your virtual class can be held over Zoom or whatever platform works best for you!
While there aren’t currently any private Arabic group classes available, they can still be provided! If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach out through the contact form on their site. You can also reach out to discuss other options like coordinating a venue space for your event or having your workshop brought directly to your office or home.
What Will I Need to Learn Arabic?
One great thing about learning Arabic is that there are very few materials required! You will want to invest in a quality textbook that covers the basics like learning the Arabic alphabet, basic greetings, and how to conjugate, identify nouns and verbs, and the different vocal sounds that the language uses.
Workbooks are also a helpful tool for practicing grammar, sentence structure, and writing the Arabic script. You’ll want plenty of opportunities to practice since the language is so vastly different from English.
Audio lessons and a good pair of headphones or earphones are beneficial as well. Hearing the pronunciation will be key to speaking the language well and the easiest way to do so is by listening to native speakers.
While there aren’t many supplies needed, each student should possess a passion for the language, determination, and an openness to exploring a new culture.
Is it Difficult to Learn Arabic?
Arabic and English are two very different languages, making the study of Arabic a substantial challenge for English speakers. The two languages use entirely different alphabets, with the Arabic alphabet containing only three vowels to English’s six. Arabic is also written and read from right to left, which can take some time to adjust to, and contains no distinction between upper and lower case letters. Additionally, the rules of pronunciation differ drastically from English.
The combination of all these factors may seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that learning a new language is both accessible and fun! Determination and an open mind will help guide you along your Arabic-learning journey, opening an entire new world consisting of varying cultures, practices, and ways of life.
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