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Arabic holds a special place for me; it was the first foreign language I pursued to fluency.
My journey began nearly 17 years ago, as I was embarking on my college years. It was a three-year immersion before I reached a comfortable stage in communicating and truly understanding native speakers – a feat I consider the most challenging aspect of language acquisition.
Over the past decade, numerous trips to the Middle East for immersive experiences have enriched my life with incredible moments, including a near-marriage proposal from an Egyptian woman who spoke only Arabic!
Reflecting on years of language learning and conducting Masters research in language acquisition, I can now pinpoint critical adjustments to my initial Arabic learning approach. These changes, had I implemented them earlier, would have significantly accelerated and enhanced my learning process.
Yes, it took me roughly three years to achieve fluency in spoken Arabic and comprehension.
That’s a considerable duration, despite my unwavering commitment.
Armed with the insights and experience I’ve gained over the past 13 years, I’m confident I could have achieved far superior results.
Here’s what I would do differently if I could start my Arabic learning journey again (and what you should consider if you’re just beginning):
1. Commit to a Specific Arabic Dialect From the Outset
If you’re considering learning Arabic but are new to the language, understanding its diversity is crucial.
Arabic is spoken across a vast region from West Africa to Asia, and the spoken language varies dramatically. Each region has its own unique dialect, with different vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, sometimes sounding like entirely separate languages, all under the umbrella of “Arabic.”
Therefore, before you begin, identify which part of the Arab world intrigues you most. Then, make a conscious decision to concentrate on that specific Arabic dialect, at least initially.
Dividing your focus across multiple dialects early on will hinder your progress (a principle that applies to learning multiple languages concurrently).
Initially, I dabbled in Levantine (Palestinian), Iraqi Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) for reading formal texts.
Eventually, I shifted my focus to Egyptian Arabic, dedicating the next decade to mastering it and immersing myself in Egyptian culture. However, choosing Egyptian Arabic from the start would have streamlined my efforts and accelerated my learning.
While my exposure to Levantine, Iraqi, and MSA wasn’t entirely without benefit to my Egyptian Arabic, a singular focus on one dialect from the beginning would have been more efficient.
Our platform, TalkInArabic.com, currently features 8 spoken Arabic dialects.
We also recommend this resource specifically for Egyptian Arabic learners.
2. Avoid Starting With Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
Or learning MSA simultaneously with a spoken dialect if your primary goal is conversational fluency.
While choosing a specific Arabic variety is key, if your aim is to speak Arabic, then sideline Modern Standard Arabic and concentrate on a dialect used in everyday conversation.
Modern Standard Arabic is not a native language spoken by anyone; it’s a formal, literary language. Its grammar is more complex than spoken dialects, and crucially, it won’t enable you to understand most people you encounter in the Arab world outside of formal media.
Save yourself potential frustration. I strongly advise reading this article detailing why learning MSA first is often counterproductive for spoken fluency.
Early in my journey, I mistakenly invested significant time in MSA, leading to constant conflicts and frustrations with my Egyptian Arabic studies.
While my MSA background eventually proved useful, particularly in translation work later in my career, focusing solely on a spoken dialect would have been a more effective initial strategy for conversational proficiency.
3. Learn the Arabic Alphabet Immediately, Ditch Arabizi/Franco-Arabic
Don’t let the Arabic alphabet intimidate you! It’s essential for truly learning Arabic.
Arabic script is an abjad, primarily composed of consonants, lacking explicit vowel markings.
For example, “computer” in Arabic script appears as km**b*ywtr.
The challenge arises when encountering unfamiliar words in this form. Without vowel cues, pronunciation becomes guesswork unless you’ve heard the word before.
This characteristic often pushes learners towards transliteration systems like Arabizi or Franco-Arabic, avoiding the script altogether.
This is a mistake.
Yes, initially, reading Arabic script can be confusing. However, with quality learning materials that include audio and ideally, access to native speakers (easily accessible nowadays online or in person), you will quickly adapt.
Consider this example:
Research shows that when reading, we don’t meticulously process every letter. We recognize word shapes, often only needing the first and last letters to identify a word correctly, even if the middle letters are scrambled.
Similarly, with Arabic words, once you become familiar with them, you’ll recognize the image of the word, associating it with sound and meaning, without consciously spelling it out.
For example, upon seeing كتاب (kitāb), I instantly recognize it as “book” without decoding each letter. I’ve linked the visual form of the word to its pronunciation and definition.
Relying on Arabizi/Franco-Arabic hinders this crucial development. It’s a shortcut that creates significant long-term obstacles.
Furthermore, the vast majority of high-quality Arabic learning resources utilize the Arabic alphabet.
Avoiding the script means missing out on valuable learning materials.
Early on, I made the mistake of trying to write Arabic using English letters. This created unnecessary hurdles later on.
The Arabic alphabet is straightforward to learn, as I’ve explained here, so invest the time upfront.
Alt text: Arabic alphabet learning page displaying consonant characters with example words, aiding beginners in script recognition and pronunciation.
4. Embrace Arab Culture and Assimilation from Day One
This point is paramount.
“To the Jews I became a Jew, to the Greeks I became a Greek.”
This ancient wisdom guides my approach to language learning and cultural immersion as I travel the world.
Assimilators are superior language learners.
They develop deeper cultural understanding and appreciation.
Crucially, they earn the respect and trust of local communities.
This principle has always been central to my Arabic learning journey, and I’d emphasize it even more if starting over.
“To the Arabs I became an Arab.”
There’s a profound difference between merely learning Arabic and becoming Arab-minded.
While literal assimilation is impossible, adopting this mindset is a powerful driver for language learning success.
I’ve applied this assimilation principle in every country where I’ve lived and learned the local language, consistently earning respect and fostering deeper connections with local people.
A key differentiator of my approach, reflected in this blog, is a holistic view of language learning, emphasizing complete assimilation into the target culture.
For me, language and cultural immersion are inseparable.
True language fluency, in my view, is intertwined with cultural fluency.
I often encounter learners who say, “I want to learn Arabic, but I’m not really interested in Arab culture.”
My response is blunt: “Forget it. You’ve already set yourself up for failure.”
Without genuine respect and appreciation for the culture and its people, your language learning efforts will be significantly hampered. To truly excel in any language, strive to assimilate.
5. Immerse Yourself in Your Target Dialect Through Listening
Become a silent observer in Arabic-speaking environments whenever possible.
This is crucial for accelerating your Arabic learning.
If you live in or near a major city in a Western country, you likely have access to Arab community events and groups.
Early in my Arabic learning journey, I attended every event I could find – Arabic-speaking church services, Islamic gatherings, cultural festivals, refugee support centers. Anywhere I suspected Arabic speakers might be present, I was there.
Starting over, I’d be even more proactive in seeking out opportunities for immersion. If physical presence wasn’t feasible, I’d ensure Arabic media played in my home daily to attune my ear to the sounds of the language, and engage in daily Skype conversations with Arabic speakers.
Alt text: Lively Arab market scene, depicting people engaged in conversation, representing immersive language learning environments.
6. Seek Communicative Arabic Teachers Focused on Your Dialect
Regrettably, many native Arabic teachers face common challenges:
1) Employing outdated, ineffective teaching methods.
2) Prioritizing Modern Standard Arabic as “real Arabic,” overlooking the value of spoken dialects.
Traditional teaching methods centered on rote grammar drills and tedious memorization are unfortunately widespread.
I’ve experienced my share of ineffective teachers (not just Arabic), and ironically, the least effective were often the most expensive. 
If lessons leave you feeling overwhelmed, bored, or confused, don’t immediately blame yourself.
The teacher might be the problem.
A good rule of thumb: in each lesson, you should be speaking for at least 80% of the time.
If you find yourself primarily listening to explanations without substantial speaking practice, your teacher is likely ineffective and it’s time to seek a replacement.
Harsh, perhaps, but if the teacher dominates the conversation, they’re not truly teaching and should consider a different profession.
Also, ensure your teacher recognizes and values spoken Arabic dialects over Modern Standard Arabic.
Modern Standard/Classical Arabic holds immense prestige in the Arab world, often considered sacred. Consequently, finding teachers who understand and support your focus on a specific spoken dialect can be challenging.
Even with my dialect-focused platform, TalkInArabic.com, explaining the rationale behind learning spoken dialects instead of MSA to some Arab friends has been difficult, as they struggle to see the logic.
7. Start Speaking Arabic Immediately, Grammar Imperfectly
This was a constraint for me when I began learning Arabic.
When I started, platforms like italki, which provide easy access to online language partners, were not readily available. Skyping native speakers for affordable practice was a distant dream!
Despite limited opportunities to speak Arabic back then, I often felt hesitant and shy about making mistakes in front of others. If unsure about grammar or vocabulary, I’d default to English.
Now, when learning a new language, I prioritize speaking as much as possible from the outset, even with glaring grammatical errors.
Mistakes naturally correct themselves over time, but only if you consistently seize every opportunity to practice what you know, however little.
If I were to restart my Arabic journey, even knowing just a few basic words and phrases (like hello in Arabic), I’d actively use them at every chance, striving for perfection through consistent application.
8. Invest in Quality Arabic Learning Resources
When I first began learning Arabic, resources for spoken dialects were scarce.
My initial Arabic textbook, obtained from a local mosque, was frankly terrible – a waste of resources (yet I persevered!).
I still have it, and occasionally look at it and think, “Did I actually attempt to learn from this?”
Fortunately, dialect-specific resources have improved somewhat (though still not abundantly).
For resource recommendations, see my reviews of this resource and this resource.
I’ve also shared my favorite Arabic language books here and here.
And of course, there’s TalkInArabic.com, my platform with spoken Arabic dialect learning materials created with collaborators.
Before investing in any language resource, consult my essential checklist for evaluating its quality.
9. Discard Fear and Prejudice Towards Arabs and the Middle East
Let’s acknowledge: parts of the Middle East and North Africa are currently unstable.
There are serious conflicts and uncertainties in various regions.
However, my extensive travels throughout the Middle East and globally have taught me a fundamental truth:
Most people, regardless of background, share similar fundamental aspirations – family, security, work, home, and everyday needs.
I observed the same in Russia; most people are detached from politics, focused on daily life.
Generalizing the entire Arab world as violent or extreme is naive and inaccurate.
My first Middle East trip, shortly after September 11th, was filled with anxiety.
My mother and I both feared it might be a final farewell. Seriously!
But something did happen.
I fell in love with the region, returning repeatedly. My life was profoundly changed, and I developed a deep affection for the people.
Are you learning Arabic? Share your experiences below!
Also explore:
TalkInArabic.com for spoken Arabic dialect resources.
Rocket for a comprehensive Egyptian Arabic audio course.
For online Skype teachers and affordable conversation practice, I recommend italki.
NEW: For Egyptian Arabic learners, our new book, Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations, is designed for high-beginner to low-intermediate levels, ideal for vocabulary and comprehension building.
Find it on Amazon here.
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