Want to learn Arabic? You’re in the right place. We’ve created a massive resource for learning spoken Arabic (8 varieties) that is helping thousands of Arabic students around the world at TalkInArabic.com.
Learning Arabic can be an incredibly rewarding journey. It was the first foreign language I learned to fluency, starting almost 17 years ago during my college days. It took me around 3 years to feel truly comfortable communicating and understanding native speakers. Looking back, I realize there were definitely things I could have done differently to learn Arabic faster and more effectively.
Over the years, I’ve immersed myself in the Middle East, had incredible experiences, and even almost married an Egyptian girl who only spoke Arabic! Through these experiences and my Masters research on language acquisition, I’ve gained valuable insights into effective language learning.
If I were to start learning Arabic again today, armed with the knowledge I have now, I would approach it much differently. Luckily, you can benefit from my experience.
Here’s what I would do if I had the chance to start over learning Arabic (and exactly what you should do if you’re just beginning your Arabic learning journey):
1. Choose Your Arabic Dialect and Stick To It
If you’re asking “How Do I Learn Arabic?”, the very first thing you need to understand is that “Arabic” isn’t just one language. Think of it more like a language family.
From the West coast of Africa all the way to Asia, people speak Arabic, but it varies dramatically from region to region. Dialects differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and even grammar. Sometimes, these dialects can sound like entirely different languages, yet they are all called “Arabic.”
Therefore, before you dive into learning Arabic, decide which part of the Arab world interests you most. Commit to focusing on that specific Arabic dialect, at least initially.
Trying to learn multiple dialects at once will spread your efforts too thin and hinder your progress. Just like trying to learn multiple languages simultaneously can be inefficient, dividing your attention between Arabic dialects in the early stages isn’t ideal.
In my early days, I dabbled in Levantine (Palestinian), Iraqi Arabic, and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) for reading. Eventually, I switched to Egyptian Arabic and dedicated the next decade to mastering it. While my exposure to other dialects and MSA wasn’t entirely wasted, focusing solely on Egyptian Arabic from the start would have been a much more efficient use of my time.
While exposure to other dialects and MSA might eventually benefit your chosen dialect, it’s far more effective to concentrate on one dialect from the outset.
Our resource, TalkInArabic.com, offers learning materials in 8 spoken Arabic dialects.
We also recommend this resource if you decide to focus on Egyptian Arabic.
Alt text: Busy street scene in Egypt with vibrant colors, Arabic signage, and people walking, illustrating the immersive environment for learning Egyptian Arabic.
2. Don’t Start with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
If your goal is to learn to speak Arabic, then my strong advice is: forget about Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), especially in the beginning. Focus on a spoken dialect that people actually use in everyday conversation.
Modern Standard Arabic is not anyone’s native language. It’s a formal, literary language primarily used in media, formal settings, and written communication. MSA is grammatically more complex than spoken dialects, and crucially, you’ll struggle to understand everyday conversations when you travel to the Arab world if MSA is your primary focus.
Save yourself potential frustration and read my article here that explains in detail why I advise against learning MSA first when your goal is spoken fluency.
I made the mistake of investing significant time in MSA early on, and it often clashed with what I was learning in Egyptian Arabic, leading to frustration. While my MSA knowledge has been helpful later in my career, particularly in translation, it would have been more beneficial to skip it initially and focus solely on a spoken dialect.
3. Learn the Arabic Alphabet Immediately
If you’re serious about how to learn Arabic, don’t let the Arabic alphabet intimidate you!
Arabic script, known as an abjad, primarily consists of consonants, with vowels often implied or indicated by diacritics.
For example, the English word “computer” in Arabic script (without vowels written) would look something like “kmptr”.
This can seem daunting at first. When you see an unfamiliar word written this way, it can be challenging, or even impossible, to pronounce it correctly without prior exposure or audio guidance. This is a major reason why many beginners avoid the alphabet altogether and rely on transliteration (writing Arabic using English letters).
This is a mistake that will hinder your progress.
Yes, learning the Arabic alphabet will be challenging initially. However, with quality learning materials that include audio and/or access to native speakers (easily available online these days through platforms like italki), you will quickly become comfortable with it.
Consider the Cambridge study that demonstrates how we read English. We don’t actually read every single letter in every word. We recognize word shapes and patterns, often processing words even with jumbled internal letters.
Similarly, as you become accustomed to Arabic words, you won’t need to consciously spell out each letter. You’ll begin to recognize the image of the word and associate it with its sound and meaning.
For example, when I see the Arabic word كتاب (kitab), I instantly recognize it as “book” without having to sound out each individual letter. I’ve associated the visual representation of the word with its pronunciation and meaning.
If you constantly rely on Arabizi or Franco Arabic (using English letters to represent Arabic), you’ll never develop this crucial skill of word image recognition. It’s a shortcut that will significantly impede your progress in the long run.
Furthermore, almost all high-quality Arabic learning resources utilize the Arabic alphabet. By avoiding it, you’re cutting yourself off from a wealth of excellent learning materials.
Early on, I made the mistake of trying to write Arabic using English letters. This created obstacles for me later on. The Arabic alphabet is actually quite straightforward, as I explained here, so invest the time to learn it from the beginning.
Alt text: Detailed close-up of elegant Arabic script printed in a book, emphasizing the beauty and complexity of the writing system for learners of Arabic.
4. Embrace Arab Culture and Assimilation from the Start
This is one of the most critical pieces of advice I can offer.
“To the Jews I became a Jew, to the Greeks I became a Greek.” This ancient wisdom profoundly impacts my approach to language learning and life in general.
Assimilators are superior language learners. They develop a deeper appreciation for other cultures and, crucially, earn the respect and trust of local people more effectively than anyone else.
This principle was always at the forefront of my mind when learning Arabic, and it’s something I would emphasize again and again.
“To the Arabs I became an Arab.”
There’s a significant difference between simply learning Arabic and becoming Arab in mindset and cultural understanding. While you won’t literally become Arab, adopting this mindset is a powerful driver for success in language learning.
I’ve applied this assimilation principle in every country where I’ve lived and learned languages, and it consistently earns me respect from locals.
What sets my approach apart is the holistic view of language learning, encompassing complete assimilation into the target culture.
For me, language immersion and cultural immersion are inseparable. True language fluency is intertwined with cultural fluency.
I often encounter people who say, “I want to learn Arabic, but I don’t really like Arab culture.” My response is blunt: “Forget it. You’ve already hindered your progress.”
If you lack respect and appreciation for the culture and its people, you’re wasting your time. To truly excel in any language, strive to assimilate.
5. Immerse Yourself in Your Target Arabic Dialect
To learn Arabic quickly, surround yourself with the sounds of your chosen dialect.
If you live in a Western country, particularly in a major city, you likely have access to Arab communities and events. Seek them out.
When I started learning Arabic, I attended every event I could find where Arabic might be spoken – Arabic-speaking churches, Islamic gatherings, cultural festivals, refugee centers. If there was a chance to be around Arabic speakers, I was there.
If I were starting again, I’d be even more proactive in finding opportunities for immersion. If physical immersion isn’t possible, I’d ensure Arabic media is playing in my home daily to attune my ears to the sounds of the language. I would also use platforms like italki for daily conversations with Arabic speakers.
Alt text: A group of people engaged in animated conversation over tea in a traditional Middle Eastern setting, highlighting the importance of social interaction in learning spoken Arabic.
6. Find Arabic Teachers Who Prioritize Communication
Unfortunately, many native Arabic teachers face two common challenges:
1) Outdated Teaching Methods: They often employ traditional, ineffective teaching methods.
2) MSA Focus: They prioritize teaching Modern Standard Arabic as “real Arabic” and underestimate the value of spoken dialects.
Traditional methods, emphasizing grammar rules and rote memorization, are unfortunately widespread. I’ve experienced many ineffective teachers over the years (not just Arabic teachers), and ironically, the worst ones often charged the most.
If you feel overwhelmed, bored, or confused in a lesson, don’t automatically blame yourself. It’s likely the teacher’s approach is ineffective.
A good rule of thumb is that you should be speaking for at least 80% of the lesson. If you spend most of the time listening to explanations without actively speaking, your teacher is likely not facilitating effective learning.
Harsh as it sounds, if the teacher is doing most of the talking, they aren’t truly teaching and should consider a different profession.
Also, ensure your teacher understands and values spoken Arabic dialects. Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic hold immense prestige in the Arab world, often considered sacred. Therefore, finding teachers who appreciate the importance of learning a local dialect can be challenging.
Even with my own platform, TalkInArabic.com, dedicated to spoken dialects, I’ve encountered difficulties explaining the rationale to some Arab friends who struggle to see the value in learning spoken dialects over MSA.
7. Start Speaking Arabic Immediately, Grammar Imperfectly
This is an area where my early Arabic learning experience was limited. When I began, tools like italki, which connect learners with affordable online tutors, were not readily available. The ability to easily Skype with native speakers for a small fee would have been a dream come true back then!
Even with the opportunities I had to speak with people years ago, I was often hesitant and self-conscious about making mistakes. If I wasn’t confident in my grammar or vocabulary, I’d default to English.
Now, when learning a new language, I prioritize speaking as much as possible from the very beginning, even if my grammar is terrible. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and will iron themselves out over time. You need to seize every opportunity to practice what you know, however little it may be.
If I were learning Arabic again, even with just a few words and phrases (like knowing how to say hello in Arabic), I’d be using them constantly until they felt natural and fluent.
8. Use High-Quality Arabic Learning Resources
When I started learning Arabic, resources for spoken Arabic were scarce. My first Arabic textbook, obtained from a local mosque, was frankly awful – a complete waste of resources. Yet, I persevered with it!
I still have that book, and looking back, I wonder, “Did I really learn from this?”
Thankfully, the situation has improved somewhat for dialect learning resources (though still not ideal!).
For resource recommendations, check out my reviews of Rocket Arabic and ArabicPod101.
I’ve also shared some of my favorite Arabic language books here and here.
And of course, explore my own resource, TalkInArabic.com, which my colleagues and I have developed to focus on 8 different spoken dialects.
Before investing in any Arabic language book or resource, consult my checklist for evaluating the quality and effectiveness of language learning products.
9. Overcome Fear and Prejudice Towards Arabs and the Middle East
It’s undeniable that parts of the Middle East and North Africa are currently experiencing instability and conflict. There are serious issues in certain regions, and the future can seem unpredictable even in times of relative peace.
However, through my extensive travels across the Middle East and the world, I’ve learned a fundamental truth:
Most people, regardless of their political or religious beliefs, share similar fundamental concerns. They care about family, work, providing for loved ones, and the everyday aspects of life.
I had a similar realization about Russian people after my language immersion there. Many are detached from or uninterested in political narratives, focused instead on their daily lives and responsibilities.
Generalizing and portraying the entire Arab world as violent or dangerous is naive and misinformed.
Before my first trip to the Middle East shortly after September 11th, I was genuinely terrified. My mother cried at the airport, fearing for my safety, and I shared those anxieties.
But something unexpected happened.
I fell in love with the region and its people and returned countless times. My life was profoundly changed in a positive way.
Are you learning Arabic? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below!
Also explore these resources:
TalkInArabic.com for spoken Arabic dialect learning materials.
Rocket Arabic for a comprehensive Egyptian Arabic audio course.
italki for affordable online Arabic teachers and conversation practice.
NEW: For Egyptian Arabic learners, check out our new book Egyptian Arabic: Easy Stories With English Translations. Ideal for high-beginners to low-intermediate learners, it’s a fantastic way to expand vocabulary and improve comprehension.
Find it on Amazon here.
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