Have you ever studied formal Arabic, only to find yourself lost in everyday conversations in the Middle East? You’re not alone. Many language learners discover that while formal Arabic is essential, understanding the spoken dialects is key to truly connecting with people and culture. This is where the beauty of Lebanese Arabic shines, and our story at learns.edu.vn begins with a simple beer and a group of insightful Italians in Beirut.
Back in 2010, I was enjoying a drink at Dany’s bar in the vibrant Hamra district when I met a group of Italian professionals who had recently moved to Beirut for work. They were enthusiastic and engaging, but as we chatted, a common frustration emerged. Despite years of studying classical Arabic, they felt unprepared for real-life conversations. They realized that in Lebanon, and across much of the Levant, people primarily communicate in the local dialect – Lebanese Arabic.
This realization sparked an idea: to bridge the gap between formal language studies and practical communication by teaching Lebanese Arabic. With the help of my friend Naim, who possessed video editing skills, we created our first YouTube video. It started as a fun project, recording lessons and sharing them with friends. Little did we know, this casual endeavor would evolve into a passion and a platform for thousands of learners. Thanks to that initial encouragement from our Italian friends, “Lebanese Arabic with Hiba” was born, growing from a joke into a near full-time commitment and eventually expanding beyond YouTube to offer structured online lessons.
Lebanese Arabic group class with teacher Hiba and students
Over the years, our team has expanded to include dedicated teachers offering both pre-planned courses and flexible conversational sessions, catering to group and individual learning preferences. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, connecting us with amazing students from around the globe. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of them in person, forging genuine friendships and building a supportive learning community. Beyond online lessons, we’ve also authored two volumes of the “Lebanese Arabic Phrasebook” and I’ve enjoyed teaching in-person workshops in the cozy cafes of Beirut, further immersing myself in the learning experience alongside my students.
Our students come from diverse backgrounds and motivations. Whether they are aiming to impress their Lebanese partner, connect with family, navigate professional life in Lebanon, or simply explore a new language and culture, they’ve found our courses engaging and effective. A significant revelation for many learners is the widespread usability of Lebanese Arabic. It’s not just spoken in Lebanon, but understood across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, making it a valuable dialect for broader communication and cultural understanding.
Today, “Lebanese Arabic with Hiba” at learns.edu.vn remains committed to its original, relaxed, and enjoyable approach to language education. My goal is to empower students to confidently express themselves in Lebanese Arabic, understand everyday conversations, appreciate humor, and decipher food menus, all while building a solid foundation in grammar and conjugation. Learning should be fun and engaging, both in the classroom and in life!
To all prospective students eager to Learn Lebanese Arabic, I extend a warm invitation to join our community at learns.edu.vn. I look forward to sharing my passion for the Lebanese language and culture with you and guiding you on your learning journey.
Salam,
Hiba.
