In today’s globalized world, learning a foreign language can drastically change your life, especially when it comes to Arabic.
Being the mother tongue of almost 300 million people in over 25 countries (some politically and economically highly influential), Arabic has become the fourth most powerful language in the world. And as a result, acquiring high Arabic proficiency yields many advantages.
You’ll gain a deep insight into the fascinating culture of multiple places, including Morocco and Lebanon. What’s more, you’ll also have the chance to expand your professional horizons in some of the richest territories in the world, like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The only downside is that Arabic can easily strike fear even into the most confident learners. Because this language has somewhat of an alien-looking alphabet, many students feel intimidated, start pondering their impossibility to become proficient and, without even trying, give up.
But there’s no need to despair. At Language Trainers, we prepared a list of the best Arabic learning resources to help you confidently begin your journey. Keep on reading, and you’ll find it below.
Upon looking at our list, you’ll notice that it is divided into several categories. The reason behind this is actually quite simple. As language learners use various studying approaches, we wanted to make sure these resources fit a variety of studying methodologies.
For this reason, we did not only compile a list of the best Arabic learning tools, but we also sorted them out into sensible sections, including ways to master this language with YouTube, podcasts and alternative teaching methods.
Additionally, we also share the secret to becoming a proficient Arabic speaker faster than you ever imagined. Are you ready to begin your Arabic learning journey, or shall we say هل أنت مستعد للبدء?
Because most people have numerous responsibilities, it’s not easy to follow a study schedule or enroll in full time courses. Does that mean that you won’t be able to learn languages? Absolutely not. Nowadays, there are a huge number of Arabic
learning apps that let you learn this Middle Eastern language from any corner of the world at any time. And if that wasn’t enough, most of these tools rely on fun games and interactive activities that turn boring lessons into highly engaging and educational tasks. Below, you’ll find our favorite apps.
If you’re just starting your Arabic journey, this is the app you’re looking for. Rather than focusing on developing skills, it specializes in teaching the Arabic alphabet from zero. Thus, with the use of flashcards, you’ll learn how to write Arabic symbols, how their shape changes in a sentence, how to pronounce them and their transliterations.
Once you’ve become acquainted with Arabic scripts, it’s time to focus on how to use these symbols in context with Learn Arabic Phrases. Thanksto its high-quality audio recordings by native speakers and a variety of activities, this app will teach you useful short phrases and expressions to start working on your conversational skills. In addition, it also features guides and tips for travelers.
Perhaps, one of the most famous apps of all time, Pimsleur’s main objective is teaching how to speak a certain language with no writing involved. In the case of Arabic, you’ll listen to an English-speaking narrator, who’ll ask you to fill in vocabulary and respond to conversational prompts in Arabic.
This category wouldn’t be complete without an app that deals with how to read and write in Arabic. That’s why we included Madinah Arabic. In a nutshell, it features over 100 well-structured lessons that will teach you how to write Arabic words with detailed explanations, short videos, audio clips and quizzes.
Why would anyone use dictionaries or translators in the age of internet search? After all, when people want to look for something, they just type it in Google’s search toolbar and that’s it. Well, Google will probably give you the definition of the word, but not all the information you need. To really learn how words are used in real life, when to use them, their translations and other important details, you’ll need the help of a dictionary. And below, you’ll find our top picks
What makes this dictionary stand out? In addition to giving a thorough explanation of a word, its usage and characteristics, English Arabic Dictionary also has very interesting functions, such as copying a word and getting instant translation and definitions on the notifications bar of your mobile phone.
Another great option for those who are looking to expand their vocabulary knowledge, this dictionary is simple but very complete. It offers a huge library of definitions, translations and even pictures. What’s best, it works offline, so you won’t have to worry about a lack of connection.
This translator has a special function. It does not only translate words and phrases but also handwritten texts as well. And just like the Arabic Dictionary & Translator, it also works offline too!
Now, let’s delve into tools that resemble something more similar to the classroom experience. After all, many students struggle to learn languages on their own but lack the time to attend classes. If this is your case too, we have the perfect solution. Below, we list various Arabic learning YouTube channels that explore the Arabic language and culture from different places in the Middle East and North Africa.
Boasting more than 50 million views and half a million subscribers, this is the channel you’re looking for if you want to learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Through a series of well-organized and multi-level videos, its electrifying host teaches essential Arabic phrases, shares facts on the locals’ culture and compares different types of Arabic.
But what if you want to learn Egyptian Arabic? Luckily for you, this channel explores Egyptian customs by interviewing locals. And although it might be a bit challenging for beginners, it is a great exercise for testing your abilities. Besides, every video includes transcripts to follow the conversation.
Now, if you’re intending to become proficient in Lebanese Arabic, you’ll definitely want to check this channel. With more than 70 videos covering a wide range of topics, Hiba Najem’s lesson will give you a solid grasp of traditions in the Levantine region (Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria).
Unlike the other three options, this channel follows a more traditional approach to the teaching of MSA. That is, in each 10 to 30 minute lesson, you’ll watch a teacher giving classes with the help of a whiteboard. So, for those who want to attend Arabic classes but don’t have time to go to an actual class, this channel was tailor-made for you.
There’s another tool you can use to learn Arabic with the help of a teacher, especially if you’re an avid reader. As you can probably guess, this one will not involve watching tutors. Instead, you’ll have to read lessons on these Arabic teachers’ blogs. And while it might seem a bit boring for some, it’s actually highly entertaining. Just take a look at the following blogs!
But not everyone likes to spend so much time in front of a screen. And we completely understand them. Just think about it, most people study, work or even rest, using their computers, mobile phones, tablets, TV and other technological devices. Let’s say you’re one of these people too. How can you learn languages without looking at these devices? Well, one of the best options is studying Arabic with podcasts and taking your lessons anywhere.
And if Podcasts are not your thing, you can also use Arabic learning textbooks. Now, we know what you’re thinking, aren’t textbooks full of boring grammar exercises? And the answer is no. Nowadays, textbooks contain a huge library of engaging activities and real-life language use to learn how to properly hold a conversation with native speakers. Additionally, they also feature several interesting features. And below, you’ll find out what we’re talking about.
Exams often suffer from a bad reputation. And why wouldn’t they? Tests, because they tend to cause anxiety and put learners under great pressure. But does that mean tests are bad for studentsa negative influence? Not at all. They actually have very positive effects. In addition to measuring your skills, some language proficiency tests give you access to study and work overseas. If you want enjoy those benefits in Arabic speaking countries, you’ll have to sit for this exam
Are you the kind of person who easily gets distracted by social media? Does it affect your language learning studies? Well, you’ll be pleased to know there’s a way to turn this situation around and make social media your new favorite Arabic learning tool. Just follow these steps: First, explore our list of Arabic learning influencers on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok, then “like” or “follow” the ones that catch your attention the most, and finally, interact with these users/accounts using as much Arabic as possible, like commenting or trying their language challenges.
If learning languages through social media is not enough, we have another option for those students who like alternative learning methods. In this particular case, we’ll focus on tools that do not teach you Arabic per se. Instead, they are ordinary activities that you carry out on a daily basis. The only thing that sets them apart is the fact that they involve Arabic. And as a result, they’ll immerse you in the world of the Middle East and North Africa.
There are, at least, two benefits of communicating with locals. Linguistically, you’ll be able to thoroughly practice your skills and develop your Arabic faster. Culturally, you’ll be able to learn more about their social cues and interaction patterns, which are key to respecting Arabic customs and bonding with locals, like flicking your thumb under your chin to say “a lot” in Moroccan Arabic.
But let’s say you’re having a hard time contacting with native-speakers, well there’s nothing to worry about. There are other ways of engaging with Arabic culture and language. One of them is by watching TV series. In addition to helping challenge your listening skills by turning off subtitles, they’ll also give you an insight into the locals’ past and culture. For instance, watching A Girl Named Zat will introduce you to the modern history of Egypt.
Another option to immerse yourself in Arabic culture without talking to locals is reading Arabic books. For beginners, we suggest starting with children’s stories, as they contain very basic vocabulary. Intermediate and advanced learners, however, might want to focus on more demanding pieces, such as حرب الكلب الثانية (The Second War of the Dog) by Ibrahim Nasrallah.
Fueled simply by a burning desire, some students start their journeys without goals, without tracking their progress or any other idea of how to enhance their use of these language tools.
For this reason, we have also compiled a list of language learning tips to make the best of your newly-acquired language skills, hoping to make the best of your newly-acquired language learning resources. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Is there a secret to becoming proficient in Arabic faster than any other learner? Yes, there is! But then what about all the tools in the list? Aren’t they enough? Does that mean that all the resources above are not useful at all? No, it doesn’t.
All the tools in our list are highly beneficial for language learners who want to acquire an excellent foundation in this language. But to become truly bilingual, you’ll need a bit more help, namely, an expert in Arabic language and culture who can give you personalized lessons, in short, a native-speaking tutor.
Aside from having a mastery of the language, tutors are experts in pedagogy. Therefore, they know exactly how to prepare a specialized Arabic program suited to your needs and goals, how to motivate you and how to keep track of your progress. Now, the question is where can you find those highly qualified native-speaking tutors?
In here! Fortunately for you, at Language Trainers, we specialize in pairing students with language experts. And what’s best, by hiring our services, you’ll have the chance to enjoy classes in the comfort of your home, office or, if you wish, you can also ask for online lessons through Meet, Skype or Zoom.
Make sure to send us a quick inquiry to begin your journey as fast as possible. اراك قريبا!
