Learn Arabic Online - The Best Way To Learn Arabic

In this article, we will discuss the most effective and efficient way to learn Arabic by 2024. We will answer the top three questions that are frequently asked about learning Arabic, along with providing additional tips that will give you a clear understanding of the subject. Whether you are just beginning your Arabic journey, have taken a break from learning, or are already on your way to fluency, these tips will assist you in reaching the next level of proficiency by 2024. We will explain my teaching methodology, which has been developed over 15 years of instructing students in Arabic. Furthermore, we will clarify where absolute beginners should start and provide guidance on the best approach for mastering the language. Lastly, we will share our current philosophy on how to effortlessly absorb grammar rules while learning Arabic.

The Arabic Language 

Arabic is a diverse language with various dialects. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the formal version used in formal settings throughout the Arab world.

There are three main dialects commonly taught: Levantine Arabic, spoken in the Levant region including Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine; Gulf Arabic, spoken in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, and parts of Yemen; and Egyptian Arabic, which has recently decreased in popularity. The most requested dialects currently are Levantine and Gulf Arabic, possibly due to Westerners seeking job opportunities and tax-free lifestyles in places like the UAE.

To truly learn Arabic, one must start with a clear understanding and a solid plan.

When deciding between learning Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect, the answer may not be as straightforward as it seems. A quick search of this question online will yield numerous opinions from Arabic teachers, blogs, and articles, as well as prestigious universities like Oxford, SOAS, and Yale. However, our perspective on this matter differs greatly from the majority. As former Arabic instructors in Syria in 2005, we had many students from esteemed universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale who had studied Modern Standard Arabic for years but struggled to communicate effectively with native speakers. They were only familiar with classical Arabic, which is not commonly used in everyday conversation. This realization led us to believe that there are significant flaws in how Arabic is taught at many universities today. To truly become proficient in speaking Arabic, one must approach learning with a different mindset and focus on practical communication rather than just studying textbooks and formal grammar rules. Even now, we still receive calls from students who have spent years learning Modern Standard Arabic but struggle to hold a conversation in it. This further reinforces our belief that changes need to be made in the way Arabic is taught in academic settings

The Most Natural Way to Learn Arabic

Now, let's look at this story from a different angle. In the Middle East, it is widely known that children naturally pick up their local dialect in the first five years of life. When they start school, they are taught classical Arabic. However, teachers will often use the dialect to explain various subjects such as history, chemistry, or math. This is because Modern Standard Arabic has been taught passively. As we progress into high school and university, we may possess the ability to speak it, but most choose not to unless they are aspiring to be a TV presenter, politician, or even the president.

From our extensive experience, we can confidently say that the best way to learn Arabic is to start by learning the dialect first. This not only boosts students' confidence, but also motivates them to continue learning. On the other hand, starting with Fusha and then trying to learn dialects can be frustrating and often leads to students quitting after a year or two. We have seen this happen repeatedly, with students reaching out to us after four years of studying Fusha only to give up because they find it too difficult. However, those who have adopted our method and started with learning the dialect first have rediscovered their motivation and enthusiasm for learning Arabic after giving up on it for a decade.

Are you wondering how to learn Modern Standard Arabic?

Once you have a strong foundation in one dialect, transitioning to MSA can be easy. It's important to focus on a specific area of interest.

We can divide MSA into four main categories: Media Arabic, Business Arabic, Literary Arabic, and Quranic studies.

There are three different categories of Modern Standard Arabic that you can choose to learn: Media Arabic, Literary Arabic, and Quranic Arabic. Each category offers a unique experience in language immersion and understanding the culture of the Arab world. Depending on your interests and goals, you can start with one category and work your way towards the others. As for learning Arabic grammar quickly and effectively, we recommend focusing on spotting patterns first and then understanding the rules later. This approach allows for a more natural and intuitive understanding of the language without hindering your ability to speak fluently. Once you feel confident in your speaking skills, you can then transition into learning Modern Standard Arabic at your own pace. It is important to identify which type of Arabic you want to learn and focus on speaking before delving into grammar to avoid hindering your confidence in conversing with native speakers.