Speak Arabic Today
تكلّم العربية اليوم
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
This Programme proposes to teach English speaking foreigners to speak the Arabic language. The aim is to empower the student to start speaking Arabic from day one, hence the title: Speak Arabic Today.
The programme will mainly focus on the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) which is spoken all over the Arabic world. From time to time a few colloquial words and phrases will be introduced to assist those who are planning to visit an Arab country or interact with the many Arabs in our midst. Although visitors to Arab countries will mostly hear the natives speak the colloquial Arabic (Al'Amiya - العامية), MSA is taught in schools. MSA is also spoken in schools, on radio and TV. This is also the language written in text books, story books, magazines and newspapers. Arabs all over the world therefore do speak, read and understand MSA.
The vocabulary and sentences which will be introduced throughout this course will help students who are studying Arabic and or Islamic studies at various schools and institutions.
In addition to my own knowledge, I've consulted more than twenty Arabic books (used to teach foreigners in Arab countries as well as at institutions across the world), such as: العربية بين يديك , العربية للناشئين , احبّ العربية , طريقة جديدة في تعليم العربية, دروس في العربية, دروس اللغة العربية as well as the Enjoy Arabic Series (العربية للإستمتاع), which I have written a few years ago. I am also in consultation with Arab speakers, mainly from Egypt and Morocco for advice regarding colloquial Arabic.
The themes which will be covered, should include everyday phrases, greetings and introductions, conversing in class, at home, at the office; travelling (including Hajj) and visiting places such as the restaurant, beach, etc. Conversations about Quran and the Hadith will also be introduced. To assist students audio and video materials will be made available from time to time.
A unique feature of this course is that input from students as well as teachers would be welcome throughout: the course is therefore flexible - in order to cater for the specific needs of the students.
Key vocabulary and phrases will be posted on this blog from time to time to help students to prepare. Remember there is only one way to speak Arabic: That is To Speak Arabic - So whoever wants to speak, should join a class or group where spoken Arabic can be practised. Speaking any new language requires lots of drilling, so start by reading and repeating the words and phrases over and over.
