More and more students and professionals are deciding to study the Arabic language. There can be many reasons, from growing professional prospects to the desire to explore a distant culture. However, the difficulty of learning Arabic can be scary, especially at the beginning. This is why choosing an Arabic tutor online is ideal if you want to learn this language effectively. But above all, if you want to learn to speak Arabic quickly. Below, we offer you some practical advice that will help you consciously select the course that is best for you.
Why Enroll in an Online Arabic Course?
In addition to being fascinating, Arabic is a language spoken in many countries ranging from North Africa to the Middle East. Spoken by over 270 million people worldwide, it is also one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Its widespread use motivates more and more people to try their hand at studying it.
One of the greatest advantages of knowing Arabic is undoubtedly the possibility of accessing new job opportunities. Arabic is in great demand in various sectors: from journalism to business, to interpretation. A good command of the language will demonstrate to your interlocutor your predisposition to face challenges with enthusiasm.
But above all, learning Arabic will allow you to broaden your horizons. Traveling in the Middle East or in African countries where Arabic is spoken, you will have the opportunity to interact with the local communities. It is very common in these places to find yourself chatting or even being invited to a home for mint tea. Those who decide to learn Arabic have the opportunity to better understand the culture of these people. Furthermore, speaking Arabic will also make it easier to learn other languages such as Farsi, Turkish, or Hebrew.
The Variants of Arabic
You should know that there are several variants of the Arabic language. The one that is usually studied in courses corresponds to Modern Standard Arabic, or fuṣḥā. This is the official language, the one used for the media, education, and international diplomatic relations. It originates from Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran, but has been significantly simplified for modern use.
Since we are talking about a very large geographical area, there are obviously local differences. Furthermore, although most Arabs study it in school, not all are able to use modern Arabic. It must be considered that there are thousands of dialects, which for most Arabic speakers represent the true mother tongue. Each Arab country has its own expressions, but above all, its own grammar.
What Are the Biggest Difficulties?
If you are wondering if it is really that difficult to learn Arabic, the answer is, of course, subjective. Some people are particularly predisposed to learning foreign languages, while others find it more challenging. One thing is certain: it certainly takes time to learn Arabic, but also perseverance, diligence, and a lot of practice. Since it is a language totally different from English, you will initially have difficulties in studying Arabic. We assure you, however, that with a lot of patience, determination, and the right tools, it is possible to do so.
The Challenges of Arabic Writing and Pronunciation
Among the greatest difficulties of the Arabic language is writing. The Arabic alphabet is composed of 28 characters plus the ḥamza. The shape of the letters varies depending on their position in the word: at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. Arabic is written and read from right to left, so to read a book, you have to start from the last page. The writing is only cursive, and there are no capital letters.
Phonetically, the greatest difficulties arise with reading. In particular, there are three sounds in the Arabic language that do not exist in English. Furthermore, Arabic words are mainly made up of consonants, most of which are not pronounced.
However, do not be discouraged. Once you have assimilated these differences, learning Arabic will be like studying any other language.
How to Start Learning Arabic
As you can imagine, learning the Arabic language requires a certain investment of time and energy. If you want to try this new adventure, know that it will be a long process that requires continuity. You cannot do it sporadically. Furthermore, you must combine a good learning method with the right tools.
For example, you must equip yourself with a bilingual dictionary and a grammar manual. You could download apps and educational content for studying the language on your phone. If you have the possibility, you could organize yourself to take lessons with a native Arabic tutor online (private or in a group).
Set a Study Plan
An important step is to establish an effective study plan. Try to dedicate at least a couple of hours a day to learning the Arabic language. We know that, very often, between work and family commitments, it will be difficult, but consistency is a fundamental ingredient of the process. At first, it will seem complicated, but with daily practice, you will see that every day you will make small progress. If you really can’t do it independently, then using an online Arabic course can be the ideal choice.
How to Choose an Online Arabic Course
Are you trying to figure out how and where to look for a good Arabic tutor online? Nowadays, the choice online is really wide, so we understand your doubts very well. Of course, you will have to evaluate a series of parameters, from the cost to the type of lessons and content available. Remember, however, that you are making an investment in your personal growth.
Set Some Criteria for Your Choice
Here are some parameters to consider when choosing an online Arabic tutor:
- Course Duration: Decide whether you prefer a short course or a longer, more structured course.
- Content and Depth: Evaluate the course content based on your knowledge and learning objectives.
- Instructor Expertise: The qualifications and experience of the Arabic tutor play a crucial role in your learning.
- Cost: Compare costs based on your financial availability and the quality of the course.
Online Arabic Courses: Free or Paid?
Surely you have wondered whether it is better to choose a paid course rather than a free one. Several factors come into play in this evaluation, starting with the budget you have available. For a student who does not have great financial flexibility, starting with a free online Arabic course can be a good idea.
However, free courses rarely issue certifications. Paid courses, on the other hand, offer greater guarantees, often issue certificates, and also allow you to obtain language certifications. Furthermore, they usually make use of expert Arabic tutors online who offer high-quality instruction. Evaluate based on your needs which one may be the most suitable for you.
Choose an Arabic Course on Lisaan Academy
Among the various platforms specialized in learning foreign languages, we recommend that you take a look at the offer of Lisaan Academy. Here, you will find an online Arabic course that allows you to develop your language skills through individual lessons. You will have access to a large network of native teachers and can choose one based on your preferences.
During the lessons, you will be able to study grammar, work on pronunciation, improve your writing and listening skills, and learn more about Arabic culture. Each Arabic tutor online at Lisaan Academy offers the best study method designed for you. But above all, you will be able to practice conversation, learning to speak Arabic fluently.
Join an Online Arabic Learning Community
Did you know that the best way to practice Arabic is to join communities of learners? On Lisaan Academy, a community awaits you where you can actively participate in open discussions. If you don’t have the opportunity to travel to Arabic-speaking countries, this is a perfect solution to practice your conversation skills!