Arabic for Non-Arabic Speakers

The class is tailored to the needs of those who are seeking to learn Arabic as a foreign language. The program adopts a communicative approach in order to help learners gain a solid foundation in the language, which will help them read, write, speak and understand. The program currently consists of one basic level: ARABIC 101 (offered year around).

Arabic 101

Course Description & Objectives: Arabic 101 is an Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic, including the Arabic script, basic grammar, and vocabulary, and developing skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. By the end of Arabic 101 you will:

• have mastered the Arabic alphabet and sound system,

• be able to recognize and pronounce correctly all Arabic sounds, and write accurately from dictation;

• be able to initiate social interactions, ask for basic information, and be aware of basic cultural aspects of social interaction in the Arab world;

• be able to talk about yourself, your education, and your family with native speakers of Arabic accustomed to interacting with learners;

• comprehend simple print texts on familiar topics;

• comprehend simple audio/video texts on familiar topics;

• be able to compose simple paragraphs about yourself an your family and friends;

• know about the differences between formal and spoken Arabic, recognize both registers, and be able to use basic expressions in at least one dialect; and

• have an active vocabulary of about 300 Arabic words