1-2-1 or small group Arabic classes online
The tutor:
He has been teaching Arabic since 2008. He taught at International House London, University of Westminister and currently at the London School of Economics and Political Science since 2010.
The courses:
Note 1: for options 1 and 2, a minimum of 40 hours of Arabic, including knowledge of the Arabic script, i.e. ability to read and write.
Option 1: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) using Alkitaab1 (2011 ed.).
This option meets the needs of those who want to learn the language to a level that prepares them to study Arabic for Specific Purposes, or ASP (Academic or Media Arabic, for example).
Achievement: Grasping the core of the Arabic grammar, which enables the learner to embark on an intermediate level. The learner will be able to read and understand Arabic texts of a pre-intermediate level.
The recommended hours are 3 per week divided into two sessions of 1 hour or 1.5 each and between 2 and 4 dedicated to homework* between the sessions. The average learner needs about 80/100 hours direct learning to cover the 13 chapters of Al-Kitaab 1.
Skills: The recommended focus is on the 4 skills with more or less an equal weight between them.
Option 2: MSA and "Egyptian" (Carene) Arabic using Alkitaab 1 and Kallimni Arabi.
This option combines both ASP and functional Arabic. Speaking and understanding Egyptian enables the learner to achieve successful communication when interacting with Arabs in general.
2 sessions a week of 1 or 1.5 hour each: one session for Standard Arabic and one for Egyptian.
Achievement: For MSA, see option 1 above. For Egyptian, the learner will be able to deal with daily situations successfully. This includes asking for directions, taking a taxi, conversing with the driver, renting an apartment and asking for details (including terms and conditions), talking about work, family and friends, talking about abilities and hobbies, expressing oneself in present, past and future tenses, making suggestions, invitation, shopping, going on holiday, etc.
The recommended direct contact hours are 80 for MSA and between 80 and 100 for Egyptian.
Skills: a focus on the 4 skills in MSA. The focus in Egyptian depends on the learners’ needs and objectives.
Option 3: "Egyptian" Arabic using Alkitaab videos and Samia Louis' series textbooks.
No prior knowledge of the Alphabet is required. The series cover full beginner to advanced levels and the material is very interactive.
Achievement: proficiency in Egyptian Arabic dialect, the most widely understood dialect among Arabs. As a major dialect it would enable you to interact with people confidently in daily situations.
Option 4: Levantine and MSA. Objectives, structure and number of hours are similar to MSA and Egyptian. Levantine is a major dialect spoken in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, and by Palestinians in Israel. It is also widely understood by Arabs.
Note 2: the number of hours mentioned above is an estimate and meant for an average learner. Factors such as time dedicated to homework, cultural or linguistic background of the learner, motivation, etc. play a role in progression.
Myths and Facts about the Arabic Language
Learners feedback
“I particularly enjoyed the focus on speaking—especially in the Levantine dialect. I bumped into a few Arabic speakers while travelling in Italy who certainly appreciated my 'تشَرَّفْنا'. I enjoyed putting the phrases I learned to practice, which would not have been particularly convenient had I only learned MSA!
I have and will continue studying the language, and I hope to one day travel to or work in the Middle East.” (Max, LSE, academic year 2022-23)
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“Thank you for introducing me to Arabic. It has been my favorite class, not easy, but look what we’ve learned!” (Scott, LSE, academic year 2019-20)
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“I wanted to thank you for teaching us this year - I feel very fortunate that I've had the opportunity to start learning Arabic. I've found it very difficult, but also incredibly engaging. I hope to continue learning Arabic - so thank you for getting me started!” (Jessica, LSE, academic year 2019-20)
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“I really did appreciate coming to your class, and loved the way you make us practice the language differently. Very different from France and much better and more enjoyable in my opinion (especially the talking part)!” (Baptiste, LSE, academic year 2019-20)
Contact
middleeastpanorama@yahoo.co.uk
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