Discover the Best Arabic Classes Online
Part of the family of Semitic languages, Arabic is similar to Hebrew and Aramaic. The language has evolved and been refined over the years but early versions of the language date as far back as the 8th century BCE.
Over 360 million speakers of various Arabic dialects exist today with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) known as the sixth most spoken language in the world. While common in other areas of the world, Arabic is vastly different from English, presenting challenges for those who wish to learn. Firstly, it is a script language with an entirely different alphabet made up of 28 consonants and three vowels, often referred to as an “impure abjad.” Secondly, it is written and read right to left, creating a visual and behavioral hurdle for those who speak English or other romantic languages.
The Arabic language was designed to be written and has strong roots in calligraphy. Equal parts language and art, Arabic is ancient, steeped in rich history, and determined to withstand the tests of time.
Why You Should Learn Arabic Online
The reasons to learn Arabic are seemingly endless. Learning a foreign language has been proven to improve brain function, memory, mental flexibility and creativity, and can even help ward off dementia or mental decline. Learning Arabic is challenging your brain and this helps train your brain to learn other things more efficiently, too.
Learning Arabic can be a great way to connect with other cultures and make new friends, thanks to the fact that it's the official language of 22 countries. You expand your community by joining an Arabic language conversational group in your area. Or, you can practice your vocabulary by becoming a volunteer at local refugee support organizations near you. You could also join a neighborhood ESL program and help new Arabic residents practice their English in exchange for tips and tricks on their native language.
Studying a foreign language helps eliminate barriers when you travel, letting you interact with locals, ask them deeper or more detailed questions, and understand their culture better. There’s also safety in being able to speak such a popular language, as you’ll be able to navigate public transit, read street signs, and ask for help when needed.
Looking to change careers? Becoming fluent in Arabic means you could become a translator and work at hospitals, schools, or with your local social services. Being multilingual is highly desirable in today’s job market and knowing Arabic could open up doors in government, foreign relations, or academia. Learning Arabic would also allow you to support refugee and immigrant populations as a case coordinator or program manager.
Virtual Arabic Classes
It’s true that in-person classes are the best choice for fast and thorough learning, but online Arabic classes create opportunities for those who live in areas lacking options. Remote learning also allows you to learn in the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose), eliminating the need to deal with commuting or parking.
Fluent City offers an introductory course called Arabic - Level 1. This class will dive into all the basics like the alphabet, pronunciation, and both formal and informal language. By the end of the class, you will have basic conversational skills to introduce yourself to others, ask for directions, and engage in simple discussions.
ABC Languages offers a full range of courses in Arabic, from beginner to advanced. Arabic - Total Beginner is a six-week course that will teach students conversational Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in engaging 90-minute sessions. Textbooks are not included in the cost of class but students will be provided with intro material and can purchase the book after starting the class.
Arabic Beginner 2 at ABC Languages is ideal for students who are still mastering the alphabet, sounds, and script of the language. You’ll expand upon your knowledge gained from your previous course and develop your conversational skills further.
Looking to dip your toes into the Arabic language before fully committing? All About Arabic: An Intro Workshop is your chance to do just that. This 90-minute class is taught by native speakers and teaches students a sampling of things like greetings, Arabic script, and pronunciation. It’s a great way to find out if Arabic is for you without signing on for a multi-week course.
Designed for students who speak Arabic at a high-intermediate to mid-advance level, Arabic Special Topics helps further improve fluency, conversational skills, and vocabulary. Students will also fine tune their pronunciation and grammar, read authentic media, and have discussions related to current events and cultures of the Arabic-speaking world. This class requires all students to speak at an intermediate level or have completed their Intermediate II class.
Private Online Group Arabic Classes
CourseHorse also conveniently offers Arabic classes for private groups. Get your team together for a one-of-a-kind event where you can all converse in Arabic together! Planning a private group class has never been easier. Schedule your event with zero booking fees and you’ll receive confirmation within 24 hours. Need to change your group size after booking? Coursehorse can handle that. In most cases, it’s possible to adjust your group size or class details if given at least 72-hours notice. Plus, multiple supported platforms including Zoom allow you to use whatever platform works best for you!
While there aren’t currently any private Arabic group classes available, CourseHorse can still provide it! If you’re interested in learning more, you can reach out through the contact form on their site. You can also reach out to discuss other options like coordinating a venue space for your event or having your workshop brought directly to your office or home.
Online vs. In-Person Arabic Classes
Having trouble deciding between an online or in-person course? Each option is dependent upon your specific goals, lifestyle, and learning preferences, so it’s important to understand the details of both.
In-person classes are commonly seen as the most efficient way to learn. You’ll receive face-to-face instruction with an expert instructor in a traditional and structured learning environment. These classes also provide you with plenty of opportunities to practice your conversational skills with your fellow students, through skit and organized discussions. While you may be required to purchase your own textbook or workbook, all other materials are typically provided so you can simply show up and learn.
Online classes, whether live or on-demand, are a great option for those with long work hours, limited in-person offerings in their area, or a desire to learn from home. Live online classes offer real-time interaction with your instructor and the other students (if virtual breakout sessions are utilized). On-demand classes allow you to learn both wherever and whenever you want. Need to take a bit longer to master a certain conjugation or pronunciation? Simply pause the class and then restart whenever you’re ready.
It’s important to note that students are usually required to gather all their own materials for online classes, even those things beyond textbooks and workbooks. While there aren’t many materials required for learning Arabic, it’s a good idea to check what’s required if you choose an online class.
Can I Learn Arabic for Free Online?
The internet is a great resource for those who wish to learn a foreign language. Online tutorials and videos, like those found on Youtube, can be a great way to get a taste of Arabic before committing to a full course. Language apps on your phone are also another convenient and (often) free way to practice your skills. While all of these options are easily accessible, a formal Arabic language course is your best bet for becoming conversationally fluent and culturally competent.
