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Arabic language?
I would really appreciate if someone could give me some advice on how to learn Arabic? What is the best (and fastest)way to gain some basic knowledge, learn simple sentences for everyday conversation? Thank you :-)
Public Comments
- Well if you're in it for the long run, then you should probably start out with the Arabic script. This will take a little getting used to if you've never spoken/written any language besides English (or any other language with the Roman alphabet). You should probably check out Rosetta Stone, also. If you're going to an Arabic speaking country and just want a few phrases, just pick up a phrase book at your local Barnes and Noble. But if you really are in the long run, you should probably find a teacher. Good luck!
- You have first to decide why you want to learn Arabic. I see you want sentences for everyday conversation. There are two types of Arabic: Standard Arabic which is the formal Arabic that is used in formal context, in books, communication, etc. There is also colloquial Arabic which is spoken in the street. This other type needs more caution because it varies between a region and another. Algerian Arabic is not like Egyptian Arabic. Iraqui Arabic is very different from Lebanese Arabic. So first you should decide on which Arabic you want to learn, and then based on that decision, make your way. In general, I would recommend that you plan living in an Arab country for at least 6 months. This would help a lot, and in many cases it wouldn't be that costly. There was a recent discussion on Arabic here: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqAHSCqCAhq81DHFVaU8f7Pty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071105113435AAlyukT&show=7#profile-info-wSsUltx0aa Take care.
- buy the berlitz arab phrasebook it covers modern standard arabic to avoid the problem of dialects! Listen to some music to get used to sounds eg Nancy Ajram.
