Discover The Two Best Online Methods for Learning Arabic: The Traditional Method Vs The Natural Method

Learning Arabic Online Though The Traditional Method

The conventional method for acquiring proficiency in the Arabic language is widely followed by many students, including those studying at top universities like SOAS and Oxford, as well as Arabic tutors who advocate for this approach. The reason for this preference is that they believe Modern Standard Arabic is the most effective way to learn Arabic. Moreover, most Arabic tutors are only trained to teach Modern Standard Arabic, while classical Arabic is the predominant language used in books.

Most of the best universities rely on textbooks like Al-Kitab,1,2,3, which are primarily designed to teach Modern Standard Arabic. By adopting this method, learners can achieve proficiency in reading and writing Arabic, comprehend its grammar, read modern Arabic literature, and understand news published in outlets such as BBC Arabic.

Learning classical Arabic comes with its drawbacks. It is a highly complex language with intricate grammar, making it a challenging task to master. It typically takes students anywhere from three to five years to speak it moderately. Even after this lengthy period of learning, when students visit Arab countries like Lebanon, Syria, or Dubai, they may struggle to comprehend native Arabic speakers. If students attempt to speak classical Arabic, locals may find it unusual and they see them as the Shakespeare of the Arab world, it's a good title to have on the other hand.

Learning Arabic Online Using The Natural Method From Spoken to Classical Arabic

The second approach to learning Arabic is through the Natural method, where students opt for one of the primarily spoken dialects in the Middle East, such as Levantine Arabic, Gulf Arabic, or Egyptian Arabic. As they gain confidence in conversing with native speakers in Arabic, they can gradually transition to learning Modern Standard Arabic. This approach is the most natural way to learn Arabic and allows students to pick up the language fast

Why is This Method to Learn Arabic is Most Natural Way to Learn Arabic?

To begin with, you must be curious as to why I referred to this method as the natural approach. Allow me to explain. As a child growing up in the Middle East, I, like every other Arab child, learned my native dialect from my family and surroundings. Later, when I began attending school, I was introduced to Classical Arabic (MSA). The books used in Arabic schools are written in Classical Arabic, which helped me learn the language passively. Additionally, our teachers taught us Classical Arabic and literature. In Syria, we were required to study Classical Arabic and Arabic literature until we graduated from university, which provided us with a solid grasp of both spoken and Classical languages. It's worth noting that our teachers never used Classical Arabic to explain complex subjects like math or physics. Instead, they used Levantine Arabic to communicate their ideas.

One of the main advantages is that students can start speaking Arabic within six months. This early focus on speaking creates confidence and motivation to continue learning and progress to higher levels. Additionally, spoken Arabic is a simplified version of Classical Arabic, making it easier to learn with less grammar and the language itself is poetic and beautiful, especially if you choose to learn Levantine Arabic.

Nassra Arabic Method - Our Fluent in Six Months Online Arabic Program

Omar and I have been using the Natural approach to teaching Arabic for 20 years now. We firmly & strongly believe that going from Learning Spoken Arabic to Classical is the most effective, efficient, and natural way to learn Arabic.

That's why we have incorporated this approach into our online program, which is backed by a tried and tested method that guarantees fluency in Levantine Arabic and a seamless transition to Modern Standard Arabic.

You will be able to speak Levantine Arabic with confidence and read newspapers, Arabic novels, and more.