10 Tips for Learning Arabic
Here are my Top 10 Tips for Learning Arabic. I've also linked a few Arabic resources that I personally use to help you with your language learning.
1. Make an Intentional Decision
Why do you want to learn Arabic? To speak with people? To understand the media? To read religious texts? If you've had the same reason for years but have not progressed in your Arabic study, then it's time to reassess your goals and act intentionally towards your decision to learn Arabic.
2. Talk from Day One
Being able to speak a language is often the #1 thing people use to determine if they are fluent. Therefore, Speak from Day One, even if it's one word you say to yourself. (I use italki for conversational practice)
3. Make it Enjoyable
If learning is fun, then you will love studying Arabic! Diversify the materials you use (targeting all language skills) to keep things interesting. Find what works for you in order to enjoy the process.
4. Immerse Yourself in the Language
Surround yourself with the Arabic language - interact with native speakers, listen to the news or a podcast, visit Arabic speaking environments, put Arabic words, sentences or beautiful art on your walls.
5. Have Accountability
Sign up for a class, study with a friend, or learn with your children to help you achieve your language goals. Use a study tracker or create a social media account to have a record of your progress.
6. Download Apps
Install helpful apps on your devices, such as an Arabic keyboard, Google Tap-to-Translate, and free educational language apps with notification reminders to study. (I bought the Rosetta Stone language learning program. I'm almost half way through it)
7. Books. Books. Books
Learn the Arabic letters so that you can expand your learning through reading. Try listening to audiobooks (on Kutubee or Storytel) or watch YouTube videos of books being read.
(Don't have Arabic books? Yesmeen Arabic Bookstore has thousands! Save 10% off your purchase with my code: ArabicwithNichole10. Affordable worldwide shipping)
8. Write!
Writing is an active form of learning a language that helps you retain it much more than the common passive forms of learning. Try keeping an Arabic journal, make your own flashcards or use the Goldlist Method to learn new vocabulary. Write out that lesson in your curriculum book instead of simply reading it.
9. Study Language Structure
Morphology, Syntax, Grammar. Studying how Arabic words and sentences are formed along with grammar rules will speed up your learning as you apply this knowledge to numerous contexts. (I'm currently going through the Al-Kitaab Arabic Language Program with an italki teacher)
10. #5minArabic
Do you have at least 5 minutes to spare each day to learning Arabic? Consistent learning yields positive results and prevents you from having to spend time re-learning words and concepts after a significant time has passed.
Schedule your Arabic learning time into your calendar (do it now! :) so that it becomes a daily habit. (Which day and time did you choose?)
