In this article, We will share with you the best and fastest way to learn Arabic in 2024 by answering the top three most frequently asked questions about learning Arabic, along with additional tips that will help you gain complete clarity on the subject. Whether you are just starting out, have paused your learning journey, or are already on your way to fluency, these tips will guide you towards taking your Arabic skills to the next level by 2024.

We will guide you on how to quickly learn the language and explain my teaching methodology. We have developed this over the past 15 years of teaching Arabic. Additionally, We will provide clarity on where absolute beginners should start and the best approach to learning Arabic. We will also share my latest philosophy on how to naturally and effortlessly learn grammar.

What is the Arabic language?

In the Arabic language, there exist various dialects, with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) being the formal variant used in formal settings across the Arabic-speaking world.

There are three main Arabic dialects that are commonly taught. The first one is Levantine Arabic, which is predominantly spoken in the Levant region. This dialect is spoken in countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine. The second dialect is Gulf Arabic, which refers to the Arabic dialects spoken in the Gulf region. It covers countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and parts of eastern Yemen. The third and last dialect is Egyptian Arabic, which has become less popular in recent years.

Currently, the most popular dialects requested are Levantine Arabic, and recently, Gulf Arabic has become more popular due to many people in the West wanting to move to the UAE to find better jobs and a better lifestyle and avoid paying taxes, of course.

The Best Way to Learn Arabic is To first Have Clarity and a Plan.

Should I learn Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect? If you're wondering whether to begin with a dialect or Modern Standard Arabic when learning Arabic, the answer is clear to me, but I need to clarify it for you. If you search this question, "Should I learn Modern Standard Arabic or a dialect?" you will find that the majority of Arabic teachers, blogs, and articles on Google and Reddit, as well as esteemed universities like Oxford, SOAS, and Yale, all strongly advocate for starting with Modern Standard Arabic.

We completely reject this narrative, and here is why: When we were teaching Arabic in Syria in 2005, we had many students from Oxford, Cambridge, and Yale universities who had studied Modern Standard Arabic for 2 or 3 years and came to Syria for a gap year to improve their Arabic skills. However, when We spoke to them in Arabic, they would pause and struggle to put a sentence together. They spoke in classical Arabic, which is extremely odd, and when We spoke to them in the Syrian dialect, they didn't understand anything. This made us realize that something was fundamentally wrong. Even today, We receive calls from students who have spent years learning Modern Standard Arabic (fush), yet they cannot speak it. This only confirms our belief that there is a significant flaw in the way Arabic is being taught in many universities.

The Most Natural Way to Learn Arabic

Now, let's examine this narrative from a different perspective. It is a well-established fact that every child born in the Middle East learns their native dialect within the first five years of their life. When they attend school, they learn classical Arabic. However, here, teachers speak to students in dialect to explain topics, be it history, chemistry, or math. This is because Modern Standard Arabic has been taught passively. As we advance towards high school and university, we can speak it, but we choose not to unless we become a TV presenter, politician, or the president.

The Fastest Way To Learn Arabic is To Start By Learning The Arabic Dialect First

Based on our extensive experience, we can confidently say that the most effective and natural way to learn Arabic is to start by learning the dialect first. This approach not only gives students an immediate boost in their confidence but also serves as a powerful motivator to continue learning. On the other hand, starting with Fusha and then transitioning to dialect can be a frustrating and often futile exercise that leads to many students giving up after a year or two. we've seen this happen time and time again, with students reaching out to me after four years of studying Fusha, only to declare that it's too difficult to continue. After giving up on the language for a decade, those who have adopted my method rediscovered their motivation to learn Arabic with renewed enthusiasm.

How to Learn Modern Standard Arabic?

Once you have mastered one dialect of Arabic, you can easily transition to Modern Standard Arabic. To do this, you should focus on a specific area of interest.

Let's divide Modern Standard Arabic into four categories: Media Arabic, Business Arabic, Literary Arabic, and Quranic studies.

Media Arabic

Media Arabic might be your ideal starting point. This category delves into the language used in news outlets, broadcasts, and journalistic contexts. By immersing yourself in the language of the media, you not only enhance your Arabic skills but also stay informed about current events in the Arab world.

Literary Arabic

Literary Arabic, the second category, opens the door to the rich world of Arabic literature. From classical masterpieces to contemporary works, this realm allows learners to explore the nuances and eloquence of Arabic prose and poetry. Delving into Literary Arabic not only deepens language proficiency but also provides insights into the cultural and historical tapestry of the Arab world. It is an essential skill for individuals engaging in economic activities, trade, and professional interactions in the Arab world. Understanding and effectively using Business Arabic is crucial for success in various fields, including finance, international trade, marketing, and negotiations.

Quranic Arabic

For those with a spiritual inclination, Quranic studies constitute the third category. This area focuses on the language used in the Quran, providing a unique avenue for linguistic exploration intertwined with religious understanding. By engaging in Quranic studies, learners can develop a profound connection to the language while gaining insights into Islamic traditions and teachings.

From there, you should choose the area that interests you the most and gradually move on to the next area.

How to Learn Arabic Grammar Quickly?

The Last question We get asked “ How can I learn grammar without hindering my ability to speak fluently?”

The challenge with learning grammar in a traditional way

The challenge with learning grammar in a traditional way is that it puts you in an analytical mode, making you overthink and spend too much time perfecting your sentences. This can result in taking 2 to 5 minutes to construct a sentence in Arabic. Essentially, learning grammar in a traditional way can harm your confidence to speak.

The Most Natural Way to Learn Arabic Grammar is to Spot The language Patterns

So, what is the solution to this? First and foremost, We are against learning grammar. In fact, it is very important if you want to speak Arabic fluently. However, We don't teach it in the traditional and analytical way. Here is how We teach it to our students in my method: We use many strategies. One of them is called "spotting patterns first, then understanding the rules later.”

Spotting Patterns First, Then Understanding The Rules Later

Let's say that we want to teach you the past tense verb in the "i" form. First, we will teach you five verbs and have you practice using them in real-life scenarios. Then, we will ask you to identify any patterns in the verbs. As you gain confidence and improve your speaking skills, we will teach you how to form the past tense. we will explain the concept in a more comprehensive manner. At that moment, when the student has a sudden realization and grasps the rule, they experience an "aha" moment and are unlikely to forget it.

Our conclusion:

If you are new to learning Arabic or have been studying it for a while but aren't making progress, it's crucial to identify the type of Arabic you should learn. Should you learn Levantine Arabic or Gulf Arabic? Once you have decided, focus on speaking the language first and try to learn the grammar in a way that won't hinder your confidence in speaking. When you feel absolutely confident in conversing with a native Arabic speaker, you can gradually transition to learning Modern Standard Arabic.

Khaled and Omar Nassra