Modern Standard Arabic Absolute Beginner's Course from Udemy

This course teaches you Modern Standard Arabic, the Arabic that is used across the entire Arabic speaking world in literature, journalism, academics, business, politics, administration, religious discourse, and many other areas of life. While each country or region of a country has its own local dialect of Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic is understood across all countries. It is the Arabic of literate native speakers, and is taught in school from primary levels through to university.

The focus of the course is on mastering "to be" sentences in Arabic. The course will take you from having no previous knowledge of Arabic apart from the Alphabet, to the point where you are creating and understanding real sentences.

This course is not about memorizing phrases and vocabulary that you don't understand (although you will be pushed to grow your vocabulary. ). It is about understanding the foundational structures and concepts that make up the language, beginning with the ones that are used most often. It will walk you step by step through each foundational concept. There is no fast and easy way to learn any language. However, there are steady, methodological approaches that can optimize and multiply your hard work, and allow you to gain momentum faster than you expect. This course is based on that kind of approach.

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Understand and produce "to be" sentences in Modern Standard Arabic ("I am", "you are", "she is", etc.)
Use simple greetings, goodbyes, and polite conversation in Modern Standard Arabic
Describe yourself and others in terms of nationality, job, relationships, physical characteristics
Produce sentences that describe objects, people, and places with complex descriptions
Ask questions and give answers accurately
Pronounce words and phrases accurately, in a way that can be understood by native speakers
Use over 300 vocabulary items - words and expressions
Pursue effective strategies for learning Arabic

In grammatical terms you'll be able to correctly use the following structures:

Nominal sentences ("to be" sentences in Arabic, known in Arabic as الجملة الاسمية)
Prepositional phrases
Adjectives and personal pronouns
Simple and compound sentences
Gender agreement
Demonstrative pronoun ("this")
Definite and indefinite noun phrases
Sun letters in Arabic (الحروف الشمسية) and their unique pronunciation

Each of the 6 sections contains:

A series of instructional videos that introduce and explain the concepts thoroughly, and practice listening/speaking
A printable summary sheet at the end of the section
A series of exercises that put the lesson into practice
A quiz that tests your grasp of the lesson
Downloadable audio file of all the vocabulary
Access to all vocabulary on an interactive vocabulary website for students in the course

The only prerequisite for the course is that you know the Arabic alphabet. Two recommended sources for this, if you need them, can be found on YouTube:

Learn Arabic - Arabic Alphabet Made Easy - Alef and Nun
Learn Arabic: Alphabet Lesson Part 1 (Start at 4:00)

Search YouTube for these sites. Each one has a different style/approach. Choose the one that most suits your preferences. Each of them is a short series of lessons.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Beginner's level modern standard arabic (literary written/spoken arabic)
Understand and produce nominal ("to be") sentences in arabic
Build sentences using i, you, he, she, we, and they (and all of the variations of these pronouns in arabic)
Form sentences using definite nouns ("the") and indefinite nouns ("a")
Integrate adjectives and strings of adjectives into your sentences properly
Create demonstrative adjectives sentences ("this _____")
Combine "to be" with prepositional clauses

Correctly use masculine and feminine forms
Understand and use over 300 arabic vocabulary words and phrases
Pronounce arabic words correctly
Pursue effective strategies for learning arabic
Show more
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Beginner's level modern standard arabic (literary written/spoken arabic)
Understand and produce nominal ("to be") sentences in arabic
Build sentences using i, you, he, she, we, and they (and all of the variations of these pronouns in arabic)
Form sentences using definite nouns ("the") and indefinite nouns ("a")
Integrate adjectives and strings of adjectives into your sentences properly
Create demonstrative adjectives sentences ("this _____")
Combine "to be" with prepositional clauses
Correctly use masculine and feminine forms
Understand and use over 300 arabic vocabulary words and phrases
Pronounce arabic words correctly
Pursue effective strategies for learning arabic
Show more
Show less

Syllabus

Introduction

Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic

This course's approach to learning Arabic (tree, branch, leaf)

Quick Start: Greetings and Small Talk

After completing this lecture, you will be able to:

Form a simple sentence using the Arabic equivalent of "I am"
Introduce yourself
Say where you are from

This lesson introduces you to your first sentence in Arabic, using the Arabic nominal sentence. The nominal sentence is the equivalent of English "to be" sentences in the present simple.

Although it may seem like a small step, by the end of the lesson you will be able to form an actual sentence in Arabic, not simply repeat vocabulary.

This lecture will take you from the prepositional phrase "I am from ____" learned in the previous lesson, to being able to use an adjective to describe your nationality.

I am Egyptian
I am Canadian
American, Syrian, Iraqi, Chinese, Indian, Spanish, as well as instructions for looking up your own nationality

A key grammatical concept in the lecture is forming the masculine and feminine versions of adjectives.

In this lecture, you will learn how to make "I am a _______ (your job)" sentence.

You'll be able to say/write sentences such as:

I am a student
I am a teacher
I am a manager (journalist, employee, photographer, doctor, engineer, etc.)

The lesson discusses the key grammatical concept of forming the masculine and feminine versions of nouns.

This is a section review for the previous 3 lessons.

This section contains a summary of each language point that was taught in the section (and includes a downloadable PDF of the summary). It also includes audio files of all vocabulary in the lessons as well as some further words to extend your capabilities.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on mastering 'to be' sentences, which provides a solid foundation for constructing more complex sentences later on

Includes instructional videos, printable summaries, exercises, quizzes, and downloadable audio files, offering a multi-modal approach to learning

Requires familiarity with the Arabic alphabet, so learners may need to acquire this knowledge before starting the course

Teaches Modern Standard Arabic, which is used across the Arabic-speaking world in literature, journalism, academics, business, and politics

Develops pronunciation skills, which helps learners to be understood by native speakers

Explores grammatical structures such as nominal sentences, prepositional phrases, adjectives, and pronouns, which are essential for building fluency

Reviews summary

Foundational modern standard arabic grammar

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in the fundamental grammatical structures of Modern Standard Arabic. Students appreciate the clear, step-by-step approach, particularly focusing on mastering nominal sentences (the 'to be' equivalent). The video lectures are often described as easy to understand, and the accompanying exercises and quizzes are seen as helpful for reinforcing learning. Many reviewers feel the course successfully equips absolute beginners with the ability to build and understand simple sentences, moving beyond mere vocabulary memorization. While excellent for grammar basics, some suggest supplementing for more extensive pronunciation or conversational practice. Overall, it's widely considered an excellent starting point for learning MSA.

May need supplemental practice.

"While pronunciation basics are covered, I felt I needed more speaking practice outside the course."

"The audio files are helpful for vocabulary, but less so for natural speech rhythm."

"Consider finding conversation partners or other resources for verbal fluency."

Assumes prior knowledge of the alphabet.

"Make sure you know the Arabic alphabet before starting this course."

"It's clearly stated in the prerequisites that you need to know the letters."

"As an absolute beginner who knew the alphabet, I found the course accessible."

Deep dive into 'to be' sentences is beneficial.

"Mastering nominal sentences felt like a huge achievement early on."

"The focus on this fundamental sentence structure was very effective."

"Understanding the Arabic 'to be' equivalent was the perfect starting point."

Practice activities reinforce learning effectively.

"The exercises provided after each section were crucial for solidifying the concepts."

"Putting the grammar into practice with the exercises really helped me learn."

"The quizzes were a good way to check my understanding before moving on."

Methodical progression is great for beginners.

"The course is structured perfectly for absolute beginners, building knowledge gradually."

"I loved how each lesson added just a little bit more to what I already knew."

"It takes you from zero to building real sentences through a logical path."

Concepts are explained simply and logically.

"The explanations are very clear and easy to follow, even for complex ideas."

"I appreciated the methodical way the lessons progress."

"The videos explain everything very well, making grammar approachable."

Effectively introduces MSA grammatical basics.

"This course gives you a really solid foundation in the core grammar of MSA."

"It lays out the foundational concepts clearly, building step-by-step."

"I finally feel like I understand how sentences are built in Arabic, not just memorizing phrases."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Modern Standard Arabic Absolute Beginner's Course with these activities:

Review the Arabic Alphabet

Show steps

Solidify your knowledge of the Arabic alphabet to ensure a smooth start to the course.

Browse courses on Arabic Alphabet

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Watch a video tutorial on the Arabic alphabet.
Practice writing each letter multiple times.
Test yourself on letter recognition.

Review 'Arabic for Dummies'

Show steps

Gain a broader understanding of Arabic language fundamentals.

View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon

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Read the introductory chapters on Arabic grammar.
Complete the vocabulary exercises in each chapter.
Focus on pronunciation tips and practice speaking.

Practice Greetings and Introductions with a Language Partner

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Reinforce your understanding of greetings and introductions through interactive practice.

Show steps

Find a language partner online or in person.
Practice introducing yourselves in Arabic.
Role-play different greeting scenarios.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Create Flashcards for Vocabulary

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Solidify your vocabulary knowledge by creating flashcards for new words and phrases.

Show steps

Write the Arabic word on one side of the flashcard.
Write the English translation on the other side.
Review the flashcards regularly.

Read 'Alif Baa' as a reference

Show steps

Improve your pronunciation and reading skills by referencing a standard textbook.

View Alif Baa with Website EB (Lingco) on Amazon

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Review the sections on letter pronunciation.
Practice reading the example words and phrases.
Listen to the accompanying audio recordings.

Write a Short Paragraph Describing Yourself

Show steps

Practice using the vocabulary and grammar learned in the course to describe yourself in Arabic.

Show steps

Write a paragraph about your name, nationality, and job.
Include adjectives to describe your personality or appearance.
Share your paragraph with a language partner or tutor for feedback.

Help Beginners in Online Forums

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Reinforce your knowledge by helping other students who are new to Arabic.

Show steps

Find online forums or groups for Arabic learners.
Answer questions from beginners about the alphabet, greetings, or basic grammar.
Provide helpful explanations and resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Modern Standard Arabic Absolute Beginner's Course will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Translator

A translator converts written material from one language into another. This course in Modern Standard Arabic helps build a foundation for a career as a translator. The course helps you understand and use over 300 Arabic vocabulary words and phrases, which is beneficial for someone who translates documents. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences can support success in such a role. Anyone interested in becoming a translator should consider taking this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Arabic Language Teacher

An Arabic Language Teacher educates students in the Arabic language. This course may be useful for teaching Modern Standard Arabic at a beginner level. A teacher may find the course's focus on nominal sentences and basic vocabulary helpful for lesson planning. The course's learning objectives, such as understanding and producing nominal sentences, building sentences with pronouns, forming sentences with definite/indefinite nouns, and integrating adjectives, are all fundamental concepts a teacher would need to impart. This course may be a great place to start.

See salaries and explore the career path for Arabic Language Teacher

Interpreter

An interpreter converts spoken words from one language into another. This course in Modern Standard Arabic helps build a foundation for a career as an interpreter. The course helps you pronounce Arabic words correctly, which may be useful as an interpreter. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences can support success in such a role. Taking this course may serve as a starting point for an aspiring interpreter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Historian

A historian researches, analyzes, and interprets the past. A historian often needs a graduate degree. This course in Modern Standard Arabic creates a foundation in the language. This course may also be useful for researching historical documents written in Modern Standard Arabic. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may enhance research capabilities. This course may be a valuable addition for a historian.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Intelligence Specialist

An intelligence specialist gathers and analyzes information for security purposes. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may give someone an edge in intelligence work. The course is about understanding the foundational structures and concepts that make up the language, which can be applied to real world intelligence. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may be helpful for this line of work. Someone who wishes to work as an intelligence specialist should take this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Intelligence Specialist

Foreign Service Officer

A foreign service officer represents their country's interests abroad. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may be useful for developing a foundation in the language. The ability to pronounce Arabic words correctly, and the ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may be helpful for a foreign service officer. Anyone interested in working as a foreign service officer should consider this course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Foreign Service Officer

Journalist

A journalist investigates and reports on current events. This course in Modern Standard Arabic provides a foundation in the language used across the Arabic speaking world in literature, journalism, academics, business, politics, administration, and religious discourse. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may support a journalist's work. This course may be a good starting point for a journalist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Diplomat

A diplomat represents their country in international negotiations. This course in Modern Standard Arabic helps build a foundation in the language used across the Arabic speaking world. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences can benefit a diplomat when communicating with Arabic speakers. This course can help set someone on the path to becoming a diplomat.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diplomat

Cultural Attaché

A cultural attaché promotes cultural exchange between countries. This course helps build a foundation in Modern Standard Arabic, the Arabic used across the Arabic speaking world in literature, journalism, academics, business, politics, administration, and religious discourse. This professional must accurately pronounce Arabic words. Therefore, this course may be valuable. This course can help one understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into sentences. This course may be a good start for a cultural attaché.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cultural Attaché

Content Creator

A content creator develops written or visual material. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may be useful for content creators targeting an Arabic speaking audience. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may support the creation of engaging content. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may be a great starting point for a content creator.

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Linguist

A linguist studies the structure and evolution of language. While a linguist typically requires a graduate degree, this course in Modern Standard Arabic may be useful for those specializing in Arabic. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may support linguistic analysis. Given that Modern Standard Arabic is used across the Arabic speaking world in literature, journalism, academics, business, and politics, this course can be an initial step.

See salaries and explore the career path for Linguist

Market Research Analyst

A market research analyst studies market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may be useful for analysts focusing on the Arabic speaking market. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may support understanding surveys and reports. This course can be a good start for a market research analyst.

See salaries and explore the career path for Market Research Analyst

Technical Writer

A technical writer creates technical documentation for various products and services. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may be useful for technical writers who need to translate or adapt documentation for Arabic speaking users. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may support producing clear and accurate documentation. Taking this course in Modern Standard Arabic may be a good starting point for a technical writer.

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Librarian

A librarian helps people find information and manage library resources. This course in Modern Standard Arabic may be useful for a librarian working with Arabic language materials. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences may support a librarian's work. This course may be helpful for librarians.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Travel Agent

A travel agent assists customers with planning and booking trips. While this course in Modern Standard Arabic may not be directly applicable, understanding the basics of the language may still be useful for assisting travelers to Arabic speaking countries. The ability to understand and produce nominal sentences, build sentences using pronouns, form sentences using definite and indefinite nouns, and integrate adjectives into your sentences, and the course's focus on greetings and small talk may be helpful. This course may be an initial step for a travel agent.

See salaries and explore the career path for Travel Agent

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Modern Standard Arabic Absolute Beginner's Course.

Alif Baa with Website EB (Lingco)

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Widely used introductory textbook for learning the Arabic alphabet and basic pronunciation. It provides a systematic approach to mastering the sounds and shapes of Arabic letters. It useful reference for students who want to improve their pronunciation and reading skills. It is particularly helpful for students who are struggling with the pronunciation of certain letters or sounds.

Alif Baa with Website EB (Lingco)

Paperback

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Alif Baa with Website EB (Lingco)

Kindle Edition

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Alter Ego

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Provides a broad introduction to the Arabic language, covering essential grammar and vocabulary. It's particularly helpful for beginners who want a friendly and accessible overview before diving into more complex material. While not specifically focused on Modern Standard Arabic, it provides a solid foundation in basic Arabic concepts. It can be used as a reference text throughout the course.

Alter Ego: A Novel

Paperback

Modern Standard Arabic Absolute Beginner's Course

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Foundational modern standard arabic grammar

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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