Introduction

You decided to learn Arabic because your job or business probably took you to the Arab land or you planned a trip to one or more of the 14 different countries of the Middle East because you were intrigued by the ancient cities that you read about or were fascinated by the Islamic architecture or the tallest Burj Khalifa. Irrespective of the reason that prompted you to learn this beautiful language, it is important to understand that to be proficient in a language it is important to learn reading, writing, speaking and listening, all the four important aspects of a language. If you are thinking, well I know that tell me how to do it, then here it is.

1. Start with the alphabet

The Arabic alphabet is very different from most languages because it is written from right to left. Also, the letters are nowhere similar to what you know if you are a native English speaker or have learned any other romance languages. Hence, it is a good idea to start with the alphabet as you learn to speak. This would help you learn how each letter sounds and can be useful in learning pronunciation. You can find a printable alphabet chart. Listen to how the letters are pronounced as you practice writing them. You can find many free online resources for this. Depending on whether a letter appears in the beginning, middle or end or is used on its own, the form of the letter would change in Arabic. To understand and practice this difference, it is a good idea to find an Arabic reading course. Once you learn the alphabet and pick up a good vocabulary, start reading. You can begin with short stories, especially books written for kids. Children’s books are usually written in a very simple language which is easy to read and comprehend. Also, you can copy these sentences to further practice your writing.

2. Reading and writing go hand in hand

During the initial days of learning Arabic, to become good at writing, you can practice writing everything that you read. This would not only help you learn the alphabet faster but also ensure that you are able to bring that fluidity in writing letters which is very essential in writing Arabic. When you practice writing Arabic, reading aloud is a good practice. This would help you remember the words, understand the pronunciation and correct yourself when you hear yourself. Use books designed for beginners that help you practice your reading and writing abilities through various practice exercises. To further improve your writing, you can use simple sentences and write about your daily activities or describe things that you have in your house.