Introduction

The Internet is your go to source for almost everything these days. Why not learn Arabic online! If you have already decided to learn Arabic and are trying to find out what are some good ways to learn Arabic on the internet, then this is for you. Before you actually learn about the different ways to learn Arabic online, let us understand that there are many dialects in Arabic and hence be very clear about the one that you would like to learn. Though Modern Standard Arabic is used by the media and for reading and writing purposes, when it comes to conversational Arabic it can be a completely different scenario. Thus, start with a particular dialect and stick to it. If you are someone who is interested in learning and understanding the Quran, you would need to focus on classical Arabic.

1. YouTube 

If you would like to follow YouTube for your Arabic lessons online, make sure that you stick to one of them. This would avoid confusion and help you become comfortable with the teaching style of the tutor. Also, instead of being of any help, switching from one channel to another might just waste your time and when you look back you might not have learned much.

2. Start with the basics 

When compared to English, Arabic is a very different language. Thus, to become proficient in the language, it is important to start from the basics of all the four learning aspects of a language which are reading, writing, listening and speaking.

3. Reading and writing

Start with the alphabet. Arabic has a different alphabet, written from right to left which itself might need some getting used to. Thus, practice reading and writing together. This would ensure that you get the letters and the words in the future correct. Concentrate on the sounds of the letters and their combinations to understand the pronunciation from the beginning. There are many websites that provide audio with the letters. You can also use reading material that has a written transcript and audio. These can be used to read along and practice at your own pace.

4. Listening and Speaking 

Listening and speaking can go hand in hand. Listen to as much Arabic as you can from the start. Ensure that you practice active listening rather than playing the audio in the background and getting involved in some other chore. This results in passive listening and is of not much use when it comes to learning a new language. Make a note of the new words that you come across and observe how they are used in different contexts by the speaker. Start speaking Arabic at the earliest because most learners spend enough time on reading, writing and listening but hesitate to speak. Do not worry about the mistakes that you make in the initial learning phase as this helps you to learn further.

5. Join an online course 

You can join an online course at language learning platforms like Multibhashi where you get an opportunity to learn from a well-qualified teacher who is adept with teaching the language as per your level of understanding. Online classes help you learn in a structured manner from a teacher at your pace from the comfort of your space. Your interaction with the teacher can help you overcome the block of speaking in a new language to a stranger.   

Whatever mode of learning you choose online, free on paid, a website, YouTube, or an app, be prepared to put in a lot of practice and practice repeatedly to ensure that you remember what you have learned and use it for further learning.