Arabic

Why learn Arabic?

Arabic is the fourth most widely spoken language in the world, with about 300 million native-speakers (over 400 million including non-native speakers). It is spoken in 26 states as the official language, plus many others as a 2nd language, as well as being one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

What are some key phrases?

Hello

السلام عليكم

as-salām 'alaykum

 

How are you? (m)

How are you? (f)

كيف حالك؟

كيف حالك؟

kayfa ḥālak

kayfa ḥālik

 

Thank you

(Response to how are you)

لحمد اللة

Alhamdullah

 

Thank you (General and show gratitude)

شكرا

shukran

 

Are there any words I might recognise?

The Arabic prefix “al” means ‘the’ and can be recognised in English words of Arabic origin like ‘algebra’ (الجبر, al-jabr) and ‘alcohol’ (الكحول, al-kuhool). Many other words used in English came directly from Arabic, like ‘sugar’ ( سكر , suker) , ‘cotton’ (قطن, qutn), ‘coffee’ ( قهوة, qahwa), or safari ( سفارى, safari)

Interesting facts:

  • Arabic is written from right to left, has a cursive script of 28 consonants and the vowels are indicated mostly for the benefit of beginners, by additional markers above and below the consonants
  • Learning Arabic involves the study of the written language, Modern Standard Arabic, also known as fus-ha and of one of the local spoken dialects
  • Many English or French words are used in Arabic, but with slight variations, to reflect the fact that the sounds of consonants “p” and “v” do not exist in Arabic

Get started today...

Our full timetable can be found on the registration page. Information on fees can be found on our payment and costs page.

We offer a range of levels for most languages from beginner to advanced. Our courses match the standard Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels - from A1 to C2.

  • Beginner (A1) - A solid start to learning the language.
  • Post-Beginner (A1+) - Gain in confidence with the basics.
  • Improvers (A2) - Start to hold longer, routine conversations.
  • Language and Culture (B1 to B2) - New topics each semester to develop to a higher level.
  • Advanced (C1) - Use the language in more extended and complex situations.

As well as this language, we offer over 30 other languages. Can’t decide which language to learn? Try one of our free Intro Sessions where we’ll teach you the basics and you can decide if it’s for you. Learn how to join an intro session.

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