Arabic Language Textbooks
Best Textbooks to Learn Arabic
Al-Kitaab fii Ta'allum al-'Arabiyya (A Textbook for Beginning Arabic) is the best Arabic textbook course available today. It is often used in universities, but can also be used for self-study. The book is very comprehensive and teaches massive amounts of vocabulary. (This is both a plus and a minus, as the text moves very quickly, without the chance for the amount of review and vocabulary use that you need for mastery if you using this book for self-study.)
One great point about this Arabic program is that a DVD comes with the book so you can hear and practice Arabic language sounds and listening skills. This book assumes knowledge of Arabic script, so if you are starting at the very beginning, you'll want to study Alif Baa first, which introduces both the alphabet about about 200 vocabulary words.
Arabic for Dummies will get you started in the language if you have never studied Arabic before. Arabic For Dummies is a general overview and basic introduction to Arabic. Though not for serious language learners, Arabic For Dummies will give the casual learner an interesting introduction to handy phrases for travel and to cultural topics like manners. The book is full of practice dialogues and communication tips. It covers:
- The Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, and basic grammar.
- The rules of transliteration from Arabic script to English script.
- Small talk and vocab for dining, shopping, or traveling around town.
- Phone and business conversation.
- Handy phrases for money, directions, hotels, transportation, and emergencies.
- Arabic culture and etiquette. This is really important if you plan to travel in an Arabic speaking country! It includes ten things you should never do in Arabic countries.
Arabic for Dummies also includes an Arabic-English dictionary, handy verb tables (if you have the language skills to use them!), and most importantly, an audio CD with dialogues to help you practice pronunciation.
Elementary Modern Standard Arabic, by McCarus & Abboud.
Like Al-Kitaab, Elementary Modern Standard Arabic is a self-contained course in Arabic, which is often used in university language courses. Elementary Standard Arabic is heavy on vocabulary and grammar and lighter on spoken Arabic. If you want to work on your Arabic reading and grammar skills, this book will help you learn. If you want conversation and culture, go for something like Arabic for Dummies combined with Pimsleur Arabic Language Program. Elementary Modern Standard Arabic was published by Cambridge University Press in the 1980s.
Mastering Arabic, by Jane Wightwick and Mahmoud Ghafar, is a new edition of Mastering Arabic, which has been very popular with Arabic language learners. The publishers claim it is "the most accessible, carefully-paced and lively introductory Arabic course on the market."
It is well laid out (not always the case with all Arabic learning textbooks!), with hundreds of cartoons and exercises. It has conversational sections that allow you to practice real Arabic speaking skills from the very start. There are even extra explanations and transliteration to help the self-study learner. Mastering Arabic is a popular title.
Arabic Verbs & Essentials of Grammar, by Wightwick & Gaafar is for the more advanced student. This is a good (and thorough) reference for grammar, parts of speech, verb conjugations, and more. If you haven't studied Arabic before, consider one of the titles above.
» Read about Arabic language learning software and audio products.
Through learning language, we learn about culture. Through learning about culture, we learn respect for others. Through learning respect for others, we can hope for peace.
- Anonymous
