Spoken Arabic is an integrated approach which aims to create an authentic environment for developing communication skills using Arabic dialects. Grammar will be embedded in the communicative activities.

The course focuses on:

• Making a connection between Modern Standard Arabic and the spoken dialects (such as Egyptian and Levantine), highlighting common linguistic structures
• Developing learners’ written and oral communicative skills using regional dialects
• Exploring and understanding cultural, social and political elements of specific regions where Arabic is spoken.
• Acquiring basic speaking skills for those interested in travelling or working in the Arab region, communicating with friends in Arabic as well as understanding TV shows, songs and movies.

Students will not be required to purchase a course book, as all the syllabus content will be prepared by the teacher, using authentic resources. However, a list of books and online resources will be recommended for self-study.

Part 1

Topics may cover: 

• Greetings
• Personal information (family, nationality, etc.)
• Talking about countries and nationalities
• Describing people and objects
• Numbers, calendar, time, dates
• Jobs
• Food and drinks

Functions may cover:

• Greetings and getting acquainted
• Exchange personal information
• Making polite requests
• Talking about what you do
• Identify numbers
• Simple shopping expressions

Grammar may cover: 

• The gender
• The possessive
• Definite and indefinite nouns
• Personal pronouns (I, you, he, she, we)
• Demonstrative pronouns
• Interrogation Words
• Verb to have
• Adjectives

Alphabet and sounds may cover: 

• Letters of the alphabet
• Long and short vowels
• Joining letters and writing practice

To acquire basic language skills and to achieve the equivalent of A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), entry level of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

By the end of the course you will:

• be able to communicate using regional dialects (Egyptian and Levantine) in very basic everyday-life situations, including greetings, daily activities, finding your way, telling the time and date, making simple purchases, ordering a meal, etc.
• be able to understand very simple oral and written texts and ascertain specific information on simple topics
• have developed an insight into Arab-speaking life, culture and society.

*The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.