Welcome to your journey of learning Levantine Arabic! Whether you’re fascinated by the rich cultures of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine, or you’re looking to enhance your career opportunities, this blog will guide you through the essential steps to get started. Levantine Arabic is not only a key to understanding a vibrant region, but also a gateway to new friendships, delicious cuisines, and unique experiences. Let’s dive into the plan that will set you on the right path. Below is my 6 step plan, tips, and resources that will help you get started on this journey.
Step 1: Understanding Levantine Arabic
The most common question I get asked: which dialect I should learn؟ I have covered this question in a previous post before. You can check it out here. For now let’s focus on learning Levantine Arabic.
What is Levantine Arabic? Levantine Arabic, a colloquial dialect, is widely spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. Unlike Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is used in formal writing and speech across the Arab world, Levantine Arabic is the everyday spoken language of these countries. It varies slightly from region to region, but learning one variant will enable you to communicate effectively across the Levant.
Why Learn Levantine Arabic?
Practical Benefits: Communicate with millions of native speakers and enjoy a deeper connection when traveling.
Cultural Enrichment: Understand Levantine media, music, literature, and cinema.
Professional Advantages: Open up career opportunities in international relations, business, and more.
Step 2: Getting Started with the Basics
Learning the Alphabet and Pronunciation
This step is entirely optional! No you do not need to learn how to read or write if you want to learn Levantine Arabic. And this is why I chose to write my textbooks in Arabic script and phonetics. So whether you know how to read or not, you can use our textbooks.
Arabic Alphabet: Start with apps like “Alif Baa” or websites like Madinah Arabic to learn the Arabic script.
Pronunciation: Focus on mastering the unique sounds. YouTube channels like ArabicPod101 offer excellent pronunciation guides. Keep in mind both Madinah Arabic and ArabicPod101 teaches the Fusha or MSA, so I would just use them to learn the alphabets.
Basic Vocabulary and Phrases
Common Greetings: Learn essentials like “Marhaba” (Hello) and “Shukran” (Thank you).
Daily Vocabulary: Start with numbers, days of the week, and common nouns. Use flashcard apps like Anki for practice. I don’t recommend creating actual flashcards on paper. Many of my students get excited at the beginning and then after we finish Lesson 1 from Book 1, they realize that they have around 100 flashcards already. It’s not practical! I highly recommend to use an app on your phone to create your visual flashcards. This way you have them everywhere you go!
Step 3: Building Foundational Skills
Listening and Speaking Practice
Listening: Immerse yourself in the language through podcasts. Check out ‘Levantine Arabic, made Easier Podcast”. We have more than 40 episodes. The scripts are available on our website and translated in English and are written in both Arabic script and phonetics. You can also check our Instagram page. I share weekly short stories and I provide the script as well.
Speaking: Practice with language exchange partners via platforms like Tandem or HelloTalk. You can also work with our wonderful native instructors. Who by the way are real teachers!
Reading and Writing Practice
Reading: Begin with children’s books and simple articles available on websites like Arabic Readers.
Writing: Keep a journal in Arabic, start with short sentences, and gradually build complexity. I ask my students to write one sentence a day, anything about their day! Could be as simple as; I eat chicken today, I go to work, I speak with my friends etc..
Step 4: Immersive Learning Techniques
Engaging with Levantine Culture
Music and Media: Listen to popular Levantine artists like Fairuz and watch TV shows like “Bab al-Hara” to improve your listening skills. I love Nadine Labaki movies! Some are available on Netflix and Youtube!
Cuisine: Cook traditional dishes and learn the related vocabulary. Websites like Chef in Disguise offer recipes and cultural insights.
Connecting with the Levantine Community
Language Meetups: Join local or online Arabic language meetups through platforms like Meetup.
Social Media: Participate in Facebook groups or forums dedicated to Levantine Arabic learners. I’m not a big fan of WhatsApp groups because they can become very busy, with notifications coming in every minute. Eventually, you’ll end up muting the group and only checking it occasionally.
Step 5: Advanced Learning Strategies
Taking Language Classes
Formal Courses: Enroll in our online language courses. We offer group and private sessions.
Structured Learning: Benefits include systematic progression and feedback from experienced teachers.
Self pace learning: If you have a busy schedule or you are on a budget, consider checking out our Masterclass. We offer different memberships as low as $9/month. And the best part is a free trial!
Grammar and Vocabulary: Focus on understanding complex grammar structures and expanding your vocabulary. Hire a professional instructor that understands the language. Not everyone that speaks Levantine Arabic is able to teach it. Be very selective. Learning Arabic is time consuming and a financial commitment!
Step 6: Staying Motivated and Consistent
Setting Realistic Goals
Short-term Goals: Set achievable goals like learning 10 new words a day or completing a chapter of a textbook each week.
Long-term Goals: Aim for conversational fluency and ability to construct longer sentences.
Overcoming Challenges
Consistency: Create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle. Consistency is key to language learning.
Motivation: Every word and conversation brings you closer to fluency. Stay curious and consistent—celebrate your progress. You’ve got this!
Creating a Study Routine
Daily Practice: Dedicate time each day to listening, speaking, reading, and writing (if writing is part of your plan).
Integration: Incorporate Arabic into your daily life, such as watching the news in Arabic or labeling household items.
I always tell my students don’t study Arabic once a week for an hour. Break that hour down and try to study frequently for a shorter period of time. Sometimes it’s only 10 minutes a day!
Embarking on the journey of learning Levantine Arabic is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. By understanding the basics, building foundational skills, immersing yourself in the culture, and staying motivated, you’ll find yourself making steady progress. Remember, the key is consistency and engagement with the language in a variety of forms. Start today, and enjoy every step of your language learning adventure!
Notes of Video “Words that you can use in English or French”.
In daily conversations, many Arabic speakers often use English or French words to sound more fluent and modern. This blending of languages, called code-switching, is especially common among the younger generation and in urban areas. Here are ten examples of such words frequently used instead of their Arabic counterparts. Understanding these can help you sound more like a native speaker. Let’s explore these words and their context in everyday Arabic. Incorporating these foreign terms into your speech can enhance communication and make interactions smoother.
Phonetic Script:
3inde telmiz na7feh w moser yo7faz kil kelmeh bil 3arabe. W seret ayletlo alef marah mish kil kilmeh bil 3arabeh lezim titarjam. Khastan iza badak te7ke mitel el-natives.
Masalan:
Asenseur mish mis3ad
Escalator mish daraj kahroba2e
Computer mish 7asoub
Credit card mish bita2et e2timen
Cellulaire mish jawal
Package mish tared
Autostrade mish tare2 el-sari3
Rond point mish douwwar
Bus mish hafilah
Gateaux mish kaleb el-halwah
Arabic script:
عندي تلميذ نهفة ومصر يحفظ كل كلمة بالعربي. و صرت أيلتلو ألف مرة مش كل كلمة بالعربي لازم تترجم. خاصةً إذا بدك تحكي متل natives.
مثلاً
أسونسير مش مصعد
أسكيلتر مش درج الكهربائي.
الكمبيوتر مش الحاسوب.
الكريدت كارد مش بطاقة إئتمان.
السلولار مش جوال.
الباكيج مش الطرد.
اوتستراد مش طريق السريع.
الرنبوان مش الدوار.
الباص مش الحافلة.
و الغاتو مش قالب الحلوة.
English Translation:
I have a very funny student who tends to memorize every word in Arabic and I have told him a million times that not every word in Arabic needs to be translated, especially if you want to sound like the natives.
Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re going to learn the names of body parts in Arabic. This guide is perfect for anyone curious about Arabic or wanting to expand their vocabulary.
Arabic is a beautiful and rich language. By learning the words for different body parts, you’ll not only improve your language skills but also gain a deeper understanding of another culture.
By now, you know how much I love teaching you new things, especially Arabic expressions. In this post, we’ll explore some daily Arabic phrases that include body part words.
We’ll go from head to toe, covering all the basics. Ready to start learning? Let’s dive in!
Arabic Expression
Literal Meaning
Definition
3ala rase’ / على راسي
On my head
You are welcome/ You got it
Min 3youne / من عيوني
From my eyes
Of course my pleasure
Min timak la bweb el-samah /من تمك لأبواب السماء
From your mouth to the doors of the sky
May your wishes come true
Toli3 el-sha3er 3ala el-seneh / طلع الشعر ع لساني
Hair grew on my tongue
When someone doesn’t listen to you
Yale’ fee saleh ta7et batou btin3aru / يلي في سلة تحت باطه بتنعره
Whoever has a basket under their armpit will punch them
A person who feels offended will be offended
La ejre’ / اجري
To my leg
I don’t care
Salem Dayetek/ak / سلم دياتِك
Bless your hands
Thank you especially when someone cooks for you or gets you a gift.
Learning Levantine Arabic expressions, learners gain deeper insights into the language, improve their communication skills, and enhance their overall linguistic proficiency. Today’s new video I shared on Instagram is about 5 new expressions you need to learn when learning Levantine Arabic or Lebanese Arabic. I recommend watching the video first at the bottom of this blog, then try again while reading the script, and finally take a look at the notes to pick your favorite ones to add to your flashcards! Enjoy!
Notes of Video “Slang2”.
Phonetic Script:
Khams ta3abir jded byesta3emlohon ahel el-balad, w enta kamen lezim tista3melon el-yom.
Asle ya3ne original or authentic: mnesta3mela la nusuf shakhes aw rfea2 bn7eso wafe’ w ghale’.
Khosh-bosh: ana w yeh khosh-bos. Mnesta3mela la nusuf 3ale2ah bayne w ben shakhes ktir 2rab w merte7in ma3 ba3ed.
Salbe’: mish ma32ol ente shu salbeh. Salbe’ ya3ne 7ada ktir cool.
Rekbet jeyeh min verb ‘yerkab’ ya3ne to ride. Bnesta3mela lama badna n2ol inu el-mawdo3 meshe 7alo. Khalas meshe 7alo rekbet.
W ekher kelmeh: galobs ya3ne lezim ro7 aw fel leave. W ana kamen sar lezim ru7.
Arabic script:
خمس تعابير جداد بيستعملوهن اهل البلد وانت كمان لازم تستعملهم اليوم.
أصلي يعني اوريخنل او اوثنتك منستعملها لنوصف شخص او رفيق منحسه وفي وغالي.
خوش بوش، انا واياه خوش بوش منستعملها لنوصف علاقة بيني وبين شخص نحن كتير قراب ومرتاحين مع بعض .
مش معقول انت شو سلبي، سلبي يعني حدا كتير كول .
ركبت جايه من فعل يركب يعني تو ريد، منستعملها لما بدنا نقول انه الموضوع مشي حاله، خلص مشي الحال ركبت.
و آخر كلمة غالوبس (Gallopse) يعني لازم روح او فل ليف.
و انا كمان صار لازم روح بس قبل ما روح ما تنسوا تعلقوا.
English Translation:
Five new expressions used by natives that you need to start using from today.
Asleh means original or authentic. We use it to describe a friend that we feel is loyal and valuable.
Khosh-bosh, him and I are khosh-bosh. We use it to describe a person we are very close and comfortable with.
Salbe’, unbelievable how cool you are. Salbe’ means a very cool person.
Rekbet, comes from the verb to yerkab which means ‘to ride’. We use it to say everything is under control and it’s all good.
And the last word is Gallops which means I need to go or leave. I also need to leave.
Notes:
Vocabulary
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Authentic or original
Asle’
Asliyeh
Could also be used to say an object is original or authentic. Example: Hayda el-gezden asle’. This purse is original.
If your friend has invited everyone to her wedding except you, it can be a hurtful and confusing experience. The best course of action is to approach the situation with open communication. Ever wondered how to talk about this in Arabic? This week’s new video, I will share a story that was shared by you and talk about it in Arabic. As usual, watch the video at the end of the page and check out the important vocabulary that you might need to add to your list.
Thank you for being here 🤍
Notes of Video Wedding”.
Phonetic Script:
Rfe2te 3azamit kil as7abna 3ala 3ersa ela ana! Shu ba3mul?
A new story shared by you, let’s talk about it in Arabic.
Akid hayda shi biza3elne law ana ma7alek. Bus fike ta3emle sha-gheltein. Fike tanshiha w ma t2ole shi abadan! Bil 3arabe min2ol ‘la ejrek’. Bil 3akes hek btkune wafarte 3ala 7alek masare le2an ken lezim tshtrela hdiyeh aw cadeau.
Hal2 iza badek twa27e 3ein, fike te7emle telephone, w de2ela, w t2ilila enta we7de bala zo2 w bala akhla2. Kholsit!
Arabic script:
رفيقتي عزمت كل اصحابنا على عرسها، الا انا شو بعمل؟
قصة جديدة بعتولي ياها انتو، خلينا نحكي عنها بالعربي.
اكيد هيدى الشيء بزعلني لو انا محلك، بس فيكي تعملي شغلتين فيكي تطنشيها وما تقولي شيء ابداً، بالعربي منقول لاجرك، بالعكس هيك بتكوني وفرتي على حالك مصاري لان كان لازم تشتري لها هدية او كادو cadeau.
هلأ إذا بدك توقحي عين فيكي تحملي التليفون وتدقي لها وتقولي لها انت وحدة بلا ذوق وبلا اخلاق، خلصت!
English Translation:
My friend invited all our friends to her wedding except me. What do I do? A new story shared by you. Let’s talk about it in Arabic.
Of course this would make me sad if I were you, but you can do two things. You can ignore her and not say anything at all. In Arabic we say, ‘for your leg’. On the contrary, you would have saved yourself some money because you needed to buy her gift.
But if you want to be unapologetic, you can hold the telephone and call her and tell her you have ‘zero taste and zero moral’. It’s done!
Notes:
Vocabulary
Masculine
Feminine
Notes (if any)
Wedding
3eres
Thing
Shaghleh
You can also say ‘shi’ which means something. But ‘something’ can’t be changed into duals. Whereas, if you are trying to say two things, you must say sha-gheltien.
Ignore
Tanesh
Tanshe’
Ignore her: Tanshiha
Ignore him: Tanshe
The root verb is Tanash(Ytanesh). And this word is in the command form.
To your leg
La ejrak
La ejrek
A phrase that means ‘don’t care’
Gift
Hdiyeh
To be unapologetic
Twa2e7 3ein
Twa27e 3ein
Literal meaning is: not make your eyes shy. We say it when we are trying to ask or do something without being shy about it.
