Fundamental Concepts
In Phase 1, Arabic learners begin to acquire language from the world around them. The above video provides a sample of what beginning Levantine Arabic learners can expect in their first classes at Shababeek.
The resources used in acquiring beginning Levantine Arabic are physical objects (or virtual objects if you’re learning Arabic online).
Key aims in the beginning
First 1000 words
Focus on establishing a strong foundation. You’ll be building on it for years to come.
Listen
Recognizing how speech is used is primary as a beginner.
Grow…
You can’t master everything at the beginning. Take the pressure off yourself and have fun.
Examples of using “this” and “those” in basic sentences.
The Arabic Alphabet in the Levantine Dialect
Though we do not recommend trying to learn to read at an early stage, it is helpful to begin to familiarise yourself with the Arabic alphabet. This video uses Levantine Arabic vocabulary as examples, and shows what each letter looks like when used at the beginning, middle, and end of a word.
Narrative Development
Once you have laid the foundations of Levantine Arabic, you are ready to begin developing a narrative world.
Practice worksheets with audio examples below
Practice using اللي
“اللي” is commonly used in Levantine Arabic. Knowing how to use it in a sentence is essential.
What is the difference between عندي & معي?
Practice using “عندي” and “معي” in the appropriate sentence.
How to use لأنه
You will be using the word “لأنه” on a daily basis. Practice with this worksheet alongside the audio recording below.
Audio recording focusing on “اللي”
Audio recording focusing on “عندي” & “معي”
Audio recording focusing on “لأنه”
Reviewing Arabic verbs with animations
Reviewing verbs you learn in class is important. Animated videos help those verbs get rooted even deeper.
Commonly used “اسم الفاعل” (active participles) in the Levantine dialect.
Collective Experiences
Explore deeper than just the visual aspects by grasping and sharing familiar narratives, while also engaging in practical role-playing interactions.
You’re now ready to begin role playing common interactions between people. These are a few resources that aid Levantine Arabic language learners toward that end.
Podcast instruction in English
Sometimes it helps to have someone highlight patterns found in Levantine Arabic. In this podcast episode, Jennifer addresses how to know when to use بصير and بكون.
Practicing patterns of speech
Using بكون and بصير
Knowing when to use each term appropriately takes practice.
How to use two verbs together
When one verb follows another, a particular pattern is used.
Practice using عند ، عندي ، معي
Knowing when to use these can be tricky for Levantine Arabic learners.
Examples of using bikun (بكون) in the Levantine Arabic dialect.
Examples of using biseer (بصير).
Examples of using two verbs together in a sentence.
How to use مع with pronouns.
Using عند & على together in sentences in the Levantine Arabic dialect.
Personal and Cultural Narratives
As you deepen your understanding of the Arabic language, you will gain profound insights and fresh perspectives on local life and culture. At this stage in your language learning, you will enhance your understanding of personal narratives and societal values, giving you new eyes to see the world around you while also improving the accuracy of your communication.
If you’re studying Arabic in Jordan on a tourist visa, you’ll need to extend it at some point. Use this video to learn the language necessary to complete this process. (We also have an English version of the Jordan tourist visa extension video here).
Practicing patterns of speech
The ism fa’el is frequently used by Levantine Arabic speakers, but many Arabic learners struggle to integrate it into their daily speech. This video will introduce you to some of the most commonly used ism fa’el. Practice along with it and ask your Arabic language tutor or teacher to help you this speech pattern regularly.
Using كان in various combinations.
Knowing when to use each term appropriately takes practice.
Practice using
كل ما & طول ما in this worksheet.
When one verb follows another, a particular pattern is used.
The phrase
على طول is essential.
Knowing when to use these can be tricky for Levantine Arabic learners.
Listen to these sentences of how كل ما is used in Levantine Arabic to help you complete the above worksheet.
The phrase على طول is covered in this recording.
Using طول ما correctly will help you become a more fluent Arabic speaker.
Advanced Proficiency
Enhance your ability to engage in diverse social environments by immersing yourself in authentic speech through resources designed for an Arab audience. At the advanced proficiency level, your goals are to improve your language processing speed, familiarize yourself with discourse norms, and equip you to interact confidently with proficient speakers.
Knowing how to use and respond to mujamalat is essential for those who live in the Levant and interact with Arabic speakers. This video highlights a number of commonly used phrases and the appropriate response to each.
Practicing patterns of speech
Review the use of ما بالك.
You know you’re in an advanced level with the phrase. Few non-native speakers use it well.
Practice using
كل ما & طول ما in this worksheet.
When one verb follows another, a particular pattern is used.
The phrase
على طول is essential.
Knowing when to use these can be tricky for Levantine Arabic learners.
After listening to these examples of how ما بالك is used in Levantine Arabic, you’ll have a much stronger grasp of how to use the phrase yourself.
The phrase على طول is covered in this recording.
Using طول ما correctly will help you become a more fluent Arabic speaker.
Dialogues and interviews
These interviews are between two native Levantine Arabic speakers. During this phase of your Arabic learning, you will be able to understand speech intended for native speakers, which will not be slowed or simplified to accomodate an Arabic learner. The more resources like this you use, the easier it will be to understand native to native discourse.
What is high school like in Jordan?
What is it like to be a new mom and work at the same time?
What is the impact of social media?