Learning the Arabic Language for Free
Learning Arabic has become a critical skill for many people wishing to work in government, the military, or just out of a sense of curiosity about the language. Though most people enroll in college courses, some free options include online software, downloadable Arabic programs and even in-person instruction.
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Significance
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Learning a new language, especially Arabic, can be a long, expensive process. College level courses require enrollment and credit hour costs, as well as language software programs such as Rosetta Stone. This may be a deterrent to many people who are genuinely curious about Arabic but may lack the funds to enroll in colleges or commit to an expensive language learning program. This is where the free alternatives come into play.
Function
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One free online Arabic instruction course is Madinah Arabic--the name itself means "Arabic city"-which is very user-friendly. The program is very structured, which may appeal to some students who need direction. Included is a Frequently Asked Questions section and a diagnostic that helps the basic learner get started and allows the experienced learner to brush up on the language. The Madina Arabic program is formed through the efforts of several volunteers. See Resources, below, for more information.
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Types
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Another good website from which to learn Arabic for free from is Arabic Speak 7 (see Resources, below). This website offers a multitiered approach to learning Arabic, including audio portions to hone pronunciation, a tutorial to learn the alphabet and grammar, and even basic calligraphy. The setup allows the user to pick and choose their lesson programs with relative freedom. The program is run voluntarily by the website creator who, on the home page, expounds upon the importance of learning Arabic to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps between English speakers and the Arab world.
Features
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Another option is Before You Know It, a free downloadable software program that offers its "Lite" version for Arabic learners. The program is useful to introduce Arabic students to the basic concepts and groundwork associated with the language, but in order to progress in the same program, the student will have to purchase the full program. See Resources, below.
Effects
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One of the most comprehensive ways to learn Arabic is by approaching the clergy of a local mosque. Many clergy members will match the prospective student with someone willing to teach the student for free. Other clergy members, however, may require a conversion to Islam (for non-Muslims) in order to learn Arabic.
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