Step1
Learn which letters and sounds are the same in both English and Arabic. Arabic uses the sounds of these English letters: b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, s, t, w, and z. In addition, Arabic has the sounds "sh" and "th." When you see any of these letters, or letter combinations, say them just like you would in English.
Step2
Pronounce the vowel "a" as in "father." (Examples: walad, kanada, anta, ana) When you see "aa" pronounce it as "ah" but with more emphasis. (Examples: falaafil, shaadya, haatha, kitaab) NOTE: Some dialects of Arabic pronounce "aa" with a sound that is similar to the short "e" vowel sound, as in "bed." The sound is halfway between "ah" and "e."
Step3
Use the rules of English phonics to guide you for other vowel sounds. Say the word like it looks in English. (Examples: mumkin, min, fee, laysa, huwa)
Step4
Pronounce the letter "r" with a rolling sound, just like in Spanish, with your tongue vibrating against your teeth. (Example: mudaris, faar, sareer, ureed)
Step5
Pronounce the letter "j" so that it sounds like the "s" in the word "pleasure." (Examples: shajar, majalla)
Step6
Pronounce the letter "q" like a "k" said from the very back of your throat. Pretend you are about to gargle (open your mouth and put your tongue in the back) then try to say "k." It should come out sounding like the Arabic letter "q."
Step7
Learn to pronounce the emphatic letters: H, S, T, D and TH. Pronounce the capital letter H by saying it from deep down in your throat. Tighten your vocal chords, then exhale. Pronounce the capital letters S, T, D and TH by keeping your tongue away from the front of your mouth. Pretend you are going to say "kuh," but then say "suh, tuh, duh and thuh."
Step8
Say the letter combination "kh" as if you are clearing the back of your throat in order to spit. That sound you make before you spit is the sound that "kh" makes! (Example: akh)
Step9
Say the letter combination "gh" in a similar way to "kh" but try to say the sound "r" while doing so. If you happen to be familiar with French, the Arabic "gh" is very similar to the French "r" sound, made in the back of the throat. (Example: ghurfa)
Step10
When you come to an apostrophe, it can mean one of two things. In some texts, it is used to represent the letter "ayn" which is said by tightening your vocal chords then saying "ah." (Example: arba'a) Other translators will use the apostrophe to represent something called a "glottal stop," which is made by blocking off the back of your throat (like when you hold your breath) then releasing it suddenly. (Example: wara') Say "wah-rah," but when you say the "rah" you close the back of your throat right at the end of the syllable, as if you are holding your breath, then let it go again right away.
Step11
If you see the number 3 in a word, it represents the letter "ayn" which is said by tightening the area around your vocal chords then saying "ah." (Example: 3la)