How to Learn Egyptian Arabic
Egyptian Arabic is regarded as one of the finest dialects of Arabic in the world. Many colleges offer courses in this particular dialect. To go about learning it yourself, though, will take more than just buying an Arabic-English dictionary. Not only is there a different alphabet and grammatical structure, but there is also the problem of pronunciation including sounds not commonly found in English such as the glottal stop.
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Things You'll Need
- Textbook and audio material
- Enrollment in Arabic class
- Arabic tutor
- Egypt travel
Instructions
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Invest in both a workbook and audio material. When you can hear the language on a tape made by a native speaker or professional, it will help your pronunciation. Tried-and-true programs include Rosetta Stone and Berlitz International (both have links listed under Resources.)
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Check out college courses one of you local colleges. Even if you are not enrolled as a student, you can usually enroll in a class for as a non-degree student. You'll find Arabic language classes in departments like Eastern Studies or Middle Eastern Studies. Contact the department to specify you want to learn colloquial Arabic and specifically Egyptian so that you will find the right class and the right instructor.
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Consider placing an add online or in your local newspaper seeking an Arabic tutor. Specify that you seeking the Egyptian dialect, and always ask for a resume and references. This is a good option if you simply want to learn how to speak it without learning the alphabet.
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Consider going to Egypt and enrolling at a language study program at a university like the American University of Cairo (AUC) that offer intensive programs during the semester and/or summer. You can learn the language and practice speaking it in the very culture of your interest. The website for AUC is below under Resources.
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Tips & Warnings
Decide first if you want to learn how to speak it only, or also read and write the language. These can help make your goals clearer for which course of action you want to take.
If you choose to go to Egypt, check for travel warning and restrictions as the political situation is not the most stable.
