How to Learn Arabic in Lebanon
A country famous for its great beauty, Lebanon can be an excellent place to study and learn Arabic. The population, especially in major cities like Beirut, is well-educated, and it is not uncommon for foreigners to study at the universities. While the security situation has, in the recent past, been a concern for travelers, language programs still exist and remain popular with foreigners. You can take advantage of what Lebanon has to offer if you go about it the right way.
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Things You'll Need
- Standard Arabic-English dictionary
- Current travel guide for Lebanon
- Accommodations for the length of your time in Lebanon
Instructions
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Steps to Learn Arabic in Lebanon
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Determine your basic level of Arabic before you travel. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student will determine which kinds of programs are best suited to your needs.
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Do your research. There are many different programs for learning Arabic in Lebanon. Lebanese universities, such as the American University in Beirut, offer programs for foreigners wishing to learn Arabic. You can also look into private programs run by travel and language-learning companies.
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Look for feedback from those who have previously participated in programs. Online testimonials, word-of-mouth recommendations, and independent ratings are all useful in determining the best programs.
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Decide what kind of Arabic you want to learn. Programs in Lebanon teach both Modern Standard Arabic (fusha) and Lebanese Arabic. If your goal is to speak to Lebanese people, the Lebanese dialect is a better choice. If you want to understand written Arabic or to use Arabic in other countries, it is better to focus on Modern Standard Arabic.
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Plan for the amount of time you need for your studies. Arabic programs in Lebanon vary in length, from only a couple of weeks up to a year.
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If you live in an area with a large Lebanese community (as many major cities, especially in Michigan), see if you can meet Lebanese people before you travel. They can help with language, travel plans and with potential cultural obstacles.
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Tips & Warnings
Even if you don't know Arabic in advance, learn the Arabic alphabet before you travel to Lebanon. Knowledge of the alphabet will allow you to read signs and travel in the country. Try to arrange a home-stay situation while in Lebanon. Many language programs offer this service, which is an excellent way to practice and improve your language skills.
While Lebanon has been reasonably safe for foreigners since the end of its war with Israel in 2006, the security situation there remains tense. Be sure to check the most recent State Department warnings for the region before you travel. Even in calm times, there are areas of Lebanon that are best avoided by travelers. Follow warnings and advice about safe areas and check to make sure your information is current. Due to France's colonial history with Lebanon, French is a commonly spoken language, especially among the well educated. If you speak French, make sure you do not succumb to the temptation of speaking French instead of Arabic. Do not expect to understand Lebanese Arabic perfectly, even if you already speak Modern Standard Arabic or another Arabic dialect. Pronunciation and vocabulary can vary greatly between the dialects.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.cs.kent.edu/~jhoblos/link_lebanon_files/image001.jpg
