Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic

In our last episode, we kicked off a panel discussion with seasoned learners, and today, we're picking up right where we left off.

In this installment, we explore the invaluable traits of perseverance and stubbornness that propel forward-thinking learners on their Arabic language journey. How do these qualities shape one's path to proficiency? Our panelists share their personal insights and experiences, shedding light on th...

Are you grappling with the intricacies of advancing your proficiency in Levantine Arabic? If so, you're not alone. In a recent panel discussion led by Jennifer, a group of seasoned learners shared invaluable insights and strategies gleaned from their collective experiences. Here's a breakdown of some key takeaways:

1. **Setting Motivated Goals**: Katie, who has dedicated over 1000 hours to her Arabic studies, stressed ...

Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the significance of Ramadan with our special guest, Anwar Nassar, from Amman, Jordan. Anwar shares her experiences and profound insights into the fasting month, highlighting its spiritual significance, cultural traditions, and cherished memories. Discover the essence of Ramadan, its daily routines, and the inclusive spirit it fosters. Gain valuable perspectives on empathy, unity...

Are you worried about losing your Arabic skills while traveling? In this episode, we explore effective strategies to sustain your language progress even when you're on the move. Whether you're away for a short trip or an extended stay, these tips will keep your Levantine Arabic skills fresh and flourishing.

Discover why continuing online sessions is your best bet for uninterrupted learning, regardless of your location. From...

Today's episode takes us on a linguistic exploration of the intricate relationship between words and their meanings. This episode invites listeners to rethink the traditional approach to language learning.

Jennifer challenges the idea that dictionary definitions alone can equip learners with the practical knowledge of when and how to use vocabulary. Drawing on the wisdom of linguists like Sinclair and Aitchinson, she emphasizes...

Levantine Arabic language learners often find prepositions to be a formidable challenge.

Our first piece of advice: resist the urge to directly translate prepositions. Dive into the unique world of Arabic, where each preposition crafts a distinct narrative. Learn to let Arabic exist within its own realm, allowing your mind to grasp the intricate dance of prepositions in this rich language.

Your journey to learn Arabic can be an adv...

Once Arabic learners reach an intermediate phase, it's common that they find they have plateaued in their language progress. In this episode, Jenn offers many practical strategies for effective Arabic learning in the intermediate phase.

Jenn mentions Shababeek's Development Consultation and Plan (found here) as an alternative to traditional Arabic proficiency testing.

If you would like to learn more about Shabab...

Our podcast guides you through the exciting journey of learning Levantine Arabic. Broadcasting from the vibrant city of Amman, Jordan, our mission is to provide valuable tips and insights to help you thrive in your Arabic language learning journey.

In this episode, we delve into the essential goals for intermediate Arabic learners. Language acquisition is an ongoing process that requires adjustments to match your evolving capa...

When learning a second language, many people feel they need to memorize lists of vocabulary words. Linguistic experts, however, have a different opinion.

In this episode, Jennifer addresses this issue. She notes that when we treat words like islands, disconnected from the words around them, we lose a significant portion of the meaning those words carry.

So how should Arabic learners acquire new vocabulary? That's wh...

In this episode, Jenn addresses the differences between the Levantine Arabic usage of بصير (biṣīr) and بكون (bikūn). These verbs are often challenging for Arabic students to sort out when they begin speaking. If you're learning Arabic and don't quite know how to use these verbs, listen to this episode.

If you're interested in learning more about Shababeek's approach to learning Arabic, visit our website here: shaba...

The word بصير (biṣīr in phonetic spelling) can often be challenging for students of the Levantine Arabic dialect. In this episode, Jenn covers three different examples of how بصير (biṣīr) is used. You'll also hear native Levantine Arabic speakers use examples in their own voices.

If you would like to learn Levantine Arabic and are interested in Shababeek's language learning approach, visit our site here: shababeekcent...

Over her years of coaching Levantine Arabic language learners, Jenn has noticed a tendency for many people to drop the verb بكون (bikūn). However, knowing when and how to use بكون will make Arabic learners more confident in their speaking ability and sound more natural to native Arabic speakers.

In this episode, Jenn addresses 5 ways بكون (bikūn) is used by native Levantine Arabic speakers. These include:

1. Place and time.
2. Wh...

Shababeek's experiential approach to learning Levantine Arabic is divided into 5 phases, with each phase having an estimated amount of time needed in Arabic learning sessions to be ready to move on to higher phases:

• Phase 1, "foundations", is roughly 100 hours.
• Phase 2, "visual story telling" is around 200 hours.
• Phase 3, "shared stories" is 300 hours.
• Phase 4, "deep understanding...

Most Arabic learners use the verb love (جب) much more frequently than they use the verb like (عجب). While these words are often interchangeable, the reason most people who learn Levantine Arabic don't use like is because it operates a bit differently in a sentence than the more straightforward use of love. In this episode, Jenn explains the challenge of using عجب for non-native Arabic speakers as well as provides language exerc...

This week Jenn reflects on the indispensable value of empathy when interacting with people from another culture or religious tradition. When we listen empathetically, we not only allow space for the other to continue to open up and tell their stories and share with us their experiences, we also make space within ourselves to be transformed. Cultivating the skill of empathetic listening is invaluable to language learners, especially...

In this Ramadan episode Jenn speaks with Besan about fasting traditions in Saudi Arabia, where she grew up, as well as celebrating the two Eids (Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha). You'll hear the following Arabic words that you can discuss with your nurturer or Arabic tutor:

منسف

مقلوبة

تراويح

سنة

عيد

عيدية

عيد الفطر

عيد الأضحى

حَجّ

عُمْرَة

مُحَرَّم

صومة العصفورة

If you're interested in learning more about Shababeek's...

This week, Nour joins Jennifer to discuss Ramadan in Jordan. Nour describes the personal as well as communal spiritual significance of the month of Ramadan. She also speaks on the importance of interfaith respect and relationships between Muslims and Christians in Jordan.

The following Arabic words are used in this episode:

مَبْروك

الله يبارك فيك

القرآن الكريم

خير

دعاء

صَلاة

(صلاة الفجر، صلاة الظهر، صلاة العصر، صلاة المغ...

In this episode, Anwar Nassar discusses the fasting month of Ramadan, learning to fast as a kid, fasting while pregnant, and more. You'll hear Anwar mention some Arabic words that may be new to you. This is a good opportunity to discuss these words and concepts with your nurturer or Levantine Arabic language teacher.

Arabic words mentioned in this episode:

ازمة

قطايف

رزقني

افطار

تراويح

صومة العصفورة

كفارة الصيام

عتق رقبة

Many Arabic learners want to know how many hours a week they should commit to learning the Levantine Arabic dialect. The answer depends on what Arabic learning phase you find yourself in. In this week's tip to learning Levantine Arabic, Jenn breaks down the amount of hours Arabic learners should spend in sessions/class compared to time spent in relationships with Arabic speakers.

If you're interested in learning more about ...