Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic

Why do Arabic speakers say alhamdulillah no matter what’s happening in their lives—even in hardship?

In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning behind one of the most common phrases in Arabic: الحمدلله (alhamdulillah).

Based on real conversations with Arabic speakers in Jordan, this episode shows how this simple expression goes far beyond “praise be to God.” It reflects a worldview shaped by gratitude, trust, and resilience—and p...

If you want to sound natural in spoken Levantine Arabic, you need to use one small but powerful word: اللي (illi).

In this episode, we break down how اللي (illi) works, why it’s not optional, and address some of the most common mistakes Arabic learners make when using it.

Episode emphases:

• The 4 main functions of اللي (illi) in spoken Levantine Arabic
• How it specifies people, places, and things
• How it’s used in generaliza...

How do you say thank you in Arabic?

Saying shukran is just the beginning. In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, recorded in Amman, Jordan, Jennifer takes you far beyond the basic “thank you” and into the rich world of Levantine expressions of appreciation.

Arabic is full of مجاملة (mujāmaleh)—social expressions that communicate gratitude, warmth, respect, and relationship. While learners often rely on شكرًا (shukran...

How Do You Really Make Friends in Jordan?
In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, Jennifer sits down in Amman with Adriana to talk honestly about one of the most common—and intimidating—questions language learners ask: How do you actually build real relationships with local people in Arabic?

Adriana shares her personal journey of forming deep friendships in Jordan, even in the early stages of learning Arabic. As a ...

In this episode, we bust one of the most persistent myths in Arabic learning: that memorizing vocabulary lists leads to fluency. Spoiler alert—it doesn’t.

Building on the previous episode, Stop Translating: Learn Arabic in Arabic, we explore why memorization often derails even the most motivated learners and how it leads to exhaustion, discouragement, and burnout long before reaching meaningful proficiency.

Drawing on decades of coac...

In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, host Jennifer Kilpack broadcasts from Amman, Jordan, sharing one of the most important lessons for Arabic learners: stop translating from your first language and start thinking directly in Arabic.

Many language learners hit a plateau because they rely too heavily on translation. Jennifer explains why this habit slows your fluency, blocks your cultural understanding, and keeps yo...

We’re sharing five powerful tips to boost your language acquisition—no matter the language you’re learning. Drawing on 20+ years of experience and fresh insights from my master’s research in linguistics, I’ll show you how to:

• Stop memorizing single-word flashcards and use collocations instead

• Connect new words directly to objects and experiences, not translations

• Follow the natural order of language development for faster progress

• ...

In this episode of Tips for learning Levantine Arabic, we tackle one of the biggest challenges for learners: Arabic prepositions. Whether you’re studying Levantine Arabic in Jordan, preparing for Arabic immersion, or learning spoken Levantine Arabic online, mastering prepositions is key to speaking accurately and fluently.

Discover why Arabic prepositions cause persistent errors even for advanced learners, how they differ from Engli...

In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, we sit down with Reagan White, a dedicated language learner who has spent two years immersed in Arabic study at Shababeek Center for Intercultural Development. Reagan shares the strategy, mindset, and commitment that helped him reach near-superior proficiency in Levantine Arabic.

We discuss why he chose an immersion method of Arabic acquisition, the importance of community-based...

Join us as we delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Circassian community in Jordan. Our guest, Sama, shares her unique perspective on Circassian history, traditions, and customs. From the Circassian diaspora to their significant role in Jordan today, we explore how this community has preserved its identity. We also dive into how Sama and her community celebrate Ramadan, highlighting the ways they observe this holy month. Tun...

In this episode, Jennifer delves into the concept that vocabulary meaning is discovered through word combinations, a principle heavily emphasized by modern linguists. She shares an exercise inspired by an Arabic learner at Shababeek, to demonstrate how understanding collocations can clarify the nuances of words like قطعة and حبة. By paying attention to word combinations, you'll learn how to flesh out the meaning of language mor...

In this episode, Nour interviews Ethan, a student at Shababeek, about reaching the Advanced High Proficiency level in spoken Levantine Arabic. Ethan has been studying Arabic in Jordan for 2 years and he recently completed the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) where he received this placement. The OPI is based on one's ability to use a language "effectively and ap...

In this episode Jennifer shares insights from her 15 years of experience as a language advisor and program director in Amman, Jordan. With over 1,800 students coached, Jennifer discusses common language errors that are often made while learning spoken Levantine Arabic.

This episode focuses on two key categories of errors:

1. Verbs with Different Functions: You'll gain awareness of how Arabic verbs can differ significantly from the...

In this episode, we explore the vital concept of fossilization for those learning Arabic. Learning Levantine Arabic, like mastering any skill, involves inevitable missteps. But instead of fearing failure, we encourage you to embrace it as a crucial part of the journey. We'll break down the importance of "noticing the gap" and "noticing the hole" in your Arabic learning process, and how working with a language learning coach can hel...

In this episode, we dive into why Jordan is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Arabic language learning. From savoring the country’s delicious street food and fresh seasonal produce to exploring its breathtaking natural wonders like the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, Jordan offers a rich cultural backdrop that enhances your learning experience. We’ll also cover Jordan's affordable healthcare system, its family-friendly envi...

In this episode, we explore the sometimes profound difference between intent and impact when engaging with diverse cultures. Join us as we delve into personal anecdotes and essential insights that highlight how well-meaning actions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

We discuss common cultural misunderstandings that Westerners often face in Arab countries, from body language missteps to navigating deeply rooted social no...

In our current series covering cultural insights for Arabic language learners who live in the Middle East, we explore some nuances of Arab culture to help you adapt and thrive in your new environment. These episodes offers practical tips on cultural norms, social etiquette, and effective communication, helping you integrate into the culture and build relationships of mutual respect.

In our last episode, we discussed the delicate ba...

Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. For Arabic learners, one such hurdle often encountered is the ism fa'el (إسمُ الفاعِل), a vital aspect for speaking the Levantine dialect proficiently. In a recent workshop at Shababeek Center for Intercultural Development in Amman, Jennifer and Anwar delve into this intricate component, shedding light on its nuances and providing va...

Continue with our panel of seasoned Arabic learners as they share invaluable insights and strategies on navigating the complexities of language acquisition. From embracing mistakes to optimizing study methods, this episode offers practical tips and encouragement for listeners embarking on their journey to Arabic fluency. Join us as we delve into the nuances of Arabic learning, celebrate progress, and inspire learners to unlock thei...