Learning Arabic through immersion programs can be culturally and academically enriching. Whether you’re looking to learn Arabic to advance your career or for personal growth, Arab Academy can help you achieve your goals. Here’s more information about how to prepare yourself for a language immersion program:
Learn Basic Vocabulary and Phrases
With Arab Academy, you’ll have access to resources to help you quickly learn everyday phrases. It is helpful to learn enough to know how to ask for directions, greet or thank someone, and introduce yourself. We offer beginner courses for students to learn Arabic vocabulary and phrases. You can start with these basic words:
- Hello: Marhaban
- Peace be upon you: As-salaam alykum
- Thank you: Shukran
- You’re welcome: Afwan
- My name is: Ismi
Understand Different Arabic Dialects
Arabic is a diverse language with various spoken dialects. While Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is widely used in media, literature, and formal communications, native speakers often use regional dialects in everyday conversations. At Arab Academy, we offer courses in Modern Standard Arabic and Egyptian Arabic.
Be Culturally Aware
Arab Academy offers immersion programs in Cairo, Egypt, where you can live at our Garden City campus. There, you’ll be able to experience Arab culture among the natives in an upscale neighborhood. As hospitality is a central value in Arab culture, guests are treated with respect. Hosts might expect you to react in certain ways to their hospitality, so try to become familiar with those customs. If someone offers you a cup of coffee or tea, it might be seen as polite to decline at first before accepting the second or third offer.
Religion is usually very present in Arabic-speaking countries, and participating in these celebrations can be a good way to expand your vocabulary. The Quran is written in classical Arabic, so you might read it to exercise your language skills. It’s a good way to learn about Islamic religious practices and culture. You’ll also become familiar with different traditions in countries by visiting various historical sites.
Use Arabic Media
Practice Arabic through media, such as films, news, and music. Movies and songs may introduce you to more informal and conversational speech, teaching idiomatic expressions and cultural references. Watching content with Arabic subtitles might help students match spoken words to their written form, reinforcing vocabulary and grammar.
Choose Immersion To Learn Arabic
Through immersion programs, students can learn about more than the local language. You’ll have opportunities to explore local traditions, such as participating in cultural festivals like the Ramadan festivities. Students may expand their vocabulary by learning about the regional cuisine, music, and arts. Immersion programs offer students a culturally diverse and holistic learning environment. Using the language for practical, everyday communication may allow you to build a stronger vocabulary. At Arab Academy, we’ll help you prepare for your immersion with classes to build useful language skills. Sign up for our online courses or reach out to our team members to learn how you can get started learning Arabic today.
