Textbook

Alif Baa & Al Kitaab Book 1

The books Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds and Al Kitaab Fii Al-Kitaab Fii Ta Allum Al-Arabiyya are an excellent foundation for the study of Modern Standard and Spoken Arabic.

Levels 2-4

Novice to Interm.

200 Class Hours

Ages 12 to adult

Fusha & Dialects

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About the course

Part 1: Introduces literacy in Arabic, focusing on reading, writing, and simple conversations about daily life. It comprises two parts (A and B), each requiring about 35 hours. The course emphasizes Modern Standard Arabic, with exposure to Egyptian and Levantine dialects starting in Part B.

Part 2: Enhances communication skills in Arabic, covering present tense verb conjugation, descriptive sentences, and forming questions. This level also consists of two parts (A and B), each taking about 70 hours. Students improve their speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills through authentic texts and cultural topics related to family and education in the Arab world. While focusing on Modern Standard Arabic, students can also develop their skills in Egyptian and Levantine dialects.

Part 3: Broadens communication abilities, leading to intermediate proficiency. By the end, students can comfortably converse with native speakers on various concrete topics. Key skills include reading authentic texts, writing multi-paragraph texts, understanding news reports, discussing diverse topics, using Arabic dictionaries, and communicating accurately in past, present, and future tenses. The course emphasizes Modern Standard Arabic with continued exposure to Levantine and Egyptian dialects.

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Sample Materials

Lesson 1

Al Kitaab Part 1

Below is an example of the materials that are given to students studying from these textbooks. The pages are interactive. Click on any box to get started.

Student Reviews

Zaynab

“My community college class was a lot of grammar. This class was so much better because everything I learned, the grammar and the vocabulary, I got to use it in conversation. I wasted 3 semesters learning Arabic at the community college and I really wish I hadn’t because I learned more in this class."

Fatima

“These are the best lessons! I don’t like looking at the textbook because it's boring. Here our teacher does teach us things from the textbook but only a little, then we put it into practice and this makes it so much more enjoyable. Plus, the materials allow you to use your imagination and make your own stories."

Other useful information

These are the most popular textbooks for teaching beginning Arabic as a foreign language in American universities. While well respected, they have their critics. Common feedback includes:

Vocabulary is too formal and not practical for daily use.
Grammar explanations can be confusing.
The main character in the storyline can be annoying.

At Critical Language Service, we acknowledge these critiques. We believe no single textbook is perfect, and effective teachers supplement their resources. Here’s how we address these concerns:

Practical Vocabulary: We integrate lessons from various other textbooks, readers, and our custom materials.
Grammar Clarity: Our step-by-step video tutorials simplify grammar and vocabulary usage.
Engaging Storyline: We encourage students to have fun with the main character’s story by rewriting dialogues, creating parodies, and more. This approach makes learning enjoyable and significantly enhances Arabic proficiency.

For serious students of Modern Standard Arabic, we believe this textbook, combined with our unique teaching methods, is the most effective resource available.

Join us at Critical Language Service to experience a fun and comprehensive way to learn Arabic.

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