Is learning Arabic an important life goal? Perhaps you plan to travel to Arabic-speaking countries. Or maybe you’d like to relocate to the Middle East for a job opportunity.
Whatever’s motivating you to learn Arabic, there have never been more ways to master it, from apps to courses and more. But what’s the best way to learn Arabic?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, fear not, you’re in the right place. I’m going to cut through the confusion so you know how to get started and enjoy your learning along the way.
No matter how you go on to learn Arabic, you’ll be thrilled that you got going. If anything, your only regret will be not having started sooner.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this post.
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How Not To Learn Arabic
Why is learning a new language such a struggle for so many? All you want to do is chat with vendors at the souk but the vocabulary and grammar won't stick in your head.
But it’s not that you’ve got a bad memory or lack some kind of language “talent” or “gene”. Arabic is hard to learn because of something I like to call the old “Parrot Problem” of language learning.
The Parrot Problem means learning with a “repeat after me, like a parrot” method where you have to:
- Memorise grammar rules
- Do endless drills and exercises
- Make flashcards with vocabulary lists
- Take tests and quizzes
If it sounds like the method you remember from school, that’s because it is. Parrot approaches only engage the logical, analytical part of your brain. The words and rules you learn go into your short-term memory, so you end up forgetting a lot of them.
You might think that Parrot methods have been left in the past where they belong. But a lot of so-called up-to-date Arabic apps and courses are based on these ineffective techniques.
That’s not to say that these apps and courses can’t help you master a few Arabic phrases. But even so, you still can’t have a fluid, stress-free conversation with your Arabic-speaking friends.
What Is The Best Way To Learn Arabic?
The best way to learn Arabic online is via a natural method that lets you learn the language fast and remember it long term.
My method, called StoryLearning, achieves this, without running into the drawbacks of the Parrot Problem.
Thanks to my StoryLearning method, you learn Arabic in a natural way, like you did when you learnt your first language as a child, through stories, not rules.
When you read or listen to a story, your brain doesn't just process information like it would with a textbook. Instead, multiple areas of your brain light up simultaneously:
- Your left temporal cortex (the language centre) activates
- Your memory centres spring into action
- Your emotional brain gets involved
- Your frontal cortex (responsible for attention) engages
It's like a symphony of neural activity, all working together to help you learn. What’s more, brain scans show this activity continues for days after you read the story!
That’s why the StoryLearning method harnesses the power of story to teach you Arabic. You learn Arabic almost passively, the same way that a native Arabic speaker learns. That is the exciting result of learning through stories instead of rules, drills and flashcards.
This fresh and fun approach makes StoryLearning the best way to learn Arabic.
Best Way To Learn Arabic Online
The best way to learn Arabic online is with my Arabic Uncovered courses which teach you through StoryLearning.
Thanks to Arabic Uncovered you go from beginner to pre-intermediate level by reading and listening to an Arabic story crafted for language learners.
After immersing yourself in the story, you watch comprehensive video lessons where your expert Arabic teacher breaks down the Arabic you met in the story.
The StoryLearning method combines all of the benefits of online learning—like flexibility, modern engaging materials, and different types of media—with a fresh, motivating method that focuses on story, natural repetition and understanding.
Your brain is perfectly wired for learning through story. It’s how humans have been communicating for thousands of years. That’s why you remember the Arabic you learn through story so well.
Best Way To Learn Arabic Fast
Who doesn’t want to learn Arabic fast? Being stuck at the beginner stage is no fun. We all want to chat to native speakers or dive into interesting Arabic content quickly.
As for how to learn Arabic fast, there’s no huge secret. Fast language learning is about making an effort to learn and practise daily and sticking with your study routine.
If you have the discipline and time to make Arabic part of your daily life, you can pick it up quite quickly. But if you want guaranteed fast Arabic fluency, StoryLearning VIP is for you.
StoryLearning VIP is a 10-week coaching programme to get you your big language breakthrough in Arabic. The programme is a winning combination of a proven method backed by science and personal support to ensure your success.
This programme isn’t a magic bullet to fluency in Arabic, because you still have to put in the work. But with built-in accountability, plenty of speaking practice, and a supportive cohort of fellow VIP learners, you will finish the 10-week programme with your Arabic transformed.
Best Way To Learn Arabic For Travel
What if you don’t need Arabic fluency? Perhaps all you need are some basic Arabic phrases to survive on a trip to the ancient city of Petra or a visit to the pyramids.
If that sounds like you then you’re no doubt wondering – what’s the best way to learn Arabic for travel?
The best way to learn Arabic for travel is to learn and practise specific language for real, in-country scenarios you’ll run into while out and about in Arabic-speaking countries.
That will look like knowing some Arabic greetings as well as some phrases for getting around, eating out at a restaurant or checking in at a hotel.
The good news about learning Arabic for travel is that you can master it quite quickly. That’s because you’re picking up highly-targeted vocabulary to use in a particular context.
And I have exactly what you need to learn Arabic for travel – it’s my series of blog posts about Arabic phrases for different parts of the Arabic-speaking world:
You’ll discover common Arabic phrases to say thank you, greet people, ask for help, shop, eat out and more in different Arabic dialects.
This no-nonsense approach ensures you’re able to get by in travel Arabic no matter where you go in the Arabic-speaking world.
Best Way To Learn Arabic While Driving
Learning Arabic is an important life goal for you. But a lack of time is holding you back. If you work and have a long commute, fitting Arabic into your routine can seem impossible.
But a commute is in fact a fantastic opportunity to learn Arabic behind the wheel. So what’s the best way to learn Arabic while driving?
I’m health and safety conscious so I can’t recommend Arabic resources like books or videos for learning while driving. But you can use your ears to learn Arabic instead of your eyes.
Arabic audio for learners is the way to go if you’re on the road. You could listen to Arabic podcasts or an Arabic audio course.
Listening to Arabic audio while driving allows you to immerse your brain in Arabic daily. All this immersion means you’ll start to pick up the language without consciously studying it.
If you’re taking your first steps in Arabic, your best bet is an audio course for beginners like the Michel Thomas one.
For advanced Arabic learners, Arabic audio designed for learners won’t cut it any more. At this stage, you need to listen to authentic Arabic audio designed with native speakers in mind.
My top recommendation is to look for podcasts from your favourite Arabic-speaking media companies and creators. For best results, follow podcasts about topics you’re into so that listening is fun, not a chore.
Best Way To Learn Arabic On Your Own
Do you enjoy learning languages solo? Have you had negative experiences with group classes and strict curriculums? If so, you’re a language learner after my own heart!
I also prefer self-directed language learning. As I always say, languages can’t be taught, only learnt. The level of fluency you reach in Arabic depends much more on your self-directed learning than what you’re taught.
Going it alone as a language learner led me to learn eight languages to a high level and create StoryLearning to help fellow solo learners on their journey to fluency.
You can find my best solo-learning tips in my Uncovered courses which were designed with self-directed learners in mind. And Arabic Uncovered is no exception.
Arabic Uncovered is a self-study course that you can use as the bedrock of your Arabic study. You’ll find solid insights into the best way to learn Arabic on your own inside the course.
Best Way To Learn Arabic Fluently
If learning to speak Arabic fluently is an important life goal, get support to achieve it. The best way to learn Arabic fluently is with personalised Arabic coaching.
Even if you care about getting fluent in Arabic, staying consistent isn’t always easy. When you work with a coach, you’re accountable to them which means you keep going, even in the tough moments.
Coaching is also tailored to you, so that you overcome your specific weaknesses instead of wasting time working on areas you’ve already mastered. And of course, working with a coach means hours of individual speaking practice and a structured pathway to fluency.
You’ll find all these ingredients and more in my coaching programme, StoryLearning VIP. The programme is an effective combination of story-based learning and expert coaching that will not let you fail.
StoryLearning VIP is a 10-week journey to fast-track you to Arabic fluency. If you want to,
- Communicate with Arabic speakers you meet
- Speak to loved ones
- Travel to Arabic-speaking countries
- Enjoy the world of native language content
- Learn about the culture of the Arabic-speaking world
StoryLearning VIP will help you make these dreams a reality.
Personalised coaching is the best way to learn Arabic fluently because your VIP coach will:
- Help you notice language patterns you might miss
- Give you immediate feedback on your speaking
- Keep you accountable to your study schedule
- Provide targeted speaking practice
- Personalise the learning to your needs
If Arabic fluency matters to you, personalised coaching is the best way to achieve it.
Best Way To Learn Arabic Grammar
Arabic grammar can be a lot to get your head around. What’s up with verb conjugation and plurals for a start? But Arabic grammar can quickly become harder than it needs to be because of the Parrot Problem.
When you try to learn Arabic grammar through rote memorisation, you put the language into your short-term memory. So you can’t remember your conjugations or plurals when you speak.
The best way to learn Arabic grammar is to stop learning by heart. You can read or watch an explanation of Arabic grammar. But then give up the verb tables, charts and repetitive exercises.
You need to immerse yourself in Arabic grammar in its natural habitat. The best way to do this is to read and listen to stories in Arabic at your level.
By reading and listening to Arabic stories, Arabic grammar will start to click because you see it in a rich, natural context. It’s grammar in action, not in isolation in a textbook explanation.
If you’re wondering where to find Arabic stories at the right level for you, my top recommendation is my short story book, Short Stories in Arabic.
Best Way To Learn Arabic At Home
Some language learning myths die hard. One such myth that refuses to go away is that you can only get fluent by moving to an Arabic-speaking country. But relocating to Cairo or Dubai usually isn’t your best bet, especially if you’re a beginner.
I’ve reached fluency in several languages from home (although Arabic was an exception – I focused on learning Cantonese when I lived in Doha and learned Egyptian Arabic in Cairo!).
At home, I can set up my language learning routine for success, without the upheaval that comes with relocating to another country.
As much as you might not want to believe it, experience has taught me that striking up conversations with random strangers on the street doesn’t help!
So what would I recommend to learn Arabic at home? The best way to learn Arabic at home is to read and listen to Arabic at your level daily. You can read a beginner Arabic book, work through a StoryLearning Arabic course, or listen to Arabic podcasts.
This type of immersion in Arabic is called an “input method”. An input method isn’t the same as studying. Instead you’re reading and listening to material that you want to understand.
If you’re consistent with your at-home immersion, you’ll have a solid foundation to build on if you ever do relocate to Doha or Abu Dhabi. You’ll hit the ground running, able to communicate and add to your existing knowledge.
Best Way To Learn Arabic FAQ
What Is The Best Way to Learn Arabic Online?
The best way to learn Arabic online is with StoryLearning’s Arabic Uncovered course. Uncovered teaches you through a fresh and fun story-focused approach where you learn Arabic through story, not rules or textbooks.
What Is The Best Way to Learn Arabic While Driving?
The best way to learn Arabic while driving is to learn with Arabic audio resources for learners like Arabic podcasts or Arabic audio courses.
What's The Best Way To Learn Arabic Grammar?
The best way to learn Arabic grammar is by reading and listening to Arabic at your level every day. This type of immersion in Arabic ensures that your brain adapts to the language and makes Arabic grammar intuitive.
What's The Best Way To Learn Arabic Fluently?
Personalised coaching is the best way to learn Arabic fluently because you get extensive speaking practice to activate what you learn, a personalised learning pathway with supplementary material and unlimited corrections and exercise feedback.
Ready To Start Your Arabic Learning Journey?
Although Arabic isn’t the easiest language for native English learners to pick up, learning it is always rewarding.
No matter your motivation for tackling Arabic, knowing the best way to learn it is essential so you can communicate with native speakers and read and listen to interesting material in Arabic like books or podcasts.
There’s no lack of methods or resources to learn Arabic, so how do you ensure you choose the right one?
The best way to learn Arabic is to read and listen to the language daily at your level. If you follow the StoryLearning method, stories are the best material for this daily immersion.
Immersion through story is at the heart of the StoryLearning method. Even if you find this method challenging initially, you’ll soon discover why it’s so effective and has helped so many people.
Once you start reading and listening to stories, you’ll be motivated to find out what happens next, page after page, chapter after chapter. Once the story has grabbed your attention, there’s no going back.
That’s what makes stories the best way to learn Arabic fast.
Olly Richards
Creator of the StoryLearning® Method
Olly Richards is a renowned polyglot and language learning expert with over 15 years of experience teaching millions through his innovative StoryLearning® method. He is the creator of StoryLearning, one of the world's largest language learning blogs with 500,000+ monthly readers.
Olly has authored 30+ language learning books and courses, including the bestselling "Short Stories" series published by Teach Yourself.
When not developing new teaching methods, Richards practices what he preaches—he speaks 8 languages fluently and continues learning new ones through his own methodology.
