Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic

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 Sinc...

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 jo...

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 t...

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 adjustm...

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 vo...

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 Ara...

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, visi...

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...

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, &q...

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...

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 invaluab...

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 learnin...

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 الظه...

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 ال...

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...

At Shababeek, Arabic learners can choose to study one-on-one with an Arabic nurturer , with a partner, or in a small group. There are pros and cons for each of these options. This week, Jenn advises learners on a few things to be aware of when considering partnering with someone else to learn Levantine Arabic.  If you are interested in learning the Levantine Arabic dialect and want to know mo...

Learning Arabic grammar can seem daunting; and it often is in traditional classroom settings. Instead of calling it "grammar", we use the phrase "patterns of speech." This helps us be aware that what we are learning on patterns to the ways people naturally speak, and not necessarily a list of rules Arabic learners need to memorize. In this tip for learning Levantine Arabic, Jenn shares some ways t...

Most people learn a language so they can interact with other humans who speak that language. However, building cross-cultural relationships in a new language can be quite challenging. Check out this week's tip on ideas for forming relationships and how to prepare for those relationships as you're learning Levantine Arabic. For more information, please visit our website at shababeekcenter.com .

Moving towards something without the pressure to get there is actually really good for us.  Some Arabic learners put so much pressure on themselves to acquire the language that they get burnt out in the process. Others may hurt relationships or hinder cultural understanding in their striving to become Arabic speakers. In this episode, Jenn discusses some hazards to be aware of as language lea...

In a comprehension led Arabic program, speaking naturally lags a step behind . This doesn't mean you should be solely focused on understanding Arabic but not speaking it. This week's tip gives Arabic learners an easy formula to make sure they are balancing the speaking activities with the comprehension activities in their sessions.  If you'd like to learn more about Shababeek's approach to le...

May Arabic learners want to jump into reading as soon as possible. Is this something you should be pursuing? It all depends on your goals. Check out this week's tip to learn some ways you can develop your reading ability, even as you maintain a focus on learning the Levantine dialect. 

While you're in your sessions, you'll be making audio recordings of new phrases, grammar patterns, and stories. You'll also have a recorded word log of all the new words you've encountered in a given session. What should you be prioritizing when you review these recordings?  If you're interested in learning more about Shababeek's approach to learning the Levantine dialect of Arabic, visit our...

In a comprehension based Arabic program, it's natural for our understanding to outpace our speaking. What are some activities you can do to make sure your Arabic speaking ability is improving as well? Listen to this week's tip from Jenn for more. 

As participants progress through Shababeek's Five Phase Levantine Arabic Program , they often want to know when they will be moving into the next phase. While counting hours spent in sessions is indeed an indicator, it's not the only consideration. Check out this tip from Jenn about moving up in the phases.  As always, if you have any questions about your Arabic program, or if you are wonderi...

Many Arabic learners want to know how many audio recordings they should be listening to with their tutor, teacher, or, as we call them, nurturer , in a given Arabic class or session. As with many areas in life, this comes down to quality over quantity. In this episode, Jenn offers helpful advice for Levantine Arabic learners on how to best handle audio recordings in their sessions.  To learn...