Arabic Beginners (Level 1)

This is for you if you have no prior knowledge of Arabic (or so little that you effectively want to start again from scratch). You will learn basic skills to enable you to make yourself understood and to find out information in everyday situations.

Key information

Course starting in January 2025

• Course: Tuesdays 6.00pm - 8.00pm
  Delivery: Online
  Timeline: Starts 21 January - ends 1 July 2025
  Lengths: 20 weeks (60 learning hours)
  Fees: £270 (payable in two termly instalments of £135 each)

Course started in October 2024

• Course: Thursdays 5.00pm - 7.00pm
  Delivery: On-campus (face-to-face)
  Timeline: Resumes lessons 23 January - ends 27 March 2025
  Lengths: 10 weeks (30 learning hours)
  Fees: £135

This course requires a minimum of 8 and it can have up to a maximum of 20 students. The course fee includes all tuition, access to Blackboard, handouts and any tests/exams, but not a textbook.

Term 1 runs from October to December, Term 2 from January to March and Term 3 from April to July. A full course comprises 60 learning hours. Lessons are two hours long and take place once a week. When enrolling you are committing to the full 20 weeks. There is the option to pay for the full course in one payment or two instalments. You are welcome to join in the second term of a course if you have previous knowledge and experience of the language. 

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Entry level

No previous knowledge of Arabic is required. The course is suitable for absolute beginners. You can use the ELP self-assessment grid to judge how competent you are in the language. Alternatively, if you require help to assess your level please contact us or come along to one of our drop-in sessions.

Course content

• Getting started with reading and writing the Arabic alphabet and script
• Meeting people and introducing yourself: family, profession and country of origin
• Describing family tree
• Polite requests
• Asking and answering about time
• Going shopping
• Everyday routine
• Physical description of people and objects

Resources

• Mastering Arabic by Jane Wightwick and Mahhmoud Gaafar,
• Read and speak Arabic by Jane Wightwick and Mahhmoud Gaafar

There isn’t a University bookshop however The European Bookshop website holds our book list and offers a 10% discount to all our students.

It is not essential to bring a course book to the first class. The tutor will discuss book requirements in class and advise you of the best places to obtain the book if required. With some languages there is the option for us to order textbooks on behalf of a class.

Our approach

This course is taught in Arabic and English. Our programme aims to develop the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing as well as cultural awareness. It provides a good balance between understanding the culture, vocabulary, writing system and grammar structures of the Arabic language and enhancing communication and interaction. It supports comprehensive and productive skills in speech and writing through authentic activities and guided practice in the use of the Arabic language. Students will be encouraged to seek opportunities to learn and practise the four skills outside the classroom taking advantage of learning resources provided by tutors and the programme. Lessons are planned to allow intensive interactive practice with individual feedback and advice on progress.

Progression

Upon completing the Beginners level (1), you can progress onto the Post-Beginners level (2).