By Trisha Bartle
"I have sat two nights and so learnt patience" in Arabic
There are more than 25 countries in North
Africa and the
Middle East that have Arabic as their official language. This includes Egypt, Jordan, Libya and the United Arab Emirates. When traveling to these regions, it's helpful to learn to speak Arabic. You'll be able to communicate with those you meet. While each region has its own specific dialect, learning general Arabic can still be helpful when traveling through Africa and the Middle East.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Things You'll Need:
- Arabic Language Learning Software
Arabic Audio Tapes
Arabic Films
Arabic-English Dictionary
- Arabic Language Learning Software
- Arabic Audio Tapes
- Arabic Films
- Arabic-English Dictionary
Step 1
Use computer software to learn to speak Arabic. While software such as Rosetta Stone and Tell Me More teach reading and writing, their speech lessons are unrivaled. Unlike reading a book on Arabic, these programs evaluate your speech using a microphone and voice-recognition software. This is an effective way to learn accurate spoken Arabic.
Step 2
Follow along with Arabic audio discs. Audio tapes, discs and MP3s let you recite Arabic words and phrases to help with pronunciation. These can be used in the car or even on a plane. Try Pimsleur's Basic Arabic audio lessons.
Step 3
Watch movies in Arabic without English subtitles. Part of learning to speak Arabic is listening to others speak it. Most popular Arabic movies can be found through movie rental programs such as Netflix or through online retailers. Try movies such as "The Dove's Lost Necklace" and "The Closed Doors." You could watch these on a portable DVD player while on the plane to an Arabic-speaking country.
Step 4
Speak with native Arabic speakers before your trip. Look for friends or acquaintances who already know the language. Ask them to speak only Arabic to you and try for a real conversation. This is a good way to prepare for social interaction once you're on vacation.
Step 5
Carry an Arabic-English dictionary with you during your trip. While you can learn to speak Arabic before you land, you may not know all of the important words. Use the dictionary whenever you're lost or need help. Using this can also help expand your Arabic vocabulary and improve your speech.
Resources
About the Author:
Trisha Bartle began her writing career in 2007, with work appearing in publications such as "Adventures for the Average Woman" and DexKnows Weddings. She has also been a professional wedding photographer since 2001. Bartle holds an Associate of Applied Science in programming and game development.
Photo Credits:
Hello, I am Bruce / Flickr
