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Georgetown Classics in Arabic Languages and Linguistics

Formal Spoken Arabic Basic Course with MP3 Files

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This new edition, updated and with additional exercises, equips those who work, travel, and study in Arab countries with an educated form of spoken Arabic that functions flexibly in the face of various regional colloquial variants in the Arab world.

Because the Arabic language has a number of very different spoken vernaculars, being able to speak and be understood in all Arab countries has become a challenge for English speakers. Ryding and Mehall have designed a course that teaches a standardized variant of spoken Arabic that is close to, but more natural than, the literary Modern Standard Arabic.

With a non-grammar-based approach, this book fosters communicative competence in Arabic on all levels and develops speaking proficiency without abandoning Arabic script. It has proven to be clear, effective, and relevant to the needs of Americans living and working in the Arab East. Task-based lessons feature basic dialogues between Americans and Arabs, explanations of new structures, vocabulary expansion, and exercises; and provide gradual access to the sounds and script of Arabic by emphasizing listening and reading comprehension first, then slowly adding oral exercises and activities until the student has achieved basic proficiency.

Not intended for self-instruction for beginners, "Formal Spoken Arabic Basic Course with MP3 Files" assumes some previous knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic, Arabic script and phonology, and previous or simultaneous instruction in orthography. This new edition includes a CD of MP3 audio exercises that are keyed to the text and drill students on listening and speaking.

Lessons cover topics including:

Heads of StateCities and CountriesOfficial TitlesGeographySystems of GovernmentLost LuggageGetting AcquaintedEstablishing Common GroundSeeking and Giving InformationPersonal Needs and FamilyHandling ProblemsEating OutBargaining and Buying

400 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

15 people want to read

About the author

Karin C. Ryding

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13 reviews
February 1, 2019
Great book for the beginner, and a great reference and reminder for those more advanced. I marked quite a few pages I want to review in the future and I enjoyed the approach of the author. I especially enjoyed how the author touches on the pertinent grammar points without pounding it into your skull.
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