Program

  • The study plan is personalized according to the student's age, prior knowledge, time commitment, and learning goals. We broadly define three target levels for aspiring students (details below).
  • The student also selects from two learning options. The more popular option is Levantine (Standard Lebanese), but we also teach Formal Arabic (details below).
  • Please note that mastering any level requires a long-term commitment and effort on the part of the student! We can only provide the tools and support for the student to succeed.

Level 1

Do you already know some Arabic?

Nope, but mom says "yalla" a lot!

Pronounce letters, learn basic words and expressions

  • Pronounce Arabic letters
  • Learn words about family, food, colors, numbers, things, and activities
  • Learn basic expressions and sentence structure
  • Learn songs (if interested) as a medium to expand vocabulary

Level 2

Do you already know some Arabic?

A bit, but I can only say a few words.

Expand vocabulary and confidently engage in basic conversations

  • Expand vocabulary
  • Learn expressions about daily activities
  • Engage in introductory conversations
  • Write and read Arabic words using English letters
  • Learn songs (if interested) as a medium to expand vocabulary

Level 3

Do you already know some Arabic?

Yeah walaw, I can also read and write!

Gain proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing

  • Further expand vocabulary
  • Read and listen to extended texts
  • Command oral communication
  • Write with proper Arabic letters and grammar
  • Attend "conversation hours" with other students (if interested)

Option1:
What is Levantine (Standard Lebanese)?

Levantine is a variety of Arabic spoken in most of Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan.

There are multiple dialects of Levantine Arabic. Specifically, our instructors teach Standard Lebanese, which can be easily understood by most Arabic speakers.

Option 2:
What is Formal Arabic?

Formal Arabic or Modern Standard Arabic is the official version of the language, universally learned and understood by >400 million native speakers.

However, it is rarely spoken in a colloquial setting.

Most popular option: Standard Lebanese, Level 1

• Level 1 students studying Standard Levantine will learn basic words and expressions.

• On average, this level requires approximately 20 sessions taken on a consistent weekly basis. The exact timeline depends on the student’s current knowledge, commitment, offline practice, and engagement.

• The focus is first on pronunciation, especially of Arabic phonetics that are not common to other languages. By exposure to authentic listening material, the student will gradually develop two key skills: listening and speaking.

• In addition, the student will develop writing and reading skills using the transliteration system (Arabizi), which is a conversational form of Arabic using English letters. Note that Arabic letters are not studied in the “Levantine (Standard Lebanese)” track. (Instead, they are studied in the “Formal Arabic” track, which obviously requires a much more intensive time commitment from the student.)

• The student starts by learning basic greetings, such as introducing their name, family, school/work, and other common forms of introductory conversation.

• Subsequently, the student begins to build a repertoire of words and expressions covering topics including daily routines, food, colors, numbers, clothing, seasons, animals, places, hobbies, senses, and more. During this stage, the student slowly develops basic sentence structure: subject + verb + direct object.

• The lessons are supplemented with resources including excerpts from educational books, YouTube channels, songs, IOS apps, and other material appropriate for the student’s age and current level.

• The student is expected to keep a notebook. Follow-up practice between sessions is very highly encouraged to ensure maximum retention of the material.

• In Levels 2 and 3, the student will formulate sentences to express their emotions, opinions, and discuss their daily lives. Ultimately, at the end of Level 3, the student will be comfortable conversing in Standard Lebanese, metel teta w jeddo.

Syllabus of 20-session package

  • Greetings
    • Introducing name, age, school/work
    • Introducing family member
    • Describing what I like to do in my spare time
  • Daily routine
    • Morning routine: brushing, dressing, getting ready for school/work
    • Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks
    • Typical school (or work) events
    • Bedtime stories
  • Colors
  • Animals
    • Farm animals
    • Wild animals
  • Seasons
    • Weather conditions
    • Describing the sky: stars, sun, moon, clouds…
  • Clothing
  • Days of the week
  • Counting from 1 till 10
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Parts of the face (and description of different senses)
  • Hobbies (personalized)
  • Seasonal events and celebrations