Arabic Language

Arabic Languages are Central Semitic languages, most closely related to Aramaic, Hebrew, Ugaritic and Phoenician. The standardized written Arabic is distinct from and more conservative than all of the spoken varieties, and the two exist in a state known as diglossia, used side-by-side for different societal functions. Arabic is the eleventh-most-spoken language in the United States.

Beginners Level

At the end of the course learners should be able to communicate on a basic level with Arabic speakers in Australia or as visitors in Arabic-speaking communities abroad, and have an increased understanding of Arabic people, their way of life and your appreciation of cultural diversity. The curriculum is designed to provide learning experiences based on real life situations.

Key learning points:

• Introduction to Arabic
• Greeting
• Performing simple introductions
• Introducing your family
• Identifying and asking about people and things
• Talking about professions
• Identifying and asking about places
• Asking and identifying belongings
• Describing things
• Talking about likes and dislikes
• Asking for locations
• Identifying and asking about places and things
• Talking about nationalities
• Describing geographical position
• Counting things
• Shopping at a market

Intermediate Level

At the end of the course learners should be able to communicate on a basic level with Arabic speakers in Australia or as visitors in Arabic-speaking communities abroad, have an increased understanding of Arabic people and their way of life, and have a greater appreciation of cultural diversity. The curriculum is designed to provide learning experiences based on real life situations.

Key learning points:

• Requesting and offering goods
• Describing colors
• Asking and inquiring
• Expressing preference
• Talking about past events
• Asking others about what they did
• Talking about the weather
• Writing notes and postcards
• Telling time
• Using expressions of time
• Talking about daily routines
• Talking about education and study
• Attracting attention
• Requesting food
• Paying for goods and services
• Comparing one’s past and present
• Talking about the future
• Expressing wants, wishes and intentions

Advanced Level

Through this course learners should develop advanced skills for everyday use in conversation, understanding, reading and writing, and continue to develop socio-cultural knowledge. During the course they should be able to converse with increasing fluency. With the help of a dictionary they should be able to read and compose a standard business letter or resume.

Key learning points:

• Talking about oneself
• Asking about nationality and origin
• Exchanging addresses
• Extending family vocabulary
• Talking/Asking about childhood, character and appearance
• Describing one’s residence and furniture
• Asking/Talking about work
• Asking/Talking about daily routine
• Asking/Talking about housework
• Writing a short resume
• Talking about work experience
• Reading job vacancy adverts
• Talking about sports
• Discussing preferences
• Giving reasons
• Talking about free time
• Town and modes of transport
• Directions
• Travel in the Middle East
• Describing the past
• Talking about food
• Dining and making reservations