Of course the best way to learn to speak Arabic is to immerse yourself in the culture and the language so that you learn to converse in this language. This is not possible for most people, so you need to find other ways of learning the language. The key to learning any language is to take your time and to practice it wherever and whenever you can. There are many online sites that offer free tutorials and interactive activities so that you can see how the word is written in Arabic, the sounds of the word written in English and the sound of the words spoken by a native Arab speaker.
When you interact with native Arab speakers on a daily basis, you can pick up the vocabulary and phrases you need to learn in this language. This is why you should set aside a time each day that you can devote to your lessons, whether you are using software you install on your computer or you take a course online. If you have a tutor, you will have practice exercises in speaking and reading that you have to complete outside of the tutoring class. It is essential that you spend time on these exercises so that you can master one concept of the language and then move on to the next.
Before you can get a full grasp of the Arabic language, you do have to understand the syntax of the language. Just as in learning English, French or Spanish, when you start learning Arabic, you have to learn the alphabet and the individual sounds of the 28 consonants and 3 vowels. The vowels can be either long or short. Once you know the alphabet, then you can learn how to form words and phrases.
To complement your lessons in Arabic, you should try to find ways to converse in the language. You will definitely make mistakes, but when an Arabic speaking person sees that you are making such an effort to learn the language, you will receive an enormous amount of support.
Visit an Arab restaurant to hear people speaking the language. You may be surprised to realize that you can pick out words that you understand. This doesn’t mean that you are eavesdropping, but it is not hard to overhear conversations in a restaurant. Try ordering your meal in Arabic or reading the menu in the language. Even watching programs on TV in the Arabic language will give you additional exposure.
As you listen to native Arabic speakers, you will be able to pick up the correct pronunciation of the words. Listening and speaking must be a part of any course you take so that you not only learn to speak Arabic but that you understand the language when someone speaks to you. The use of songs and games cannot be understated as these are important ways of learning any new language. Listen to and learn simple songs in Arabic. You will be surprised at how quickly you pick up words in the language.
