The Arabic language is an umbrella term that covers a range of different variations and dialects. The official form of Arabic is called Modern Standard Arabic, named in Arabic Al-Fosha (الفُصحَى). MSA is taught in schools, used in most books, official announcements, and other formal settings. However, when it comes to the spoken language in everyday life in the Arab world, each country and region has its dialect.
When you are thinking about taking Arabic lessons, you have different options:
- Taking Arabic language classes.
- Personal, native tutor.
- Arabic lessons online.
There is no such thing as a good or bad option, nor the best way to learn Arabic, the question is: What is your preference? What is your learning style? Do you flourish when you learn independently? Or you need someone to guide you? In this article, I will review and help you explore your Arabic lesson options, both pros and cons, the next step is to do a self-assessment and weigh your options to figure out which one suits you the most.
1- Arabic language classes:
Arabic language lessons usually follow a curriculum throughout a specified period. A lot of people hesitate and wonder whether it is worth it to spend their time and money on language classes.
The first thing you should discover before enrolling in an Arabic lesson is the goal behind the Arabic lessons available to you: Some classes focus on a specific specialization such as business, academics, etc…
Pros of Arabic language classes:
- Arabic classes will help you stay on track, you will feel obligated to keep on learning the Arabic language.
- Getting direct feedback from your teacher.
- Learning the Arabic language from scratch starting with alphabet and grammar.
- Feeling competitive around your classmates.
Cons of Arabic language classes:
- It might be rewarding when it comes to learning the core of the Arabic language, however, it might not help you when it comes to vocabulary and conversing skills.
- You don’t get to pick the kind of content you will be exposed to. You might end up feeling bored and quit.
- The number of students might decrease the benefits you can gain from the class.
- Usually, language learning classes are expensive.
2- Personal, Arabic native tutor:
I believe that having a native personal tutor to learn Arabic is the most tempting option, as you will be the center of your Arabic language learning universe.
Pros of Arabic personal tutor:
- You have the option of having an online Arabic tutor or go for a face-to-face tutor.
- The Arabic vocabulary, phrases, and general content will be designed depending on your own needs.
- You can practice and improve your pronunciation with your Arabic native tutor.
- Your Arabic native tutor will keep you motivated and will help you get you the most out of your time and money.
- Your Arabic native tutor will help you stay on track, you will feel obligated to keep on learning the Arabic language.
- Individual, focused attention, and feedback.
Cons of Arabic personal tutor:
- Face-to-face tutors can be expensive.
- The quality of the material and content depends on how competent your tutor is.
- You might lose motivation if you did not get along with your tutor.
3- Arabic lessons online:
This option by far is the most flexible, cost-saving, and accessible option. It is the best way to learn Arabic if you are a self-learner and you have the self-discipline required to commit until you reach your goals.
Pros of Arabic lessons online:
- Often Arabic online lessons are free of cost.
- Accessible. You can access Arabic lessons online for free easily. All it requires is an internet connection.
- Flexibility, you are not bound by any time commitments or obligations. You can learn Arabic at your own pace, whenever you feel ready.
- If you are the type of person who gets bored easily, you can find game-based language learning lessons, where you feel competitive as you progress through levels.
Cons of Arabic lessons online:
- Lack of interaction might result in a lack of confidence when it comes to real-life situations, and you might find it difficult to practice your speaking skills.
- You might get frustrated when you are not progressing as there is no guide to how to change your approach.
- Lack of discipline might lead to quitting.