What would be the best way to learn the arabic language?

Question

I am a criminal justice major and I think it would be a huge leg up for me if I could speak or understand a dialect of the arabic language. I have heard that I should study the Egytian dialect as it is the widely used (I think). What would be the best way to learn the language. Any free websites or material that I can refer too? Also I've heard alot of good things about the RosettaStone program. It would cost $329.00 for the program (or $50.00 a month), would it be worth it or has anyone had any experience with the program? Also I am more of an auditory/tactile learner.
If I had an hour a day to dedicate to the language how long would it take for me to be able to speak and understand the language somewhat fluently?

Answer 1

Well,it's not that hard but some people would tell you it is :)
But ,let me know which Arabic would you like to learn? a specific dialect or the MSA "modern standard Arabic" ? .Also let me know please if you wanna just learn how to speak it or to read &write it as well ?
You can contact me through my profile by sending me an e-mail .
For now you cn try these sites:


"for pronunciation" beginner
http://mec.sas.upenn.edu/marhaba/lesson_...
http://i-cias.com/babel/arabic/index.htm... (this one with audio option)
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/arabic...


http://lexicorient.com/babel/arabic/inde...

* I'm not sure about RosettaStone but because a part of my major is teaching Arabic as a foreign language ,I would say it would take 6 monthes at least to be able to read &understand reading .But about speaking it would take much longer time,depending on each person's abilities.
*if you need any other questions don't hesitate to contact me,my e-mail is on my profile.I could suggest some books as well.
Hope it helps&good luck

Answer 2

I tried Rosetta Stone for Spanish. It was effective to learn basic words and sentences. It does not have any grammar or conjugation instructions though so it will be very hard to go beyond the basics with it

My college uses another software called TeLL me More, by Auralog. I found it more complete and less repetitive. It covers not only the basics, but also intermediate or advanced level. My goal was to become fluent so it was perfect for me. It has a lot of different activities: picture/word association, videos, dialogues,..., includes also grammar and conjugation. It has also more content than Rosetta Stone as far as level and number of hours of learning and is cheaper. Their speech recogntion is great so you can have a dialogue with the computer. You can check out their website at http://www.auralog.com for a free demo


The best way to learn a language would be through immersion, visiting these countries. Learning a language will require some time. In addition to software, you can have books which are useful as well. Audio CDs like Pimsleur for instance might help you out but you cannot get any feedback on your pronunciation so I did not like it so much.

Answer 3

The Rosetta Stone is the course that is used by the State Department. If you're serious, you'll make the investment. Saudi Arabic would probably be the most profitable.

Answer 4

I am also trying to learn and have used this website:
http://www.lexicorient.com/babel/arabic/

It is pretty easy, but I haven't checked with any Native speakers to see how acurate it is. However, it says somewhere on the website that the form they teach is the very proper form used in government and politics (maybe just what you need),
ilā l-liqā'
(so long)

Answer 5

Join the service. They need interpreters.

Answer 6

So exactly what do you want us to tell you that you dont know already?
Hummm?

Answer 7

Repeat after me. Deet Deet Derka Derka