Learning Arabic

Language and culture are inseparable and the MMLA Arabic camp provides an opportunity to simulate Arabic culture to create a a community that reinforces language learning. We gradually learn the Arabic alphabet along with increasing verbal skills, while enjoying different aspects of Arabic culture and geography.

Each week culminates with an Arabic cultural event that encourages students to use the language skills they are acquiring in a real-life context. Depending upon the camp location, we will visit Middle Eastern restaurants and cultural centers, while also bringing Arabic music, dance and custom to our camp.

Having Fun with Arabic

New friends, discovery of new cultures, and the relaxed fun of a traditional summer camp are here for you at the Middlebury-Monterey summer Arabic camp. Whether we are on a field trip to a local festival, challenging the Spanish team to championship soccer in the afternoon CAMP Olympics, swimming, performing drama and learning new dances, or winning the all-camp scavenger hunt, Arabic campers are immersed in new language and culture, and have fun doing it! We'll publish a camp newspaper, download contemporary Arabic music, organize camp cookouts, and discover the unique beauty of Arabic culture and language. Have fun and improve your Arabic every day!

Some Arabic Resources

Texts

Brustad, K.; Al-Batal, M., & Al-Tonsi, A. (2004). Al-kitaab fii Ta alum al-arabiyya.
Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

This is one of the better textbooks  and it is widely used in the teaching of Arabic to speakers of other languages. The goal of the book is to promote students’ language skills, grammar and vocabulary, and there are plenty of exercises that address those areas. Each chapter contains a vocabulary list, grammar teaching segments, reading and listening exercises, some visuals, a culture note, as well as review exercises. Chapters are divided by theme and linguistic structure. 

Websites

Language Guide
http://www.languageguide.org/arabic/

This is a site for beginning learners of Arabic. It emphasizes vocabulary and the alphabet, with a very user-friendly interface with lots of visuals, and color-coding to show inflections. It focuses on vocabulary of the real-world, daily topics and is organized by theme. Each vocabulary item is accompanied by a visual and recorded pronunciation, and there are quizzes throughout the learning process.