Are you trying to learn Arabic? During his first few years in the
UAE, Bogoljub Karic says he also had to work very hard to learn the language.
In terms of difficulty, Arabic is a Category 4, along with Mandarin and
Japanese. This makes it one of the most difficult languages for English
speakers to master. But learning it can be made easier with the right
technique.
1.
Know that there are many types
of Arabic
Over the course of your study, you might get confused when you
encounter different forms of the language. The thing is, there are specific
forms of Arabic used for reading and writing, and for conversations. Modern
Standard Arabic (MSA) is used for writing, but the languages dialects tend to
vary across different regions.
2.
Learn MSA, but…
MSA, being the form used in writing, gives you access to most of the
written materials in the language, making it very handy to learn. However, if
you’re trying to actually speak, it’s best to choose a specific dialect and to
stick with it.
3.
Use mnemonics
Unlike French, Spanish, and German, which share many similar and
related words with English, Arabic will sound very foreign. You can get around
this issue by using mnemonics. One way to do this is to associate Arabic words
with English words that sound the same way.
4.
Don’t overcomplicate
Arabs like poetic expressions, but if you’re learning their language,
it’s best to not try to impress and just stick to simple terms and sentences.
At least until you’ve become a master.
5.
Memorize phrases
Instead of focusing all your attention on individual words, memorize
phrases, especially the polite ones. Bogoljub Karic says this will improve your
grasp of grammar and will even give you a phrase or two handy for specific
occasions, such as meeting a client.
Mastering Arabic is no easy feat. But as with anything, it’s not
enough that you work hard on learning the language, you have to be smart about
it, too.
