Formal Spoken Arabic Basic Course with MP3 Files (Georgetown Classics in Arabic Languages and Linguistics series) - Softcover

Ryding, Karin C.; Mehall, David J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1589010604 ISBN 13: 9781589010604

Publisher: Georgetown University Press, 2005

Synopsis

This new edition, updated and with additional exercises, equips those who work, travel, and study in Arab countries with an educated form of spoken Arabic that functions flexibly in the face of various regional colloquial variants in the Arab world. Because the Arabic language has a number of very different spoken vernaculars, being able to speak and be understood in all Arab countries has become a challenge for English speakers. Ryding and Mehall have designed a course that teaches a standardized variant of spoken Arabic that is close to, but more natural than, the literary Modern Standard Arabic. With a non-grammar-based approach, this book fosters communicative competence in Arabic on all levels and develops speaking proficiency without abandoning Arabic script. It has proven to be clear, effective, and relevant to the needs of Americans living and working in the Arab East. Task-based lessons feature basic dialogues between Americans and Arabs, explanations of new structures, vocabulary expansion, and exercises; and provide gradual access to the sounds and script of Arabic by emphasizing listening and reading comprehension first, then slowly adding oral exercises and activities until the student has achieved basic proficiency. Not intended for self-instruction for beginners, "Formal Spoken Arabic Basic Course with MP3 Files" assumes some previous knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic, Arabic script and phonology, and previous or simultaneous instruction in orthography. This new edition includes a CD of MP3 audio exercises that are keyed to the text and drill students on listening and speaking. Lessons cover topics including: Heads of State; Cities and Countries; Official Titles; Geography; Systems of Government; Lost Luggage; Getting Acquainted; Establishing Common Ground; Seeking and Giving Information; Personal Needs and Family; Handling Problems; Eating Out; and, Bargaining and Buying.

About this title

Review:

This book fills a significant gap in teaching spoken Arabic as a foreign language.

--Language

A well-designed Arabic text that will enrich Arabic instruction in the United States. It represents a bold attempt at addressing a pedagogical problem arising from the diglossic situation in the Arab world.

--Al-'Arabiyya Journal

About the Author:

Karin C. Ryding is the Sultan Qaboos bin Said Professor of Arabic at Georgetown University. David Mehall is a research associate at the Center for Advanced Study of Language (CASL), University of Maryland.

About this edition

• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1589010604
• ISBN 13: 9781589010604
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 400