How To Learn Arabic? MSA or Arabic Dialects

In the Arabic Language we have 2 types of Arabic:

• Modern Standard Arabic or Classical Arabic 

• Arabic Dialects 

   

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA): 

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is a formal form of the language that is typically used in official publications, academic literature, and Arabic news broadcasts. It is primarily taught in schools and reserved for formal situations. In day-to-day conversations among Arab speakers, MSA is not commonly utilized.

Arabic Dialects: 

Arabic is a widely spoken language in the Arab world, and there are three main dialects that dominate: Levantine Arabic is primarily used in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine; Egyptian Arabic is prevalent in Egypt; and Gulf Arabic is commonly spoken in the Gulf region.

In Arab countries, the main form of communication among loved ones, acquaintances, and coworkers is through Arabic dialects. From a young age, locals are exposed to and adapt their speech to fit the local dialect used in everyday interactions. This is a shared experience amongst all Arabs and, if you have Arab friends, they will confirm this. Furthermore, many Arabic films and series are presented in different dialects as well.

If you become proficient in one dialect, comprehending the other two will become significantly more effortless. Think of it as being an English speaker talking to someone from either the USA or Australia. That's the only noticeable difference.

Levantine Arabic Dialect

The Levantine Arabic dialect (Shami Arabic) is spoken in the Levant region of the Middle East, encompassing countries such as Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Palestine, and Lebanon.

One of its distinctive characteristics is its phonology, which involves replacing the pharyngeal fricative 3ayn with a glottal stop called hamza and changing the sound of the consonant 'h' from a voiceless glottal fricative to a voiceless glottal stop.

Gulf Arabic dialect

The Gulf Arabic dialect, also known as Khaleeji Arabic, is a variation of the Arabic language spoken in the Gulf region, which includes countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman.

Egyptian Arabic dialect

Masri, also referred to as Egyptian Colloquial Arabic, is a popular version of the Arabic language commonly spoken in Egypt. 

It is common knowledge that when speaking with friends, coworkers, or family, Arabic native speakers do not use Modern Standard Arabic. This version of the language is typically only used for reading literature or watching news programs like Al Jazeera. Children in Arab countries are first taught their regional dialect before being introduced to MSA.

What Type Of Arabic Should I Learn? 

To effectively communicate with Arabic native speakers and create meaningful connections with Arabic-speaking communities, it is essential to understand cultural nuances and choose a specific Arabic dialect to focus on mastering. This could include Levantine Arabic or another widely spoken dialect.

For those seeking to understand and grasp Arabic news articles, literature, or improve their ability to read the Quran, Modern Standard Arabic is the perfect choice.

How to Choose The Right Arabic Dialect?