- Online
- $435 - $445
If you have no knowledge of Arabic beyond habibi and hummus but you are curious about the language and its rich cultures, this course is perfect for you. Arabic Beginner 1 is designed to help you gain basic communicative ability in Egyptian Arabic, the most widely spoken and understood dialect across the Arabic-speaking world. You will also learn to read and write the beautiful Arabic alphabet. Please note that while this course does not cover Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), you will be learning some MSA words as you practice the alphabet.
As you develop your language skills, you will gain familiarity with the culture and everyday life in modern Egypt. Lessons are designed to balance grammar and vocabulary with multiple opportunities to practise conversations in pairs and small groups.
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
- greet and introduce yourself
- ask and answer what/who(se)/where is this
- exchange telephone numbers
- ask about and tell the time
- speak and ask about daily routine
- read and write the Arabic alphabet
Expected Effort
You can expect to spend about three hours per week attending live, virtual classes and completing course work on your own time. Expect double this amount during the intensive summer term.
Textbook
This course does not require the purchase of a textbook. Course materials are provided by the instructor.
Course Format
This course is offered online and/or in-person. See Available Sessions for details on the course format.
Our online conversational courses offer a virtual classroom experience where you can see and interact with your teacher and classmates over Zoom. Log in at a set time to participate in individual, pair and group work, ask questions and receive feedback from your instructor. Outside of class time, access course materials online at your own pace for up to three weeks after the course ends.
In-person classes are offered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver.
Learn more about online learning at Extended Learning.
How am I assessed?
This is a non-credit course without letter or numerical grades. You receive verbal feedback on your conversation and grammar skills from your instructor during class. Written homework is typically corrected in class. Some lesson modules may include quizzes.
Record of completion
A record of completion will be emailed to students who participate and satisfy the course requirements within two weeks of the course end date. Course completion means 80% attendance and/or 80% completion of mandatory assignments.
Technology requirements
You’ll need a computer or tablet with a video camera and a microphone, access to the internet, an email account and an up-to-date web browser. The day before your course starts, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access the course.