In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, we sit down with Reagan White, a dedicated language learner who has spent two years immersed in Arabic study at Shababeek Center for Intercultural Development. Reagan shares the strategy, mindset, and commitment that helped him reach near-superior proficiency in Levantine Arabic.

We discuss why he chose an immersion method of Arabic acquisition, the importance of community-based practice, and how learning the Levantine dialect in Jordan made business communication in Saudi Arabia easy. Reagan also opens up about his experiences building relationships in Arabic, overcoming early frustrations, and reaching the point where Arabic became part of his daily life—for both work and enjoyment.

Whether you're just starting out or looking for motivation to keep going, Reagan’s story offers invaluable insights and encouragement for every Arabic learner.

Join us as we delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Circassian community in Jordan. Our guest, Sama, shares her unique perspective on Circassian history, traditions, and customs. From the Circassian diaspora to their significant role in Jordan today, we explore how this community has preserved its identity. We also dive into how Sama and her community celebrate Ramadan, highlighting the ways they observe this holy month. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about cultural resilience, spiritual growth, and community bonding during Ramadan (and you'll learn some key Arabic phrases along the way).

In this episode, Jennifer delves into the concept that vocabulary meaning is discovered through word combinations, a principle heavily emphasized by modern linguists. She shares an exercise inspired by an Arabic learner at Shababeek, to demonstrate how understanding collocations can clarify the nuances of words like قطعة and حبة. By paying attention to word combinations, you'll learn how to flesh out the meaning of language more completely and speak Arabic more precisely.

In this episode, Nour interviews Ethan, a student at Shababeek, about reaching the Advanced High Proficiency level in spoken Levantine Arabic. Ethan has been studying Arabic in Jordan for 2 years and he recently completed the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) where he received this placement. The OPI is based on one's ability to use a language "effectively and appropriately in real-life situations." Because the test assesses spontaneous language, is can accurately gauge how well someone can speak and understand a language, not merely parse a sentence for grammatical constructions. This is important because the relational usage of the language, being able to understand and be understood, is often lacking in academic language settings.

In this interview, Ethan shares some of his tips on learning Levantine Arabic and reaching a high level of speaking proficiency in a relatively short amount of time.

If you have questions or want to know more about learning Levantine Arabic, hop on over to our website to browse around or ask us a question.

In this episode Jennifer shares insights from her 15 years of experience as a language advisor and program director in Amman, Jordan. With over 1,800 students coached, Jennifer discusses common language errors that are often made while learning spoken Levantine Arabic.

This episode focuses on two key categories of errors:

1. Verbs with Different Functions: You'll gain awareness of how Arabic verbs can differ significantly from their English counterparts. For instance, while English uses one verb for "to spread," Arabic employs two distinct verbs depending on the context—one for spreading news and another for spreading tangible items like butter. Jennifer highlights the nuances in verb usage and encourages learners to observe these differences in order to improve their communication.

2. Overuse of Delexicalized Verbs: Learn about the pitfalls of relying on delexicalized verbs and helping verbs in Arabic, such as "got" or "made." Jennifer emphasizes that Arabic verbs often carry more meaning on their own, urging learners to adopt more precise language instead of defaulting to simpler expressions that they may use in their first language.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain practical examples in Levantine Arabic and tips for navigating these common challenges learners face with this dialect. This is the beginning of a series aimed at improving your language skills by becoming aware of common mistakes Arabic learners make—stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll cover additional errors and provide further insights into effective communication in Levantine Arabic.

Don't forget to like and share this episode with anyone interested in learning Arabic!

Shababeek center: https://shababeekcenter.com

Shababeek YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shababeek-learnspokenlevan8982

In this episode, we explore the vital concept of fossilization for those learning Arabic. Learning Levantine Arabic, like mastering any skill, involves inevitable missteps. But instead of fearing failure, we encourage you to embrace it as a crucial part of the journey. We'll break down the importance of "noticing the gap" and "noticing the hole" in your Arabic learning process, and how working with a language learning coach can help you avoid the trap of fossilized errors. Whether you're just starting or already an advanced learner, this episode will guide you on how to turn your mistakes into stepping stones towards fluency. Tune in to learn how active correction and a growth mindset can make all the difference in your Arabic learning success.

In this episode, we dive into why Jordan is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Arabic language learning. From savoring the country’s delicious street food and fresh seasonal produce to exploring its breathtaking natural wonders like the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum, Jordan offers a rich cultural backdrop that enhances your learning experience. We’ll also cover Jordan's affordable healthcare system, its family-friendly environment, and its visitor friendly visa policies, making it an ideal place for both short-term students and long-term residents. Whether you’re a traveler, language enthusiast, or considering relocating, this episode breaks down why Jordan is a top choice for learning Arabic in 2024 and beyond. Tune in to learn how you can combine culture, adventure, and education in this unforgettable setting!

Keywords: Learn Arabic in Jordan, Jordan Arabic language, study Arabic abroad, Middle Eastern culture, Jordan travel, Arabic immersion, Jordan visa policies, Middle Eastern street food, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea

In this episode, we explore the sometimes profound difference between intent and impact when engaging with diverse cultures. Join us as we delve into personal anecdotes and essential insights that highlight how well-meaning actions can sometimes lead to unintended consequences.

We discuss common cultural misunderstandings that Westerners often face in Arab countries, from body language missteps to navigating deeply rooted social norms. Whether you're living in Jordan, planning a visit, or simply interested in cultural dynamics, this episode offers valuable advice to help you avoid common pitfalls and foster positive relationships.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to honor Arab traditions respectfully and effectively. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to navigate these cultural nuances with grace and humility, ensuring your good intentions translate into positive impacts.

Subscribe now and join us as we continue to share tips for learning Levantine Arabic, as well as insights into navigating cultural difference.

If you're interested in learning Levantine Arabic with us, learn more by visiting our website here.

In our current series covering cultural insights for Arabic language learners who live in the Middle East, we explore some nuances of Arab culture to help you adapt and thrive in your new environment. These episodes offers practical tips on cultural norms, social etiquette, and effective communication, helping you integrate into the culture and build relationships of mutual respect.

In our last episode, we discussed the delicate balance between intentions and impact, emphasizing the importance of humility and being mindful in our interactions. If you missed it, we recommend giving it a listen, as it lays the groundwork for understanding cultural sensitivities.

Today, we lighten the mood with a dozen fun and insightful tips on everyday cultural practices. From the significance of bread to the act of sharing food, you'll learn how many actions speak louder than words in Arab society. Discover why greeting everyone, respecting modesty, and using the right hand are essential practices. We'll also cover gender-specific interactions and the importance of "mujameleh" in building rapport.

At Shababeek, we believe that language learning extends beyond vocabulary and grammar. It's about embracing the heart of the culture and fostering genuine connections. Tune in to this episode as we sprinkle Levantine Arabic expressions throughout our tips, helping you enrich your linguistic repertoire while deepening your cultural understanding.

Join us on this journey of intercultural learning and become a part of the vibrant Arab community. "Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic" is here to help make your experience in the Arab world both enriching and enjoyable.

If you're interested in learning Levantine Arabic in Jordan or online from anywhere, visit our website here.

Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. For Arabic learners, one such hurdle often encountered is the ism fa'el (إسمُ الفاعِل), a vital aspect for speaking the Levantine dialect proficiently. In a recent workshop at Shababeek Center for Intercultural Development in Amman, Jennifer and Anwar delve into this intricate component, shedding light on its nuances and providing valuable insights for learners.

This podcast episode will be beneficial for anyone learning Arabic, but particularly those who are learning the Levantine Arabic dialect. While Jennifer uses English in this episode, Anwar uses the Jordanian Arabic dialect.

For those who want to gain more exposure to this form of Arabic, as well as better understand how the ism fa'el is used by Arabic speakers, this episode is indispensable.