Arabic Conversation & Dialect I

Catalog description

This course offers an intensive, proficiency-based introduction to spoken Arabic through focused study of a regional dialect and the culture of the communities in which it is used. The specific dialect emphasized in a given offering (e.g., Levantine, Egyptian, Moroccan, Gulf) may vary depending on the instructor's background and expertise. Instruction is organized around communicative themes drawn from everyday life, beginning with foundational interactions such as greetings, introductions, directions, family, and food, and progressively expanding to more complex topics such as daily routines, travel, social events, weddings, hobbies, and cultural practices. Throughout the course, students engage actively in structured and spontaneous speaking activities designed to build fluency, confidence, and cultural appropriateness in informal spoken contexts. Learning extends beyond the classroom through regular oral practice assignments and collaborative tasks. The course integrates technology-enhanced language learning tools—including platforms such as Aswaat Arabiyya, film clips, and YouTube—to support exposure to authentic spoken language and to facilitate interaction, practice, and performance. Please contact the department for specific information on the upcoming semester's course content.