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GCSE, A-level & uni Arabic - AMA (graduate & tutor)

Hi, since I'm using these forums for some research into postgraduate issues I thought I would try to be helpful in advising on studying for Arabic - be it GCSE, A-level, university or just for fun. I graduated in Arabic and one of the things I do is tutor GCSE and A-level students (and all my GCSE guys have got As...so far...)

I'm not a native but I have helped Arab friends with their fusha Arabic. I like Levantine Arabic and I'm keen to meet anyone from that background specifically with an interest in writing, theatre, poetry, performance and general artistic and cultural kinks (if you recognise the guy in my profile pic then even cooler).

Feel free to ask and I'll do my best within circumstances.

(edited 7 years ago)

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Reply 1

Kevin De Bruyne

Original post by Kurdt

What was studying Arabic like? Did you get to visit an Arabic-speaking country? :smile:

(Or have you during your studies or after them etc...)

Reply 2

Kurdt

Original post by SeanFM

What was studying Arabic like? Did you get to visit an Arabic-speaking country? :smile:

(Or have you during your studies or after them etc...)

Many people from non-Arab Muslim family would have exposure to Arabic from the Quran. They may be able to recite it perfectly but not understand a word. Yes, weird, and a little medieval in my opinion.

At SOAS in my days, third year students had the option of taking a study year abroad either at the University of Damascus, Syria (clearly not an option now) or the University of Alexandria, Egypt. Then they finish their final fourth year. I went Damascus in 2001 but I haven't been to an Arabic-speaking country since.

I think Arabic grammar is actually very mathematical once you overcome the alphabet. I've had people with zero Arabic in the beginning master the alphabet in 12 hours.

You can find native speakers to learn Arabic online via preply.com or italki.com

Reply 3

Charlielo

Hi there! Do you know of any good study resources? Any specific way I should be revising that's more effective? Thanks :smile:

Reply 4

Kurdt

Original post by Charlielo

Hi there! Do you know of any good study resources? Any specific way I should be revising that's more effective? Thanks :smile:

Hi, it depends on what level you're talking about. I'm going to assume beginner self-study. To get a taster try Mastering Arabic by Jane Wightwick. It has cute cartoons and the recent editions now have online videos too.

Although I've never used it myself, the big thing for vocab learning I'm hearing all the bloggers speak about is the Anki app.

I personally liked putting up post-it notes in my room and once I felt I knew it I would throw it away.

Hope that's useful.

Reply 5

Charlielo

Original post by Kurdt

Haha sorry I'm in gcse level, sorry I didn't specify!, and thanks a bunch will definitely try it out! :smile:

Reply 6

amal29

Original post by Kurdt

I've only found writing to be the hardest, students tend to memorise paragraphs beforehand and simply jot it all down for memory. Any tips for writing?

Reply 7

Kurdt

Original post by amal29

I've only found writing to be the hardest, students tend to memorise paragraphs beforehand and simply jot it all down for memory. Any tips for writing?

An online resource for native speakers to check your writing is
http://lang-8.com/

If you're doing GCSE or A-level, it makes sense to do the essays questions from past papers and then use them as a basis for revision.

If you give more details, perhaps I can give a more focussed response.

Reply 8

amal29

Original post by Kurdt

Yes, my apologies.

I'm in year 11 and will be giving my Arabic GCSE exam later this May. I don't have an issue with the reading, writing, or speaking units. However, writing it a bit challenging. We are required to write on a given prompt which prescribes to either of the following themes: media, travel and culture or sport, leisure and work.

Is there any pre-written article that I can use for reference or any site which would aid in this task?

Thanks!

Reply 9

Kurdt

Original post by amal29

It sounds like you're doing the Edexcel paper. What you describe sounds like a common situation. I'm assuming you come from a native speaking background as you don't state speaking is a problem too like many non-natives do.

I am assuming your handwriting is ok.

I don't know any specific article on the topic.

Do you have trouble with vocab and grammar? The former you can consolidate with advice here:
https://www.alexstrick.com/blog/2013/01/a-jedi-mind-trick-and-three-other-approaches-to-learning-vocabulary You can find the vocab list on the exam board website (I assume you have downloaded all their past papers and answers).

The latter needs more work. If you have a look at the past paper examiner's reports they give real sample answers. Just copy the good one and avoid mistakes of the bad ones.

Reply 10

amal29

Original post by Kurdt

Nah, I'm English, no native background in Arabic.

I'll take a look at the examiner reports, thank's for the tip!

Reply 11

Kurdt

Original post by amal29

Nah, I'm English, no native background in Arabic.

I'll take a look at the examiner reports, thank's for the tip!

Assuming you can type in Arabic I am happy to make an attempt to go through a past paper question here. Probably only for today though.

Reply 12

amal29

Original post by Kurdt

Assuming you can type in Arabic I am happy to make an attempt to go through a past paper question here. Probably only for today though.

No, I'm sorry, I don't quite know how to type in Arabic. It take's quite a while.

However, if you could give me a sample related to one of the topics, that'll be splendid. Would that work?

Reply 13

Reality Check

Do you think shoes should always match a bag?

Reply 14

Kurdt

Original post by amal29

No, I'm sorry, I don't quite know how to type in Arabic. It take's quite a while.

However, if you could give me a sample related to one of the topics, that'll be splendid. Would that work?

Off the hoof -

2016 writing paper

Q1a

Write a letter about a your new town: neighbours, clubs, likes/dislikes

Keyword letter

30-70 words

Think basically each sentence is 10 words - verb - subject (with adjective) - object (with adjective) adverb - conjunction/ joining phrase VS(A)O(A) again

As a letter you need to start off like this

عزيزي if male
or عزيزتي if female

then a phrase like

تحية طيبة و بعد

already 6 words from 30

لقد وصلنا إلى المدينة الجديدة اليوم. لا أعرف أحداً هنا. المدينة كبيرة و جميلة. التقينا بالجيران و وجدناهم طيبين. سأزور نادي الرياضة غداً

etc end

المخلص/ة

Reply 15

username2324315

How long did it take you to be able to read the Arabic language fluently? I'm applying to do Arabic at university next year and I'm unsure how long it would take me to learn the Arabic alphabet and what letter corresponds with what, etc.

Reply 16

Kurdt

Original post by Rex Onocrotalus

Thanks for your question and reviving the thread.

Many Muslims of non-Arabic backgrounds have a reading knowledge of the language from studying the Quran at a young age. Often they may have pronunciation deficiencies and they do not understand what they read.

I have seen intelligent motivated people without that background master pronunciation and handwriting in 12 hours.

I first start with learning a stock of vocab - words of things around you: pen, paper etc to make sure you have a practice with the sounds. Then handwriting "ah, that's how you write qalam for pen" then pronunciation drilling based upon the scheme they use in Indian sub-continent schools.

Pronunciation is most important at beginner stage. Leading light of polyglot community Gabe Wyner stresses this. This should take take 8-12 hours. 1-2-1 native/fluent/ proficient tutor needed for that and handwriting. You can do online too with Wacom Intous tablet (£50 Amazon).

Reply 17

blueskies77

HiI want my daughter to start doing arabic as a second language, working up to GCSE. She can read it already.What are the best GCSE books to study? I've seen the Arabic as a companion - looks good. Are there any other books - what is your opinion of them please!thanksUmar

Reply 18

Kurdt

Original post by blueskies77

The GCSE scheme has changed recently and with a master's now to focus on for the next academic year I'm afraid I haven't been following trends as I ought to for a former tutor.

GCSE has always been a tough one for me. My GCSE tutees were already very good with their language skills and needed exam training more than correcting their language.

Although I always advise an adult learner does not need to attend classes or courses to learn a language with the correct motivation and self-organisation, that demand can be a bit tougher on 16 year olds. You have the likes of Tim Doner, the polyglot, to show what personal enthusiasm can achieve. See his YouTube Arabic videos.

If she joined a local class a good teacher will have fun material to help her learn.

I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful.

On the other hand if she has a personal enthusiasm she can go through the past papers and answers (all online) and practice via hinative.com. Just a thought.

Reply 19

Hanaf

Hi I struggle in my reading and understanding and also in my listening and understanding for Arabic. I'm taking my Arabic exam this year and my mock is on Monday soo plzzz help me ASAP.p.s I'm on the edexcel exam board