Mastering Arabic: The Complete Course for Beginners [With 2 Audio CDs]

by Mahmoud Gaafar and Jane Wightwick

Book & 2 CDs. This is a new edition of a hugely popular title. "Mastering Arabic" is the most accessible, carefully-paced and lively introductory Arabic course on the market using an effective tried... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0781812380
• ISBN13: 9780781812382
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Hippocrene Books
• Length: 371 Pages
• Weight: 1.08 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Finally! An Arabic instruction book with a clear plan

I've been self-teaching Arabic for over a year now, using many different types of sources (Pimsleur CDs, Arabic newspapers and texts, many other books and tapes) and this is the first and only "textbook" type of instruction that has a clear and well-constructed plan that can be used by a beginner or novice for self-instruction. It comes with two CDs that are very well prepared, also. I've used "Teach Yourself Arabic", "Al-Kitaab", "Living Language", "Instant Immersion (THE WORST!)", etc., and this is the only text that is clear, well-thought out, and plainly builds on previous instruction. I HIGHLY recommend it--along with other aids such as the Pimsleur CDs, Awde's "The Arabic Alphabet", Wightwick's "Your First 100 Words". Since I mentioned them above, I should point out problems with two particular series: The "Living Language" series is OK--but NO ARABIC SCRIPT! That's a huge fault. "Instant Immersion" (8 CDs) is nothing more than a recitation of words and phrases with their English equivalents--no more helpful than attempting to memorize an entire book verbatim by having someone read it to you. Get "Mastering Arabic" with the 2 audio CDs--Wightwick and Gafaar have done a wonderful job with this.

Best Starter Book I Found

I started with this book, and I had tried loads before. I ended up doing a degree in Arabic and this book was a perfect start. Its important to get a grip of the writing before you do anything else, or you will be hobbled in your studies. Its beautifully presented and the examples are large (you wouldn't believe how many books have tiny examples for you to copy). I would heartily recommend this book. I also worked in Foyles (charing cross road) which had one of the best foreign language sections in the UK for non-European languages (some really obscure titles!) and I regularly looked through the books available for learning as a beginner. This still looks the best.

How to buy the tape...read on.

I found the tape in a local Arabic/Islamic bookstore (IQRA Book Center - iqrabookcenter.com, and they had a lot but I can't find it on their site, so you may have to call the store or look for a local Arabic bookstore in your area. The ISBN is 0-87052-984-6.The tapes make the book a perfect language learning tool and will have you conversing Arabic in no time flat.

Excellent text for study of Written and Spoken Arabic

I have taught Arabic for over 15 years and have written my own texts on the subject. I feel that this book/tape combination is an excellent tool for those who are serious about studying the Arabic Language. There is very little emphasis on grammar, which is a weakness, but it does give a good solid introduction to the language. The style is enjoyable, the use of graphics imaginative and the continuity of the study subjects flows smoothly. I highly recommend this book. Make sure that you get the accompanying tapes.