Formal Spoken Arabic Basic Course with MP3 Files: Second Edition [With MP3]

By Karin C. Ryding

Book Overview

This new edition, updated and with additional exercises, equips those who work, travel, and study in Arab countries with an educated form of spoken Arabic that functions flexibly in the face of various regional colloquial variants in the Arab world.

Because the Arabic language has a number of very different spoken vernaculars, being able to speak and be understood in all Arab countries has become a challenge for English speakers. Ryding and Mehall have designed a course that teaches a standardized variant of spoken Arabic that is close to, but more natural than, the literary Modern Standard Arabic.

With a non-grammar-based approach, this book fosters communicative competence in Arabic on all levels and develops speaking proficiency without abandoning Arabic script. It has proven to be clear, effective, and relevant to the needs of Americans living and working in the Arab East. Task-based lessons feature basic dialogues between Americans and Arabs, explanations of new structures, vocabulary expansion, and exercises; and provide gradual access to the sounds and script of Arabic by emphasizing listening and reading comprehension first, then slowly adding oral exercises and activities until the student has achieved basic proficiency.

Not intended for self-instruction for beginners, Formal Spoken Arabic Basic Course with MP3 Files assumes some previous knowledge of Modern Standard Arabic, Arabic script and phonology, and previous or simultaneous instruction in orthography. This new edition includes a CD of MP3 audio exercises that are keyed to the text and drill students on listening and speaking.

Lessons cover topics including:

Heads of State
Cities and Countries
Official Titles
Geography
Systems of Government
Lost Luggage
Getting Acquainted
Establishing Common Ground
Seeking and Giving Information
Personal Needs and Family
Handling Problems
Eating Out
Bargaining and Buying

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1589010604
• ISBN13: 9781589010604
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Georgetown University Press
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.0" x 10.0"
• Grade Range: Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

Formal Standard Arabic is a fabulous resource for Arabic language learners.

I completely agree with the other reviewers. Formal Spoken Arabic is one of the few books I go back to again and again, along with any book by Shukri B. Abed and Munther Younes (Cornell). If you can get your hands on the Second Edition (2005 - ISBN 978 1 58901 060 4), then do so. It contains a CD with MP3 files of the audio of all conversations and vocabulary. Many of the other and better known textbooks, particularly of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), are enough to drive any budding language enthusiast crazy. Thankfully, Ryding's book is mostly in Arabic script, and this is exactly what you need as a student of the language. Don't buy books written in transliteration as they aren't what you need and you'll bin them in minutes. I couldn't recommend Formal Standard Arabic more highly. Now go buy it!

Simply GREAT

I agree with Michael Akard. This is one of the few books that contains dialogue and vocabulary that is useful to a student who wants to work in the Levant. Its combination of standard dippo language with practical vocab for use in ordinary life is miles ahead of other books. Having bought practically everything I can to enhance my Arabic skills, I picked this up and would envy any student who gets to work from this book (with a teacher) as opposed to the opaque linguistic didacticism of the orange MSA books. Assuming you are working with a teacher (and especially if one on one or small class) and you want to work in Jordan or Syria, etc, I would highly recommend this book. I am disappointed that this wasn't followed by intermediate and advanced texts - and that Ryding's later books use english phoneticization instead of arabic text. (For an intermediate student, English phonetics just slow you down and are a turn off). The other book that I would recommend is the State Department course on Saudi Urban Hijazi, for the same reasons: vocab you hear and can use (in KSA).

Great blend of conversational and literary styles.

This rare volume presents conversational usage via Arabic orthography. It is very useful; in fact, it is the only book I've seen which uses primarily Arabic medium (rather than English) to give the reader easy, accessible, engaging subject material. Admittedly, the boring blue cover and complete absence of illustrations gives it a rather dry appearance, but it was a pleasure to use, and I heartily recommend it. Best with tapes.