When it comes to mastering Arabic, there are two major
branches of the language: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and dialects. While MSA
is used officially in media broadcasts, print materials, and the classroom,
dialects are used in everyday conversations and between family and friends.
For
many language learners, the most efficient and effective method to learn the
Arabic language is to start with a dialect. Learning a dialect first has many
advantages. It is the more natural way of learning the language, as most Arab
children learn to speak the dialect of their parents from birth, then learn MSA
at school.
Furthermore, the grammar of colloquial Arabic is much simpler than
MSA grammar, enabling students to make faster progress and gain the confidence
to converse in the language.
Moreover, mastering a dialect gives language
learners the opportunity to practice conversation and speaking in real-world
contexts. By focusing on honing their conversational skills from the beginning,
language learners don’t have to grapple with the complexities of MSA grammar
and can instead put their abilities to use in everyday situations.
This makes
the process of language learning more rewarding and enjoyable, helping the
learner to become more confident and conversational in the language more
quickly.
In conclusion, when it comes to learning the Arabic language, starting
with a dialect is one of the most efficient and effective methods. By learning
the dialect, learners can understand and integrate into the culture quicker and
with greater ease, while honing their conversational skills and enjoying the
process of language learning more.