Learn Arabic Online. Internet lessons using articles taken from the Arab press.

Natural Arabic was launched in May 2006.

Our aim is to make learning Arabic as natural a process as possible - by immersing you in the language from day one. In this way, it is hoped, you will be able to discover the language for yourself, rather than have to work through a set course.

To learn a language naturally we believe that:

1. It is of the utmost importance that you hear it, rather than simply read it, because learning a language is like learning a song.

2. Vocabulary should be learned with the help of a translation, because learning vocabulary should not be about guesswork - the meaning should be absolutely clear. Other than total immersion with a dedicated teacher (or parent!), there is no better way to understand meaning than with a translation.

3. Vocabulary should be learned in context, not as isolated items of vocabulary, because knowing which words go together is just as important as knowing individual words. In addition, seeing words in context will help you understand their meaning better.

4. You should focus on one area of vocabulary deeply, rather than study many areas thinly.

5. Learning about Arabic culture should be part of learning the language.

We have tried to incorporate these beliefs in the design of this website and in the articles we choose. If you have any suggestions about how we can improve, we would be very grateful to receive them.

We hope Natural Arabic will enable you to learn Arabic, whatever your current level. Of course, the real hard work is down to you, but if we have helped you to learn Arabic in any way, we will be very happy.

About Us Natural Arabic was launched in May 2006. Our aim is to make learning Arabic as natural a process as possible - by immersing you in the language from day one. In this way, it is hoped, you will be able to discover the language for yourself, rather than have to work through a set course. To learn a language naturally we believe that: 1. It is of the utmost importance that you hear it, rather than simply read it, because learning a language is like learning a song. 2. Vocabulary should be learned with the help of a translation, because learning vocabulary should not be about guesswork - the meaning should be absolutely clear. Other than total immersion with a dedicated teacher (or parent!), there is no better way to understand meaning than with a translation. 3. Vocabulary should be learned in context, not as isolated items of vocabulary, because knowing which words go together is just as important as knowing individual words. In addition, seeing words in context will help you understand their meaning better. 4. You should focus on one area of vocabulary deeply, rather than study many areas thinly. 5. Learning about Arabic culture should be part of learning the language. We have tried to incorporate these beliefs in the design of this website and in the articles we choose. If you have any suggestions about how we can improve, we would be very grateful to receive them. We hope Natural Arabic will enable you to learn Arabic, whatever your current level. Of course, the real hard work is down to you, but if we have helped you to learn Arabic in any way, we will be very happy.
Acknowledgements We would like to thank the Arabic newspapers Al-Hayat and Asharq Alawsat and the satellite channel Al-Jazeera for allowing us to use extracts from their websites. Thanks also to Ghasaq and Amal for making the sound recordings. And many thanks to Jonathan for his help with the website development. Andrew Cavell