"The course is going well and I am enjoying it. I chose Listen & Learn because I found the price competitive and the flexibility of online classes suitable to my needs."
Lua Parsa
Arabic course in Online.
Arabic Lessons in Calgary
If you love being exposed to cultural diversity, there are few better places than Calgary. Home to over 240 different ethnic origins, Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada. According to Canada’s 2016 census, more than 120 languages are spoken in the city, which makes complete sense if you take into consideration that Calgary has one of the highest levels of net migration in the country. What many people don’t know, though, is that Arabic is among the most used languages in the city, with more than eighteen thousand estimated speakers.
At this point in time, of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, Arabic is listed as the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with an impressive 315 million native speakers around the globe. Melodious and alluring, this Semitic language is spoken in more than 20 countries, among which you can find Algeria, Egypt, and Qatar. As you can imagine, the vast proliferation of Arabic has resulted in many unique dialects that are worth exploring. However, the most common and widely-used variant is Modern Standard Arabic, which makes it a perfect gateway to the Arab World.
Why Study Arabic in Calgary?
Learn Arabic for Work and Travel
It’s no secret that learning a second language will improve your career. In fact, being able to express yourself seamlessly in another language is proven to make you more employable, increase your confidence, and may even lead to a higher salary. However, picking the right language to learn can be tricky… Before you make up your mind, it’s always advisable to ask yourself one question: which language will bring me the best opportunities?
Learning Arabic is one of the best decisions you can make to advance your career. Despite being in high demand for job positions such as Energy Mentor, Account Executive, and Customer Experience Associate, it is still one of the least chosen languages by college students in Canada, who tend to choose European languages like Spanish or German. This means that if you choose to learn Arabic, you will many more chances to stand out in any job application and get jobs most people won’t be qualified for.
Also, if you’re interested in working abroad, you might consider learning Arabic to move to countries with growing economies like Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. These growing markets are positively filled with opportunities for people interested in real estate, technology, finance, and tourism, among others. Although learning Arabic is not strictly necessary to get a job in these territories, it will definitely help you do better work, and it will make your stay easier.
Learn Arabic for Social
Getting to know a new culture expands your horizons and changes your worldview forever. Fortunately, learning Arabic presents its learners with the wonderful chance to know about the lives of many diverse communities that experience the world in a unique way.
A great way to immerse yourself in Arab culture is by attending one of the events held by the Calgary Arab Art & Culture Society. This non-profit organization contributes to Calgary’s thriving arts and cultural scene by actively promoting events that showcase the rich diversity of Arab culture. One of the most well-known events they hold is the annual Calgary Arab Film Nights festival at Calgary’s Globe Cinema, located at 617 8 Avenue Southwest, where both Calgarians and tourists can enjoy awarded films from countries like Egypt, Palestine, and Lebanon.
Another way to experience a culture, of course, is through its food. In Calgary, there are many excellent Middle Eastern restaurants that will amaze you and your family, but Jimmy’s A&A Mediterranean Deli is definitely one of the best. Located within a walking distance of Calgary’s downtown, at 1304 4th Street SW, Jimmy’s A&A has won many awards for making the best shawarma in the city. Not only is it known for its delicious beef donair and veggie falafel, but also for its friendly atmosphere and great service, As owner Jimmy says: “Come and visit us — you’ll be served with love and you’ll leave happy — I can promise you that.”
Learn Arabic for Culture
One of the best ways to meet new people is by learning a new language. If you want to surround yourself with people who belong to different Arab communities, then the annual Calgary Arab Festival is exactly what you’re looking for. Held at the Olympic Plaza, located around Macleod Trail and 7th Avenue S, this free cultural festival will help you learn more about the diverse Arabic cultures across the Middle East. As you explore the exhibition tents you’ll be able to discover Middle Eastern dance, art, music, authentic Arabic cuisine, and most importantly, new Arab friends.
Where to learn Arabic in and around Calgary?
If you’ve always wanted to study at university, you should consider the Arabic Language and Muslim Culture Program at the University of Calgary, where you’ll learn Modern Standard Arabic in its cultural context. Another great way to learn about the Arab culture in the city is by listening to Calgary Arabia, a weekly, 2-hour, live radio show that showcases Arab art & cultural heritage, and airs live interviews with prominent figures from diverse walks of life in Calgary.
However, if you’re tired of using outdated materials and want unique lessons that are completely tailored to your needs, the best choice is Listen & Learn. If you prefer face-to-face lessons, one of our excellent teachers will go to your home or office. On the other hand, if you want an online lesson, you can have the lesson on Skype or Zoom. Just send us a quick inquiry now and one of our team members will get in contact with you as soon as possible!
The type of courses we offer:
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) General Arabic
This set of Arabic tutorials are less specific and more targeted at those who want to get a range of different things from learning Arabic. Even though all novice students will cover survival Arabic: enough Arabic to make a visit to the country or make good contacts with the locals, but what do you do from there? It depends on your needs. Those who have benefitted from these lessons have been those moving or investing overseas, spouses of overseas nationals, people who love to travel all over the world, those interested in Arabic culture, and those who just want to pass a specific examination in Arabic. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Arabic
These lessons in Arabic are meant for those that feel that learning Arabic would make a change in their work. For starters, it is expedient to learn how to say hello/goodbye, as well as basic business protocol; once the basics have been mastered, reading and writing come to the fore. Students who have greatly benefitted have been involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, jobseekers in multinational companies where another language is required, and those working in the international academia and government circuits. Even on our most fundamental beginner's lesson, students can anticipate ending the lesson with basic telephone Arabic and e-mail Arabic skills for communicating, as well as survival Arabic if a short visit to the country is needed. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Face-to-Face Closed (Private) Group General or Business Arabic
If there are 2 or more of you with the same level of Arabic, the same targets within the language, and be able to study at the same time and location, then you'll be happy to know that these Arabic lessons can also be made available for Two-to-One Arabic Lessons or Small Group In-Company Arabic Lessons. Listen & Learn do not generally recommend classes of more than 6-8 people, although Taster lessons in Arabic can run with up to 12 people. Bookings must be made for all participants at the same time. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online 1-to-1 (Individual) General or Business Arabic
Our native speaker qualified Arabic language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Lesson books are provided. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online Group (Closed or Open) General or Business Arabic
2 or more people can benefit studying Arabic together as these Arabic lessons are also offered to groups (Two-to-One Arabic Lesson or Small Group In-Company Arabic Lesson). Every student must have the same degree of knowledge of the language, the same business or language needs and the ability to study at the same time and place as everybody else. The booking has to be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advocate group sessions of more than 6-8 people, though Taster Arabic Lessons can be experienced by up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Top Tips For…
arabic Songs
“ألوان الرياح” (Colors of the Wind)
If you’re looking to sharpen your Arabic listening skills, there’s no better way than by enjoying music and songs. In fact, it’s even better if you’re already familiar with the lyrics and the tune from your own language, as you can decipher unknown words from the context. So, why not revisit your childhood and listen to the Arabic version of Pocahontas’ “Colors of the Wind”? Find out what her voice sounds with an Egyptian accent and pick up some new words, like shajara (tree), allawn (color), or rusim (paint), while listening to beautiful music. Listen to the song here!arabic Songs
“حوار الحجاب” (The Hijab Conversation)
This song not only has a beautiful melody and will help you fine-tune your listening comprehension skills, but it tells a story that will give you insights into the fascinating Arab culture. The song follows the story of a girl that announces to her father that she has decided to start wearing a hijab now that she’s a woman. The song is catchy, slow, and repetitive, making it a great option for beginner levels to develop their listening skills. Find the lyrics online and sing along to this beautiful piece to improve your pronunciation! Listen to the song here!“The Sea Creatures Song”
Listening to songs made for children is a great idea for students who are just starting their language journey. One great example is ”The Sea Creatures Song,” a piece designed to teach children the letters, colors, and names of animals in Arabic. You’ll also learn how to form plurals and which animals are always referenced in the singular form. Another advantage is that it’s the song uses formal Arabic and not a dialect, so you won’t get confused with slang or conversational phrases if you are just beginning your Arabic course. Listen to the song here!arabic Books
The Commandments- Adel Esmat
This amazing novel follows the story of an Egyptian family through many generations. It begins in the 1920s with the end of the First World War and concludes in 1952 with the Egyptian Revolution. Each chapter represents a year in the grandfather’s life until he dies and the son continues the story, sharing words of wisdom and passing on advice to the next generation. Due to its rich historical context, this novel is an opportunity to learn a lot about Egyptian history and culture in addition to picking up new Arabic vocabulary. Learn more about the book here.arabic Books
The Second War of the Dog – Ibrahim Nasrallah
Reading books in Arabic is brilliant for intermediate and advanced students who wish to improve their reading skills and build up their lexicon while having fun. If you enjoy sci-fi, for example, The Second War of the Dog will get you hooked. This is a futuristic novel set in an imaginary country where religious groups take control of the government with the support of the people. It has elements of fiction and fantasy, so low-level students of Arabic may struggle to know which words are invented and which ones they do not know yet initially. Click here to know more about the book.One Room Is Not Enough – Sultan Al Ameemi
If you love a good mystery, then One Room is not Enough is an exciting choice, as well as an opportunity to learn more about the Arabic language and the culture of Saudi Arabia. The novel follows a man who wakes up in a room without doors or windows. Not knowing how he got there, he explores the room, only to find out that there is another man who looks exactly like him in the cell next to his. The book is about him trying to escape this strange place while watching what his clone is doing through the keyhole of his room. Click here to know more about the book.Testimonials
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