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Arabic Lessons in Washington, D.C

Residents in Washington DC are quite diverse and come from all parts of the world. As a result, there are many languages you can hear around the city, and among the most commonly used is Arabic. According to the Arab American Institute, there are around 10,821 city residents that speak Arabic at home, which makes it the seventh-most popular language among foreign-born communities in the city. If this fascinating language has caught your attention, you’ll find that there are many advantages to learning it in Washington DC. To begin with, you’ll get to expand your social circle and meet people from countries like Lebanon, Palestine, Egypt, and Morocco, who will really appreciate you taking the time to learn their language and take an interest in their culture. You’ll also get to experience the different institutions, events, stores, and restaurants that celebrate Arab culture with a deeper understanding of their traditions and customs, and what’s more, you’ll be able to take advantage of the many job opportunities in the city for Arabic speakers. 

Why Study Arabic in Washington, D.C?

Learn Arabic for Work and Travel

Because Arabic is so widespread in the area, learning it will help you access some of the unique job positions that are exclusive for bilinguals, like Arabic Speaking Social Media Cultural Advisor for Atlas Advisors, Quality Assurance Specialist for Yorktown System Group and Senior Arabic Analyst for PAE. What’s more, even if you’re not interested in applying for a job that requires you to speak Arabic, having it as one of the skills on your CV will impress most local companies in the city like Amazon, IBM, and PwC who are always looking for candidates that can help them build successful business relationships in the Arab world. On the other hand, if you have your own business and want to attract a larger section of the local Arab community, which is among the wealthiest immigrant groups in the area, learning Arabic is key to reaching this part of the population, as it will help you understand them better and provide unique solutions to their needs.

Learn Arabic for Social

There are many ways to get to know Arab culture in the city. If you love art, you can explore a great collection of Islamic art at The Freer and Sackler Galleries, located at 1050 Independence Ave SW, that includes illustrated manuscripts, ceramics, and more than 2,200 objects from North African, Spanish, and Southeast Asia regions that were deeply influenced by Islam. Another great way to learn about Arab culture is by visiting Middle East Books and More, a local book shop where in addition to great books in Arabic for children and adults, you’ll find Arabic language toys, ingredients, greeting cards, and art. Lastly, if you’re a foodie, you can check out the many local restaurants that celebrate Middle Eastern food, like Zaytinya, located at 701 9th Street, which offers delicious Lebanese dishes such as falafel, hummus, labneh, and mujadara.  

Learn Arabic for Culture

A great way to meet other like-minded people who love Arabic as much as you do is to attend some of the events organized by Conversational DC, a language immersion social club that organizes all kinds of language exchange events in the city. They hold many Arabic meetups at The Green Zone, located at 2226 18th St NW, a Middle Eastern-inspired bar where many local language enthusiasts gather to have conversations in Arabic. In addition to making great new friends, you’ll be able to hear many different dialects and learn slang words from many countries like Lebanon or Algeria. What’s more, you’ll be able to enjoy wonderful Arabic music that includes famous Lebanese singer Fairuz and Syria's Omar Souleyman, as well as live performances by local musicians. These events are completely free and welcome learners of all levels, so no matter if you can’t hold a conversation, you still can attend to get immersed in this beautiful language.

Where to learn Arabic in and around Washington, D.C?

If you are fluent enough to read in Arabic, the Library of Congress, located at 101 Independence Ave SE, has a great collection of books in the language that ranges from poetry, religious texts, history books, and even fiction. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner, you might want to check out audiobooks like 15-minute Arabic: Learn Arabic in just 12 Weeks or Total Arabic: Effortless Learning, which can help you make your first sentences in Arabic and learn basic vocabulary. The library also has useful resources to explore the different Arabic dialects like Learn Arabic conversation (Egyptian dialect), a perfect audiobook for those who want to know what the Egyptian dialect sounds like, and Lebanese Arabic: a typological study, a very interesting book that explores the particularities of the Lebanese variant. However, as helpful as these resources can be, the fastest way to learn a challenging language like Arabic is with the help of a qualified teacher. If you’re looking for great native tutors in the area, your best choice is Listen & Learn. No matter if you’re looking for a business Arabic course to help you advance your career or a more general course to travel, one of our teachers will tailor a perfect course that fits all of your requirements. All you have to do to start learning with us is send us a quick inquiry now and one of your 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

These Arabic lessons are more general in nature and are targeted at students with a whole range of different needs. While all beginners level students can expect to cover Survival Arabic - required for short visits to a country where English may not be spoken and/or the intention is to make good contacts with the local population, students then generally progress in different directions depending on their needs. Typical students include those buying property overseas, spouses of overseas nationals, people about to set off on that long-awaited world trip, Arabic culture enthusiasts and those who are keen to pass a particular Arabic examination. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test

Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Arabic

Arabic lessons of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn Arabic to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners lesson will have the student finishing the lesson with basic telephone/e-mail skills in Arabic, as well as survival Arabic should a short stay in the country be 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

You and your group can be trained by our native speaker qualified Arabic teachers, and can meet at your place of work or home at a time convenient to you. Tutorials can take place any day of the week, including weekends, and can be scheduled for the morning, afternoon or evening. If your home or office is not suitable for you, you can attend the lesson at the teacher's offices. You will be provided with all relevant lesson materials. 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

The Arabic lessons are also available for 2 or more people studying together (Two-to-One Arabic Lesson or Small Group In-Company Arabic Lesson). All participants must have the same level, the same business or general language needs and be able to study at the same time in the same location. The booking must be made for all participants at the same time. Listen & Learn do not recommend group classes of more than 6-8 people although In-Company Taster Arabic Lessons can be run with up to 12 people. Inquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test

Top Tips For…

arabic Songs

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“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

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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.

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Arabic course in Long Island.

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Arabic course in Online.

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Arabic course in Dallas.

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Arabic course in Online.

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