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© Tatiana Prolesko, 2022
ISBN 978-5-0056-5833-3
Created with Ridero smart publishing system
Introduction
“You have gone crazy!”. Such was the reaction of friend about my new hobby. In my experience, the most exciting things in life start from that phrase.
The first thought of learning Arabic came to my mind before traveling to Qatar. When going to a new country, I always want to say something in the local language. Without hesitation I went to the “Bookvoed” bookstore for an Arabic-Russian phrasebook and victoriously carried it to the cashier under the mocking-curious (in a good way) look of one of the shop assistants who later turned out to speak Syrian dialect.
My journey to Qatar was surrounded by two other trips: Madrid and Barcelona. At the time, I was irate that Italian words were getting in my head and interfering with the study of Spanish. The immersion in the Arabic phrasebook in the atmosphere of flight QR0282 Saint Petersburg – Doha once and forever discouraged me from complaining about the difficulty of any European language.
I was opening the phrasebook and closing it again with sadness.
By the time the airplane landed, six words had been learned.
Everything else turned stupor in my mind and led me to think:
«It is unrealistic to learn. How can I understand anything in these little squiggles? However, what will I do if one day in Dubai, all the English signs are disappeared?»
What would be the motivation to continue the process? First, there were local people whom I had the privilege of meeting in Qatar at that time and other citizens from the Middle East afterward.
Secondly, Qatar itself amazed so much that on my return from the trip, I wrote an article about this country for one magazine, bought a thick Arabic textbook and a thin notebook for writing. I wanted to understand more about how native speakers think and to be able to say something myself.
It turned out to be a fascinating exercise for the mind, a way to get better acquainted with the local culture and greatly expand my way of thinking.
Moreover:
1. It turned out that there was nothing scary in Arabic letters; they are unusual for eyes, but nothing more. Each letter looks different at the beginning, in the middle, at the end of the word, or if it stands separately. The words are written from right to left; the numbers are written from left to right.
The letters are always written as a solid word, both in writing and in printed material in Arabic. Exceptions to the rule are crosswords and vertical signboards.
2. Vocabulary leads to interesting thoughts. For example: in Arabic, “student” sounds like “Talib” communion from the verb “talab” – “to ask,” “to demand,” “to search.”
In the language, the concept of «student» is denoted as «looking, asking, demanding.» Indeed, a pupil is not a mere student – for example, a child who does not know what he needs to learn. Parents sent him to school to get primary education.
A student seeks knowledge without hesitation, asks for help, and even requires knowledge if necessary. Thus, the Arabic word conveys the true essence – a person who desires knowledge. Moreover, from the mere sight of the word and its sound, it is clear what the knowledge seeker must do to succeed in his endeavor.
3. It turned out that almost 10% of Spanish words were borrowed from Arabic, which was very helpful in learning Spanish in Barcelona:
aduana “customs office”
azúcar «sugar»
álgebra «algebra»
elixir «elixir»
alcohol «alcohol»
azimut «azimut»
algoritmo «algorithm»
aldea «village»
There are many Arabisms also in Russian. For example, the word «lafa» is close to «alafa» in the meaning of «good life», «luck.» The word «balagan» comes from the Arabic «balag» – «news».
Also: alchemy, admiral, amalgam, arsenal, caliber, coffee, gazelle, giraffe, halva, chest, jasmine, lemon, sherbet, sugar, syrup, talisman, tariff, and others.
4. Most of all I liked to draw (not to write as usual and not to type, but to draw) Arabic ligature. This is calligraphy at the art level! I remember practicing for four hours to write a handwritten congratulations for my friends.
5. Encouraged by the letter’s success, I almost forgot pronunciation practice. In Arabic, several sounds sound almost indistinguishable to my ear. For example, in Russian, there is one letter «S,» and in Arabic, there are three letters similar in sound to «S.» These letters are: «sin» – pronounced as the Russian «S,» «sod» – pronounced very firmly and «sa» – pronounced as the interdental sound «s,» analogous to the sound in the English language when the letters are combined.
Learning new languages erases boundaries in every sense: I like to communicate with native speakers, to make conclusions about people, about their culture and countries myself, instead of relying on the opinions of others and information dissected by mass media, for example.
What was the reason for this book to appear?
– Where did you buy such a fancy backpack?
– In Dubai.
– Ohh… I guess I will never be able to go there.
– Why?
– I do not speak foreign languages and I am not sure I can learn them. I was only once in Turkey in a hotel where many people spoke Russian.
– Do not be upset; a foreign language is possible to learn. I am sure 100%. And Dubai is great: it is worth visiting!
– Thanks! Please come again!
– Sure!
This conversation happened once in a coffee shop when ordering an iced latte. At first glance, it is not notable. But I wondered again why people predispose themselves to failure? Who convinced this pretty and smart lady that it was hard to learn a foreign language? Maybe she, like many people, was not lucky enough to have a good teacher at school? Or did the family lack psychological support for any new beginnings? How many people do not know what they miss out on, putting language learning on the list of pipe dreams? How may I transfer them at least a part of the experience about how simple and pleasant it is?
Thus, a usual conversation and lovely bag from Dubai, featuring beautiful cactus, served as one of the ideas for this book.
Secondly, if someone had told me eight years ago (when I first visited the United Arab Emirates) that I would willingly start learning Arabic and even less write this book – I would never have believed it! Where are Arabists, Orientalists, professors, diplomatic translators, and the author of these lines! I may be a polyglot for European languages and an ordinary entrepreneur. I felt unworthy of even approaching such luminaries in my mind and beginning to write something about Arabic. Surprisingly, in the process of learning it has been possible to attract the attention of friends to this language and to the culture of the Middle East. I became interested in Arabic calligraphy and, as a result, in the drawing.
I had to face the fact that there are much fewer manuals of Arabic in comparison to European languages, so I had to build my own learning system, like a mosaic, adding it to my teaching method of a foreign language.
Third, there is an incredible amount of information devoted to language learning in our time. It seems that there is nothing to add: to choose courses, a teacher, manuals, decorate the process with words «motivation,» «self-development,» and «terms,» download a couple of applications in a smartphone, make a solemn promise to friends in social networks and that is enough.
In such a case, why do many very talented and serious people, who want to learn the language that opens up new horizons in careers, businesses, and sometimes in personal lives, do not get to master it and put it on their list of achievements and their résumé? Why it happens that even with an excellent teacher, the student can set specific goals but fails to achieve results?
The fact is – that people are integrated into the learning process differently. They translate feelings into thoughts and texts having unique ways of perceiving the information and the nature of learning.
In this book, the reader will get acquainted with twelve ways to learn Arabic and learn how to move the learning process from a deadlock – not only to start but to continue until the end. Everyone is going to recognize himself/herself in a particular chapter (or in several ones) and will get a ready decision about what to do about it; will figure out how it is easier to achieve results in Arabic without unnecessary suffering.
The book consists of two parts. The first one is dedicated to the specificities of the language; the second describes the types of students.
The book intends to prove that the Arabic language is available to everyone, not only to «celestial beings.»
The next photo depicts the moment when, on way from a business meeting in Palm Jumeirah, the author came up with the idea of sharing the experience of learning this language with other people starting their way into Arabic. Alternatively, even with those who have not yet done so. Perhaps the book will serve as an inspiration to make the first step!
On the car’s side mirror, it is written that English-speaking readers will understand effortlessly: «Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.» That is what one can say about Arabic: it is much closer to us and a lot easier than it seems to be.
Reasons for learning Arabic
Arabic may appear in life for a variety of reasons. For example:
As a means of gaining a well-paid job in Gulf countries;
Interest in the culture and history of specific countries;
Study of a rare language (polyglot calling card), including as a linguistic phenomenon;
Love and family reunification;
Ancestral call and roots;
Hobbies, interests, and personal beliefs; the magic of music and fascination with the literature of the East;
Travel;
Moving to the desired country;
__________________________________ (write your idea!).
1. Arabic is one of the most popular languages in the world. Today it is among the top languages with the largest number of speakers. Over 300 million people speak Arabic; it is official in 22 countries. This language is becoming more popular every day, and it is expected that it will soon be as popular as English. Arabic is important for those who plan to work abroad and make a good living. Its knowledge is a bonus for people with professional skills: in Europe and in the CIS countries, there is a significant shortage of Arabic-speaking specialists.
The developing economies of Arabic-speaking States are increasingly specialized in the service sector and require skilled workers.
2. Arabic is considered a springboard for studying Farsi, Urdu, Hebrew, and Turkish. The difficulty of learning it is exaggerated, as the language is well systematized even for home learning.
3. Knowing the language makes it easier to understand its speakers’ mentality and successfully build friendly relations.
4. Arabic does not tolerate borrowing: it contains no more than 1% of foreign words.
The richness of this language makes us wonder and admire it. Even the best translation of the Arabic text would be approximate since no other language in the world had exact analogs to Arabic expressions. Its vocabulary is full of meaning. Hollow and vague words Arabs do not like, seeking accuracy and perfection in everything, especially in expressing thoughts.
5. Arabic is very logical, and learning is often compared to mathematics. If you only know three letters, you can create dozens of new words by formulas. There are models in the language showing how to do it properly.
6. The Arabic language has played a significant role in the history of world culture: it has produced a wealth of artistic and scientific literature.
7. Arabian ligature is a paradise for aesthetics and unique fine arts! You can learn not only to contemplate it but also to write it. There are no capital letters; there is no difference between the printed and written letters.
Learning Arabic from scratch without tutoring or group instruction is not easy. For the first stage of education, it is essential to find «your» teacher with whom you will be comfortable studying 100%. The author of this book is convinced that this is a necessary factor for success. In one lesson, a student can fall in love with a foreign language (especially Arabic) for the rest of his life or cultivate fear/rejection.
It may not be easy to provide training in classic methods and teaching materials but more effective to focus on consultancy and conversational skills.
On the one hand, you study independently in textbooks; on the other – attend one-on-one tutoring and/or in a group.
Arabic can be studied in special cultural centers, and it is very likely that you will be able to go to internships and practice in the country of native speakers.
To speed up language learning, if right now there is no way to learn thoughtfully and profoundly, you can act to satisfy the first impulse.
Let us start and have a look at some question words:
You have already learned eight words!
Of course, if you want a great result, you have to commit to serious work, but I would call it The Path. In this process, you will become spiritually more prosperous, more tolerant, and even more attractive as a person.
It is easy to touch the soul of this wise, precise, philosophically generous language.
on the border of Qatar and Saudi Arabia
Ease of the Arabic language
The Arabs are very eloquent. Any situation can instantly find a clever saying. See some Arabic winged expressions and proverbs:
Will the shadow be straight if the barrel is curved?
Do not open a door you cannot close.
I am emir, and you emir. Who will drive donkeys?
In conversation, the path shortens.
The heart sees before the head.
The army of sheep, led by a lion, will defeat the army of lions, led by a sheep.
Arabic is a complex and mysterious language for many people until they learn it. I am convinced that everyone can learn Arabic!
First, consider its merits, and in the next chapter, consider its nuances. I do not want to call them cons, although the chapter is specifically referred to as such: it is very likely that a large part of the readers will open it first.
1. Arabic is a flexible language. The same word meaning can be conveyed in several ways: the structure of the proposals is not as rigid as, for example, in English or French. In this respect, Arabic is similar to Russian.
2. Arabic is a mathematical language: words and sentences are constructed by certain formulas. This is a tremendous advantage of Arabic – a minimum number of exceptions to the rules.
So you do not have to cram much! If one learns grammar at a reasonable level, one word can in some cases, be composed of more than a dozen derived words using model formulas.
So, knowing only 500 verbs, we are talking about a vocabulary of about 2,500 words! Besides this, the emphasis in Arabic words is logical and straightforward.
3. In Arabic, words are read as written. There are specific rules, but they are clear. Remember that English has many reading rules, and remember many exceptions. It is not uncommon to find that several very different words in their spelling and meaning sound pronounced very similar, often in the same way! We do not talk about French at all. And these are European languages that are traditionally considered as easy!
4. In Russian and Arabic, there are only three times – past, present, and future. Remember how many are in English!
Ain Dubai View
5. Most readers do not even realize that they already speak a little Arabic! Many famous words have come precisely from Arabic. For example, “coffee,” “digit,” “zero,” “nabat,” “muslin,” “halva,” and others. A number of these words have the prefix “al,” which tells us about their Arabic origin: “algebra,” “almanac,” “alcohol,” “alchemy,” “Aldebaran,” “Altair,” etc.
______________________________________ (write a familiar word if you remember it!)
6. Arabic is the richest language in the world in words commonly referred to as synonyms in other languages. However, it is unnecessary to be frightened in advance: knowing 500 to 1000 words for a simple conversation is enough.
Consider the example: in Arabic, a few dozen words mean love or close concepts that other language speakers can translate with only one (!) word. The same applies to Antonyms.
Cons of Arabic language
In the previous chapter, we have found out that Arabic, contrary to popular belief, is in many ways easier than other languages. Nevertheless, at the same time, Arabic is an oriental language, which has its complexities and nuances, which might seem incomprehensible at the beginning.
According to rough calculations, it takes three and a half times more time to learn Arabic than, for example, Spanish.
Let’s take a look at the main difficulties:
1. The first thing a newcomer faces and is frightened of is Arabic ligature. The spelling of words looks very complicated because it is not similar to a letter in Cyrillic or Latin: the letters are connected and resemble intricate patterns. When learning to read Arabic, we must focus on small details, which are unnatural to one. In addition, some textbooks present the script in such a way that completely discourages delving into and understanding.
However, fear of the Arabic letter is false: it evaporates after the first weeks of learning. 28 letters are connected in different combinations, both in print and in writing. All you have to do is remember these 28 letters and their spelling!
Of the 28 letters, 22 have four spelling variants (the letter stands separately, in the beginning, middle, and at the end of the word), and six letters have two variants (stand-alone and in conjunction with the previous letter). Some letters are written the same and differ only by the position of the points.
How to ease the process: learn letters by similar groups rather than alphabetically.
For example, some letters are written in almost the same way in all positions in the world except for the points, meaning that the outline must be memorized only once. You also need to remember the points. This item follows from the previous one. However, in the middle of the word, the points will often help determine the letter.
Print out the alphabet and always keep it handy. When opening a book or website, read by peeking there. Working with text is much more effective than remembering letters written in a column. Do not write down single letters a hundred times. Two or three lines are enough to remember the writing sequence.
To some extent, the image of the Arabic language embodies the sculpture «Power of Words» by the Emirati sculptor Mattar Bin Lahej. It is a large ellipsoid consisting of bound Arabic ligatures. It is an indescribable sensation when these elegant words surround you from all sides and create a sense of touch with centuries-old art!
2. The second feature (actually just the absence of habit) is the letter’s direction from right to left. But you will get used to that after a few written pages in Arabic.
3. Unusual pronunciation of Arabic sounds. The peculiarity of the Arabic language is that several groups of sounds are almost identical for the European or Russian ear. The mistake of many is that in trying to start talking as soon as possible, in an attempt to write words, phrases, and sentences, not enough attention is focused on pronunciation. It makes it difficult for the Arabs to distinguish between words and to understand what we want to say to them.
The solution to mentioned complexities will be lessons with a tutor or attending a course at the very beginning of the study. Even if you are sure about learning the language yourself, take at least 8—10 lessons with an experienced teacher. After that, it will be easier and faster to continue on your own. You will save a lot of time and energy!
4. The grammar and gravitas of Arabic words. It is essential to learn how to use words of similar meaning correctly in the context. The meaning of Arabic words is embedded in the root system. In order to accurately define the meaning and choose the appropriate form of words, one must understand the morphology of the Arabic language.
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