Language Centre

Arabic (Maghrebi) Beginners Course

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Key information

Duration
1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
Attendance mode
Part-time, online/blended learning

Course overview

Course aim

The course is aimed at complete beginners and is designed to enable learners to communicate in spoken Maghrebi Arabic within a limited range of everyday situations. The course introduces the students to the Arabic writing system and enables them to read and write basic words and sentences. This course is delivered by the Language Centre

Method

The course is taught in English and Arabic and includes coverage of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, though greater emphasis is placed on the learner’s ability to speak and listen.

This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: this is composed of 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher. This is supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.

Material

Our Arabic language courses and Arabic course materials pages detail what you need to buy for this course. 

Entry requirements and progression route

For the first stage of this course in Maghrebi Arabic (i.e. Maghrebi Arabic Beginners 1), no previous knowledge is required. To be able to join Maghrebi Arabic Beginners 2, you should have completed an Maghrebi Arabic Beginners 1 course at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 20 hours). The progression route from Maghrebi Arabic Beginners 1 is to Beginners 2, from Beginners 2 - to Beginners 3.

Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.

For course dates and information, please see our timetables

Structure

Arabic Maghrebi Beginners 1

In this course you will:

  • introduce yourself and exchange greetings
  • exchange simple information like nationality, residence, and professions
  • describe family members and places
  • learn how to offer food and drink and learn about some Maghrebi dishes
  • learn how to accept and refuse politely
  • learn how to ask for and give directions around the city
  • describe objects including household items
  • ask for the quantity and cost of items using numbers 1 to 10
  • name some Maghrebi souvenirs
  • give descriptions of items including colours
  • recognise the Arabic alphabet and its transliteration
  • read simple words in an Maghrebi accent

The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.

Contact us

  • arabic@soas.ac.uk

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.

Related information

See the full list of Language Centre short courses in Arabic on the Arabic language homepage.

Back to the Language Centre

Image credit: Aran Mtnez via Unsplash