Arabic Level A1 is the second foundational course in our Arabic language program at the University of Strathclyde. help language learners understand common expressions used in everyday situations and help them reach their fundamental level of communicative competence., this course delves deeper into the complexities of Arabic grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation. Through engaging interactive activities and real-world scenarios, students will develop a solid foundation in Arabic language and culture.

Learning Outcomes 

Listening: on completion of the class, you can expect to be able to:

• Comprehend basic spoken Arabic in familiar situations, such as simple conversations, announcements, and directions.
• Understand and respond to simple questions and instructions when spoken slowly and clearly.
• Recognize and identify common Arabic sounds and intonation patterns.
• Distinguish between basic Arabic vocabulary and expressions.
• Follow simple conversations on familiar topics, such as greetings, introductions, and basic needs.

Reading: on completion of the class, you can expect to be able to:

• Recognize and identify basic Arabic vocabulary, characters, and diacritics.
• Follow simple written Arabic texts such as signs, menus, and basic travel information.
• Develop basic reading fluency and improve pronunciation.
• Use context clues to infer the meaning of unfamiliar words and expressions.

Oral: on completion of the class, you can expect to be able to:

• Introduce yourself and others in basic Arabic.
• Engage in simple conversations using greetings, Family and Friends, Jobs, Weather and Places, Travel and Transportation, Food and Beverage, Shopping and basic question-and-answer formats.
• Express basic needs and requests clearly and understandably.
• Ask for clarification when you don’t understand something by using phrases like “Can you repeat that?” or “Could you speak more slowly?”
• Use basic vocabulary and grammar to convey simple messages and ideas.
• Practice correct pronunciation and intonation to enhance your communication skills.

Written: on completion of the class, you can expect to be able to:

• Write simple sentences and phrases about yourself, your family, and your daily life.
• Fill out basic forms and questionnaires with personal information.
• Write short messages and notes in Arabic.
• Practice basic Arabic handwriting and develop legible handwriting skills.
• Use basic vocabulary and grammar correctly in written form.

Context: on completion of the class, you can expect to be able to:

• Identify and describe key aspects of contemporary Arabic culture, including traditions, customs, and values.
• Recognize and appreciate the diversity within Arabic culture.
• Connect language learning with cultural understanding and appreciation.
• Engage in basic cultural exchanges and interactions with Arabic speakers.
• Develop a cultural awareness mindset and respect for different cultures.

Teaching Programme

A communicative approach in line with that taken in undergraduate degree classes in Arabic at the University of Strathclyde will normally be employed throughout. The class content will include material from the prescribed text and a number of didacticised authentic sources in a variety of media. The grammar base of the class will include introduction to the verb system of Arabic (concentrating on alphabet, pronunciation, gender and the use of nouns, gender and the use of simple adjectives, personal pronouns, regular verb forms of the present tense, reflexive verbs, expressing future actions without the future tense). Communicative activities will include group and paired oral practice, note-taking and written responses using authentic material whenever possible.

Duration: 2 hours per week for 20 weeks.

Textbook(s)  

Al Minhaj Al Alami