A Very Important Question About Various Arabic Language Styles!

Hello Amira, My name is Paul Kim from San Diego, California; as I'm a complete newby to Arabic languages and cultures, please bare with me. I'd like to learn the language of arabic because I have a friend who is arabic-speaking; however, he is a Palestenian who was born and raised in the United States. He still has a high level of proficiency and fluency in arabic language though. I'm only a free trial user so far, but it seems like this course is strictly based around Egyptian Arabic. Will it still work if I want to master the Palestinian Arabic? I'm hesitant to purchase as the information is unclear; furthermore, will you please point me to some resources if I want to learn the Palestinian Arabic in-depth? How is writing, reading, and speaking different for them? What about formal vs informal? If anyone knowledgeable could please get back to me as soon as possible, I'd greatly appreciate it! Furthermore, I am totally blind; will this course still work for me? Do you have audio components in your course similar to a Pimsleur let's say? Much appreciated! Best, Paul

Hi Paul, Thank you for your interest in Rocket Arabic. The course teaches Egyptian Arabic which is understood in most Arabic speaking places due to the influence of the Egyptian media. It's the most widely spoken variety of Arabic. However, there are still differences between the Arabic spoken in different countries. You might find that people find it easy to understand you, but you might come across expressions and words that are unfamiliar to you. There are also variations between the different Arabic dialects - most Arabs are comfortable with the different pronunciations but as an Arabic learner you might find it difficult. It's similar to an American speaking to a person from the UK or Australia - everyone pronounces words differently but they'd all understand each other! The writing system is the same - all dialects use the same Arabic letters but might read them differently. Each dialect will also have words or expressions specific to the region. If you choose to learn Egyptian Arabic, I'm sure your friend can help you with the differences and be your practice partner. The course includes Interactive Audio lessons which you can listen to independently. If you use software to read on the computer you could use it to read the Language & Culture lessons. In any case, we do offer a 60 day guarantee, so you have up to 60 days to test the course to see if it is right for you. I hope that helps!

I have noticed there is a very different pronunciation of the "geem" when I listen to other audio translation sources. I will be traveling in Jordan later this year. Which way will Jordanians pronounce it? I have been diligent about the Rocket lessons but I fear that when I get there I won't be able to utter anything intelligible.

I think that Egyptian Arabic pronounces the geem as a Ga while other area pronounce it as JA. Is this correct Amira?

<p>Hi Alan &amp; Lea,</p><p>Yes, Egyptians pronounce the letter&nbsp;ج as "geem" while in standard Arabic (and most other dialects) it is pronounced "jeem". Jordanians will say "jeem" as well. You might find this resource helpful as well:</p><p><a href="http://wikitravel.org/en/Jordanian_Arabic_phrasebook">http://wikitravel.org/en/Jordanian_Arabic_phrasebook</a></p><p>I hope that helps!</p>

Shukran, ya Amira. When I looked at wikitravel I realized that I have a LOT of work to do! I think I'll be able to make the change from "geem" to "jeem" easily enough, but there are so many Jordanian dialects. My hope is that the Jordanians will be understanding in more than one way.

Some time ago I asked myself the same question. I actually hesitated a lot between learning Egyptian of Gulf Arabic (for conversational skills). I ended up studying Egyptian Arabic as it is so widespread in culture and media, and as it seems as most people in the Arabic speaking Middle East would be able - somehow - to understand me. Yes, pronunciation and dialects will differ, but Egyptian Arabic is the closest you get to a 'lingua franca' in the Arabic world.

I prefer the Egyptian Ameeya to all the other dialects.  There is so much Egyptian programming on TV and the internet.  It definitely is the one I find most useful.
 

egyptian arabic can be helpful as many people watch egyptian tv programs, movies, songs etc
i work with a lot of arabic speakers from many different countries and i noticed that when they are talking they know what which one is speaking and they make fun at themselves when something goes wrong lol
when they need to be understood they swap to a commom language thats msa (modern standard arabic).
thats great way to learn arabic by the way.