Arabic I

This level introduces students to the Arabic alphabet and sound system. This course is very rich in cultural and historical information. The history of the Arabic language, family tree of Arabic language and script are given. In addition to the initial focus on the sound and writing systems, students learn and reproduce sounds, stress patterns and intonation of the language. Basic grammatical structures and vocabulary are introduced so that students can produce basic formulaic exchanges in simple sentences and conversations in contexts appropriate to the novice level. Students will be able to write words and sentences accurately from dictation, read previously learned words and sentences, greet, and introduce others, form simple questions and answers, engage in basic social interactions, talk about themselves, family members and others and exchange basic personal information. The principal topic around which language is developed is personal and family life.