Arabic Guide
Our online language tools
The LCC offers a range of software options to study languages and enhance learning languages. Here are some of the resources:
- Mango Languages (multiple languages; create your own account and use online)
- Rosetta Stone (multiple languages; create your own account and use online)
- Skritter (Chinese and Japanese; create your own account and use online)
More information on the language learning softwares can be found here.
Grammar Links
To better understand grammar, it can be useful to look at real examples of how a particular structure or word is used. A "concordancer" is a tool that lets you search for a particular word, phrase or pattern, pulling out example sentences from a database of texts (which might be news articles, novels, speeches, etc.).
A search engine, like Google, can also be a quick, easy way to investigate questions like "What's the right way to say this?" Limit your results by domain to a country where the language is spoken (e.g., websites that end in ".es" for Spain). The more correct or natural wording will usually generate more search results.
- Google Advanced SearchLets you specify language of results or the country code/domain to search within.
- WebCorpThis concordancer searches the whole web for text. You can limit by country or to particular domains (e.g., French news websites).
- CorpusEyeIncludes searches in Danish, English, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Portuguese, Spanish, Esperanto, Romanian, Swedish, Icelandic, Faroese.
- PolyU Language BankOffers concordance searches in several languages, especially Chinese, English and Japanese.
- SACODEYL - European Youth LanguageDatabase of European teen talk in English, French, German, Italian, Lithuanian, Romanian, and Spanish, including search, videos of interviews and practice exercises.
Virtual Language Learning Communities
It's important to practice expressing yourself in your new language--saying what you want to say, outside of the shelter of the classroom. Do you like meeting new people? You might enjoy a language/conversation exchange, where you connect with someone (from around the world!) who speaks the language you're learning, and who is trying to learn the language you speak. The websites below can help you find a conversation partner.
If you decide to pursue a language exchange, please be cautious about sharing personal information, to keep your identity and your person safe. While some language exchanges turn into lifelong friendships, others fizzle out after the first meeting, so don't be disappointed if your exchange doesn't last. Be upfront with potential conversation partners about your expectations: How often/how long do you want to meet? How much time will you spend speaking in each language? Do you want your partner to correct your language? Do you want to choose topics or talk about whatever comes up?
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The MixxerA language exchange website hosted by an educational institution. Find conversation partners, then meet via Skype.
Fun Apps!
Here is a selection of fun apps that you can access online related to Arabic:
Arabic Unlocked is a beginner-friendly app that teaches Arabic. It offers more than 750 Arabic phrases that are usually used at day to day conversation. It also offers 1100+ flashcards to test your learning.
Kaleela is an app that starts from the absolute beginner level. Students can learn the Arabic alphabet and the pronunciation.
Simply Learn Arabic is a free app that would help you to Arabic with ease. All of the words and phrases on their app are presented in both phonetic and Arabic writing.
Useful Websites
- Madinah Arabic
Website includes free Arabic courses that enable users to expand their vocabulary and proficiency level. Members can download free Arabic books and join forums to share tips to help with language learning.
- My Arabic Website
Free website for Arabic language learning. Features fun videos to help with memorization.
- Learn Arabic Language Vocabulary Lexicon
Website for expanding vocabulary. Organizes words in different categories such as: family, food, clothing, and more. Also features helpful videos on incorporating new words.
- Lexilogos Dictionary
Arabic-English dictionary. Users can also find links to various Arabic texts and cultural resources.
Media: Newspapers
The Mount Holyoke library subscribes to one Arabic language newspaper:
- الشرق الأوسط (The Middle East)
You can read its latest issues in the library; older issues are available to read (or keep, for free!) in the LCC:
In addition, you may want to read Arabic news online. These websites contain news with coverage on the economy, science and technology, and local and international politics:
Al Jazeera English is a Qatar-owned news website that covers worldwide news.
Al Jazeera is the sister channel of Al Jazeera English. It is available in Arabic.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) also offers news stories in Arabic.
Podcasts and Radio
Here is a selection of podcasts and radio that you can access online related to Arabic:
ArabicPod 101 is a podcast that offers resources available from the absolute beginner to more advanced learners of Arabic.
Arabic in 60 Steps is a fun and engaging podcast that teaches Arabic.
Radio Arabic is an app that offers over 500 radio channels in Arabic from 20 countries.