Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic

Shababeek
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  • LANGUAGE LEARNING

This podcast is created by Shababeek Intercultural Development Center, located in Amman, Jordan. Shababeek is the world's largest center for helping non-Arabic speakers learn the spoken Levantine dialect. Each episode features a specific coaching tip for people learning Levantine Arabic. Jenn, the host, has coached over a thousand Arabic language learners. She specializes in getting language learners un-stuck and guiding them on a path to fluency. If you're learning Arabic, you'll want to subscribe to this podcast. Visit us at http://shababeekcenter.com.

  1. 15 SEPT

    5 Tips for Learning Any Language

    We’re sharing five powerful tips to boost your language acquisition—no matter the language you’re learning. Drawing on 20+ years of experience and fresh insights from my master’s research in linguistics, I’ll show you how to: Stop memorizing single-word flashcards and use collocations instead Connect new words directly to objects and experiences, not translations Follow the natural order of language development for faster progress Be patient and build skills gradually without burning out Linger and eavesdrop to learn authentic, real-world expressions Whether you’re studying Levantine Arabic or any other language, these strategies will keep your learning effective and inspiring. Share this episode with friends on their language journey and subscribe for more tips! Connect with Jennifer here, and visit the Shababeek website here.

    18 min

  2. 28 MAY

    Why Arabic Prepositions Trip You Up—And How to Fix It (Common Mistakes Arabic Learners Make # 2)

    In this episode of Tips for learning Levantine Arabic, we tackle one of the biggest challenges for learners: Arabic prepositions. Whether you’re studying Levantine Arabic in Jordan, preparing for Arabic immersion, or learning spoken Levantine Arabic online, mastering prepositions is key to speaking accurately and fluently. Discover why Arabic prepositions cause persistent errors even for advanced learners, how they differ from English prepositions, and why context is crucial. We break down common mistakes Levantine Arabic learners make, explain essential verb-preposition combinations, and share practical tips to help you avoid these pitfalls. Perfect for beginners and intermediate learners, this episode will boost your Jordanian Arabic language skills and help you communicate more naturally in everyday conversations. Tune in to improve your Levantine Arabic grammar, expand your vocabulary, and gain confidence in speaking the dialect used across the Levant region. By paying careful attention to Levantine Arabic prepositions, your language skills will greatly improve. Here's a link to episode 1 of our series, Common Mistakes Arabic Learners Make.

    21 min

  3. 24 APR

    Learning Arabic From Zero to Near Superior: An Interview with Reagan White

    In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, we sit down with Reagan White, a dedicated language learner who has spent two years immersed in Arabic study at Shababeek Center for Intercultural Development. Reagan shares the strategy, mindset, and commitment that helped him reach near-superior proficiency in Levantine Arabic. We discuss why he chose an immersion method of Arabic acquisition, the importance of community-based practice, and how learning the Levantine dialect in Jordan made business communication in Saudi Arabia easy. Reagan also opens up about his experiences building relationships in Arabic, overcoming early frustrations, and reaching the point where Arabic became part of his daily life—for both work and enjoyment. Whether you're just starting out or looking for motivation to keep going, Reagan’s story offers invaluable insights and encouragement for every Arabic learner.

    40 min

  4. 16 MAR

    Exploring Circassian Culture and Ramadan Traditions

    Join us as we delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Circassian community in Jordan. Our guest, Sama, shares her unique perspective on Circassian history, traditions, and customs. From the Circassian diaspora to their significant role in Jordan today, we explore how this community has preserved its identity. We also dive into how Sama and her community celebrate Ramadan, highlighting the ways they observe this holy month. Tune in for a fascinating conversation about cultural resilience, spiritual growth, and community bonding during Ramadan (and you'll learn some key Arabic phrases along the way).

    32 min

  5. 27 FEB

    Discovering Meaning Through Word Combinations: Examples with قطعة and حبة

    In this episode, Jennifer delves into the concept that vocabulary meaning is discovered through word combinations, a principle heavily emphasized by modern linguists. She shares an exercise inspired by an Arabic learner at Shababeek, to demonstrate how understanding collocations can clarify the nuances of words like قطعة and حبة. By paying attention to word combinations, you'll learn how to flesh out the meaning of language more completely and speak Arabic more precisely.

    11 min

  6. 22 JAN

    Tips to Reach Advanced High Proficiency in Arabic (OPI)

    In this episode, Nour interviews Ethan, a student at Shababeek, about reaching the Advanced High Proficiency level in spoken Levantine Arabic. Ethan has been studying Arabic in Jordan for 2 years and he recently completed the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) with the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) where he received this placement. The OPI is based on one's ability to use a language "effectively and appropriately in real-life situations." Because the test assesses spontaneous language, is can accurately gauge how well someone can speak and understand a language, not merely parse a sentence for grammatical constructions. This is important because the relational usage of the language, being able to understand and be understood, is often lacking in academic language settings. In this interview, Ethan shares some of his tips on learning Levantine Arabic and reaching a high level of speaking proficiency in a relatively short amount of time. If you have questions or want to know more about learning Levantine Arabic, hop on over to our website to browse around or ask us a question.

    14 min

  7. 17/12/2024

    Common mistakes Levantine Arabic students make (#1)

    In this episode Jennifer shares insights from her 15 years of experience as a language advisor and program director in Amman, Jordan. With over 1,800 students coached, Jennifer discusses common language errors that are often made while learning spoken Levantine Arabic. This episode focuses on two key categories of errors: 1. Verbs with Different Functions: You'll gain awareness of how Arabic verbs can differ significantly from their English counterparts. For instance, while English uses one verb for "to spread," Arabic employs two distinct verbs depending on the context—one for spreading news and another for spreading tangible items like butter. Jennifer highlights the nuances in verb usage and encourages learners to observe these differences in order to improve their communication. 2. Overuse of Delexicalized Verbs: Learn about the pitfalls of relying on delexicalized verbs and helping verbs in Arabic, such as "got" or "made." Jennifer emphasizes that Arabic verbs often carry more meaning on their own, urging learners to adopt more precise language instead of defaulting to simpler expressions that they may use in their first language. Throughout the episode, listeners will gain practical examples in Levantine Arabic and tips for navigating these common challenges learners face with this dialect. This is the beginning of a series aimed at improving your language skills by becoming aware of common mistakes Arabic learners make—stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll cover additional errors and provide further insights into effective communication in Levantine Arabic. Don't forget to like and share this episode with anyone interested in learning Arabic! Shababeek center: https://shababeekcenter.com Shababeek YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@shababeek-learnspokenlevan8982

    12 min

  8. 17/10/2024

    Fossilization: What is it? How do I avoid it?

    In this episode, we explore the vital concept of fossilization for those learning Arabic. Learning Levantine Arabic, like mastering any skill, involves inevitable missteps. But instead of fearing failure, we encourage you to embrace it as a crucial part of the journey. We'll break down the importance of "noticing the gap" and "noticing the hole" in your Arabic learning process, and how working with a language learning coach can help you avoid the trap of fossilized errors. Whether you're just starting or already an advanced learner, this episode will guide you on how to turn your mistakes into stepping stones towards fluency. Tune in to learn how active correction and a growth mindset can make all the difference in your Arabic learning success.

    15 min
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This podcast is created by Shababeek Intercultural Development Center, located in Amman, Jordan. Shababeek is the world's largest center for helping non-Arabic speakers learn the spoken Levantine dialect. Each episode features a specific coaching tip for people learning Levantine Arabic. Jenn, the host, has coached over a thousand Arabic language learners. She specializes in getting language learners un-stuck and guiding them on a path to fluency. If you're learning Arabic, you'll want to subscribe to this podcast. Visit us at http://shababeekcenter.com.

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