Trent University - Continuing Education

This course is designed for beginners with little to no prior knowledge of Arabic. Join us on a fascinating journey into the beauty of the Arabic language and the richness of Arabic culture. This 8-week introductory course offers a comprehensive exploration of the Arabic language and culture. Students will delve into the fundamentals of Arabic grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing systems while immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Arabic culture, history, and traditions. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid foundation in the Arabic language and a deeper appreciation of the diverse Arabic-speaking world.

*Please note: There will be a 2 week break from February 8th to February 22nd while the instructor is away. Classes will resume February 27th.

Week 1: Introduction to Arabic

- Overview of Arabic language and its global importance

- Arabic-speaking countries and their cultural diversity

- Basic phrases: "Hello" (Marhaba / As-salaam-alaikum)

Week 2: Arabic Alphabet (Part 1)

- Introduction to the first 14 letters of the Arabic alphabet

- Writing system: right to left

- Practice writing and pronouncing these letters

Week 3: Arabic Alphabet (Part 2)

- Introduction to the remaining 14 letters of the Arabic alphabet

- Connecting letters to form words

- Practice writing and pronouncing full words

Week 4: Greetings and Basic Conversations

- Expand on greetings: formal vs informal

- "How are you?" (Kaifa haluk?) and responses

- "Thank you" (Shukran) and "You're welcome" (Afwan)

- "Please" (Min fadlak) and "Excuse me" (Afwan)

Week 5: Numbers and Counting

- Arabic numerals and their origins

- Counting from 1 to 20

- Basic math vocabulary

Week 6: Cultural Aspects

- Islamic influence on Arabic culture

- Arabic cuisine and food-related vocabulary

- Etiquette in Arab cultures

Week 7: Basic Grammar

- Sentence structure in Arabic

- Gender in Arabic (masculine and feminine)

- Singular, dual, and plural forms

- Introduction to verb conjugation

Week 8: Everyday Vocabulary

- Family members and relationships

- Colors and descriptive adjectives

- Days of the week and months