Textbooks are some of the most traditional and efficient tools for learning foreign languages. Arabic books for students support the fundamental mechanics of a new language as well as explanations of those mechanics in your native language. This gives you the solid framework you will need for the rest of your language learning journey.
If you take a formal foreign language class at a school or other institution. Undeniably the teacher will be arranging their lesson plans to a certain degree around the structure of the textbook they are utilising. Unless the teacher is exceptionally committed to organising all their lesson plans completely from scratch. They will most likely be dependent on a textbook to provide tasks and homework assignments.
Besides, textbooks can also be exceptional resources for the solo learner of a foreign language. Using a textbook helps to give you that classic classroom experience. Making use of textbooks on your own may be more practical than using them in a classroom as you have the say when determining which textbook is best for you.
And remember, if you need support whilst learning from a textbook, then our 1 to 1 experienced tutors at Learn&Co are always on hand ready to help you at your level and pace! In this article, I’ve gathered 6 widely used Arabic books for students that are primarily created to help the Arabic learner master Modern Standard Arabic. These Arabic textbooks are varied from all levels from beginners to advanced.
Alif Baa
Al-Kitaab Series
Ahlan wa Sahlan Series
Arabic Verbs and Essentials of Grammar
Media Arabic
Advanced Media Arabic
Alif Baa
“Alif Baa” is an entry-level Arabic textbook for students that teaches beginners how to read and write the Arabic alphabet. While learners practice writing the Arabic letters with this book, they also learn basic words and greetings. An interesting aspect is that “Alif Baa” writing lessons use arrows to help the student visualise how to correctly write the curvilinear script.
“Alif Baa” writing lessons use arrows to help the student visualise how to correctly write the curvilinear script
This textbook strongly emphasises transcription exercises and practice sessions for connecting letters to familiarise students with Arabic script and sounds. Especially those that have no English counterparts. This is the perfect place for beginner learners to start. Understanding how to write and read the Modern Standard Arabic alphabet.
List of The 6 Most Popular Books Used by Students Worldwide To Learn Arabic
Al-Kitaab Series
The “Al-Kitaab” series is unquestionably the most widely used series of Arabic books for students. Its impact also extends to many study-abroad programs for English speakers in the Arab world. Making the transition between locations much easier as the learner continues their Arabic studies. The goal of the series is to provide students with competence in the four language skills. Listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Accordingly, in addition to the reading and writing exercises in the printed textbooks. Also, the series is accompanied by video and audio recordings.
The goal of the series is to provide students with competence in the four language skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing
“Al-Kitaab,” is outstanding for learning how to talk about deeper, more abstract cultural and political issues in Arabic-speaking regions. However, the one critique of this book that is often mentioned by both teachers and learners is the seemingly illogical vocabulary lists. For example, the book first teaches you the word for ‘Caravan’ before you’re taught the simple word for ‘Bad’.
List of The 6 Most Popular Books Used by Students Worldwide To Learn Arabic
Ahlan wa Sahlan Series
The “Ahlan wa Sahlan” Series is the second most widely used Arabic textbook after the “Al-Kitaab” Series. There is a general consensus that “Al-Kitaab,” for a Modern Standard Arabic books for students, has somewhat more emphasis on conversations. Whereas “Ahlan wa Sahlan” is more concentrated on mastering the grammar.
"Ahlan wa Sahlan'' has been complimented for having more realistic vocabulary lists than “Al-Kitaab
So, if your future emphasis is going to be on reading Arabic literature. “Ahlan wa Sahlan” is the book to go with. If not, then you may want to go with “Al-Kitaab.” Despite this focus on reading and grammar, “Ahlan wa Sahlan” has been complimented for having more realistic vocabulary lists than “Al-Kitaab.” Also, the key is to consider your requirements, interests, objectives, and preferred learning style when deciding between these textbook series.
This series teaches students to read, speak, and write Arabic. With a heavy focus on grammar, while presenting an engaging story that involves Adnan. Adnan is a Syrian student studying in the United States, and Michael, an American student studying in Cairo.
List of The 6 Most Popular Books Used by Students Worldwide To Learn Arabic
Arabic Verbs and Essentials of Grammar
This textbook is devoted specifically to the syntax of the Arabic language. Many people who have used Arabic verbs and Essentials of Grammar believe that this book has all that a person needs to communicate confidently. It offers a solid foundation of major verbal and grammatical concepts of the language.
From pronouns to idioms and expressions and from irregular verbs to expressions of time. Arabic follows a sophisticated structure of consonantal roots and vowel patterns. Making nearly every word derivable. Each unit is dedicated to one theme. So you can find what you need right away and get dedicated instructions. Brief yet thorough, the explanations are supported by several examples to help you learn the different concepts.
This book will give you an exceptional introduction to the basics of Arabic. If you’re a beginner or a quick thorough reference if you already have some familiarity in the language.
List of The 6 Most Popular Books Used by Students Worldwide To Learn Arabic
Media Arabic
This Arabic textbook is intended for intermediate learners. Those who have learnt the fundamentals and are ready to take on longer Arabic texts. This book is perfect for providing learners with more authentic Arabic in the form of newspaper articles. Naturally, since the book follows a newspaper arrangement, it serves as a great facilitator in connecting learners with the social and political issues in the Arab world through the Arabic language itself.
This book is perfect for providing learners with more authentic Arabic in the form of newspaper articles
With this Arabic textbook for students, you will be able to master core vocabulary and structures. Typical front-page news, various modes of coverage, detect bias, and read critically in Arabic. In addition, the book offers three self-assessment units and a glossary arranged by theme.
The book empowers students to read lengthy texts with greater accuracy and pace. By concentrating on the relationships among meaning, language form, and markers of cohesive discourse. The activities include pre-reading discussions as well as extensive practice on vocabulary in context, organising information, skimming, scanning, critical reading, and analysing content.
List of The 6 Most Popular Books Used by Students Worldwide To Learn Arabic
Advanced Media Arabic
This Arabic textbook for students is intended for advanced learners who are ready for true authentic texts. The book consists of Arabic language articles from Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, and more acclaimed news sources. A unit in this textbook consists of one main article followed by comprehension questions, tasks on specific grammatical concepts, an English-Arabic translation exercise and a writing task. It covers all the crucial areas of journalism in the Arab world from elections to economy and will set you on the right course for immersing yourself in authentic Arabic materials.
Advanced Media Arabic provides students and teachers with a variety of media texts and audio. Materials which are designed to allow learners to develop, enhance and refine their media language skills, as well as their translation and analytical skills. The textbook offers learners a wide range of exercises on reading comprehension, speaking, writing, and listening. It also presents them with the chance to equip themselves with journalistic skills such as giving presentations and writing media articles.
List of The 6 Most Popular Books Used by Students Worldwide To Learn Arabic
So to wrap things up, I would recommend that you keep the following in mind.
There’s a textbook for everyone and every level
All of these diverse and popular textbooks, designed for various goals and skill levels, can provide learners with solid foundations to improve to the next level of proficiency. Think of Arabic books for students as the ideal starting point. Textbooks are necessary stepping stones for mastering the Arabic language. This makes the use of textbooks in the beginning all the more essential.
Textbooks are ideal to get a deeper understanding of the language
Arabic textbooks can benefit the learner by explaining deeper linguistic concepts that a native speaker of Arabic may know instinctively, but that they may not be able to articulate to non-native speakers.
Think of Arabic textbooks as the ideal starting point
Matching textbooks with other resources is a great recipe for success
After some time studying with an Arabic textbook, it will become imperative to engage with more authentic resources, such as Arabic newspapers, audiobooks, movies, blogs, songs, podcasts and much more. A great way to test how well your Arabic skills are at any level is to hire an experienced Arabic Tutor from Learn&Co that can figure out what parts of the language you’re good at and which parts you may need support with to improve it.
To conclude, as we’ve seen, there are a number of books that can help you on your journey to learn Arabic, no matter your starting point. Whether you’re a beginner or someone with a little more experience. The learning books provided will both teach and test you and provide you a greater understanding of the intricacies of what is a fascinating and sought after language. With these textbooks and Learn&Co by your side, you can become one of the 466 million Arabic speakers worldwide and truly realise your full potential.
Maria TOUBBE
I founded Learn&Co in 2014. Although there was a rapidly-increasing demand for language courses and corporate training, high quality teaching and experienced native tutors were difficult to find.
I had been teaching French & Spanish for 10 years to clients all over the world when I decided I wanted to offer a much more comprehensive service, by providing well-structured and professional language courses to anyone, anywhere in the world
Maria TOUBBE 
