How2Day: Arabic Language Tools

Arabic is designated a "strategic" language by the U.S. government. muslim woman image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
Arabic is renowned as a difficult language to learn. According to "Learning Arabic," the U.S. State Department schedules 3,040 hours of full-time training over two years for new Foreign Service Officers to become fluent in Arabic. Arabic language tools are widely available on the web. Keep in mind that the colloquial versions of Arabic spoken in countries and regions around the world differ dramatically from Modern Standard Arabic, which is used in mainstream media and is the universal language of the Arab world.

Transparent Language is a provider of language learning software for consumers, government agencies, educational institutions and businesses. The company offers a variety of Arabic language course products available as electronic downloads or in boxed shipments. You can also try free Arabic lessons on its website, such as "Arabic Word of the Day," and "Arabic Survival Phrases." Learn via your iPhone or iTouch by downloading Transparent's Byki Arabic application.

Rosetta Stone offers three levels of Arabic language learning software, available for purchase individually or as a set. According to Rosetta Stone, its "Dynamic Immersion" method "recreates the natural way we all learn language." Instead of teaching via vocabulary memorization drills and grammar explanations, students learn Arabic through interactive speech-recognition software. A headset with microphone is included with its software. New offerings (as of November 2010) include live online lessons, games and an iPhone/iPod Touch application.

"Alif Baa: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds" is the first part of the Al-Kitaab Arabic language program, published by the Georgetown University Press in Washington, D.C.. The material, presented in 10 different units with accompanying exercises, teaches Arabic letters and sounds and integrates colloquial and formal Arabic.

How2Day