Language Centre
Arabic (Colloquial Egyptian) Beginners Course
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Key information
Key information
- Duration
- 1 term per sub-level; 10 weeks per term
- Attendance mode
- Part-time, online/blended learning
Course overview
The course is aimed at complete beginners and is designed to enable learners to communicate in spoken Egyptian Arabic within a limited range of everyday situations.
The course introduces the students to the Arabic writing system and enables them to read and write basic words and sentences. This course is delivered by the Language Centre.
Method
The course is taught in English and Arabic and includes coverage of the four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, though greater emphasis is placed on the learner’s ability to speak and listen.
This will be achieved through 20 hours of blended learning: this is composed of 15 hours of online structured lessons with the teacher. This is supplemented by a minimum of 5 hours of guided independent learning supported by complementary material. The course objective will be achieved within the 10-week course.
Material
Our course materials page details what you need to buy for this course.
Entry requirements and progression route
For the first stage of this course in Egyptian Arabic (i.e. Egyptian Arabic Beginners 1), no previous knowledge is required. To be able to join Egyptian Arabic Beginners 2, you should have completed an Egyptian Arabic Beginners 1 course at SOAS Language Centre or have an equivalent knowledge of guided learning hours (approximately 20 hours). The progression route from Egyptian Arabic Beginners 1 is to Beginners 2, from Beginners 2 - to Beginners 3.
Please note, that each term, courses are subject to quorum requirements.
For course dates and information, please see our timetables.
Structure
Arabic Egyptian Beginners 1
In this course you will:
- introduce yourself and exchange greetings
- exchange simple information like nationality, residence, and professions
- describe family members and places
- learn how to offer food and drink and learn about some Egyptian dishes
- learn how to accept and refuse politely
- describe objects including household items
- ask for the quantity and cost of items using numbers up to 100
- name some Egyptian souvenirs
- give descriptions of items including colours
- recognise the Arabic alphabet and its transliteration
- read simple words in an Egyptian accent
Arabic Egyptian Beginners 2
In this course you will:
- review term 1 main content
- talk about present and near future activities
- describe appearance and clothing
- learn about the parts of the body
- express your likes and dislikes
- learn about the means of transport and buying tickets
- learn the days of the week and tell time
- describe your daily routine
- learn how to negate sentences, disagree and give advice
- talk about electronic communication and pastimes
- read phrases and simple sentences in an Egyptian accent
Arabic Egyptian Beginners 3
In this course you will:
- review term 2 content
- learn how to talk about past events
- describe places and directions
- learn the months of the year and calendar dates
- compare between past and current events
- recognise the link between the meaning of the words and their patterns
- order food and make restaurants reservations
- learn some Egyptian dishes and their recipes
- give instructions and make suggestions
- read short texts with correct pronunciations
The above is an indication of content that may be covered over the duration of the course but it could vary depending on the level and progress of students in the class.
Contact us
Disclaimer
Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.
Related information
See the full list of Language Centre short courses in Arabic on the Arabic language homepage.
Image Credit: Flo P via Unsplash
