Arabic is based on the root system in which varied combinations of
consonants can lead to a general meaning. Each
combination of root
letters results in a vast
array of words with the same predictable
meaning as the three root
letters. This link is an excellent source for a
This is a great link to clear up some issues on
how to approach learning
Arabic. I do not agree,
however, that transliteration should be avoided
at all cost. Learning to read
the language is an unnecessary challenge for
students who want to interact
with Arabs and speak the language. You
only need to invest time in
learning Arabic text if you intend to read
Classical Arabic MSA form.
If you are wondering whether you have the
qualities to learn a
language this can be a useful link to visit. A
good student of a foreign
language needs to have or
be willing to develop a number of
characteristics. I particularly liked “foreign
language intuition” and
I have used this chart of the Arabic letters a
lot with my introductory
level students. It shows
the six letters that do not connect with prior
letters and those that
change shape according to their position within
the word.
ask/answer l 
