A 450-page illustrated and fully indexed textbook (PDF), accompanied by 180+ minutes of authentic recorded conversations (MP3s), dealing with modern colloquial Arabic as it is spoken in Syria. ​Our course focuses on practical, everyday language useful to the foreign resident. Use it for self study, with a teacher or in a class. 

FUN & USEFUL

The book leads you through a variety of real-life situations, and the language necessary to deal with them — directing a taxi, negotiating for a hotel room, haggling with the greengrocer, speaking on the telephone, and so on.

This practical material has also been carefully fitted to a structured exposition of Arabic grammar. Read more about our methodology.

The book also covers basic reading and writing. While written Arabic is generally Modern Standard Arabic, an ability to read road and shop signs, Arabic numbers, restaurant menus and bills, and to write your name and telephone number is a valuable skill for the Arabic speaker.

The book is fully transliterated and can be used without learning to read Arabic, but we do recommend making the extra effort as this will help you if you go on to study Modern Standard Arabic.

With comprehensive vocabulary lists and full index, Syrian Colloquial Arabic is designed to be a handy reference even after you have finished the course.

JUST FOR SYRIA? NO!

The Arabic taught in our course is very similar to that spoken in other parts of the Middle East including Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. Many people have successfully used our material to communicate in these countries and some have even found it useful in Iraq. Our material is used by several government organisations around the world to teach their diplomats, military and aid personnel, and at a wide variety of universities.