Standard Arabic: An Elementary-Intermediate Course

Now the good points. The Arabic is vocalized. And the book is packed with grammatical paradigms and information (with almost 40 pages of verb tables at the back!). It is the place to turn to if you want to know what so-called "communication-orientated" courses don't tell you. Each lesson has a vocabulary list that's long enough to satisfy the most masochistic learner, as well as a substantial stock of exercises covering morphology, sentence construction, and translation. They provide plenty of practice material to reinforce vocabulary and grammar. There is a key to the answers at the end of the book. The lessons also contain passages (prose and dialogue) of reading material that are extremely useful for getting to grips with the language, and, as many of the texts cover cultural topics, they are informative and fun too.

In conclusion, 'Standard Arabic' is ideal as a reference tool and source of practice and explanation that you won't find in more forgiving books. Combine it with audio material, a guide to Arabic script, and a course book specifically designed for the self-learner, and you have the ideal package. On its own, however, it may well drive you insane.


The best for the experienced linguist   July 25, 2002
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Unquestionably the best course I've found for anyone who has experience of formal language study and therefore a good understanding of grammatical structure and terminology. Moves very quickly and does not skate over the difficulties (e.g. facing up at an early stage to the fact that you HAVE to learn the plurals!). Only complaint is that the recording quality on the tape is a bit sketchy and often muffled.


A good intoduction to arabic grammar   February 8, 2001
 6 out of 10 found this review helpful

This is good for reference especially if you are a student. The grammar concepts and the grammar itself is explained well. I bought it to compare it with other grammar books i have and this does seem to be a better one compared to others that i have.