Depending on the area in which you choose to study the Arabic language, you will be learning a dialect specific to a region. Ranging from Morocco, through the North African region, into Egypt and the Levant, within the Gulf countries, and to Iraq, you will find seemingly endless numbers of dialects.
In Palestine, you will specifically be learning the Shami dialect or Levantine Arabic. This dialect is spoken in the countries of Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, making it an extremely relevant and interesting focus of study. The relevance in the region makes it a very important dialect to learn and is considered to be the easiest to pick up amongst the Arab World.
Palestinian Dialect
The Palestinian dialect is considered to fall under the category of the Shami dialect but does have minor differences from dialects spoken in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. However, despite slight differences in accents and minor discrepancies in specific words, the dialects are extremely similar and are universally recognized and understood within the region.
More similar to the Jordanian dialect, the Palestinian dialect is typically heard as a stronger, more emphatic accent than those found in Syria and Lebanon. Having said that, despite the differences between the Shami dialect and dialects throughout the rest of the Arab World, a firm grasp of this language will still enable certain levels of communication and understanding for any Arabic speaker.
Sample of Our Learning Material
How it differs from Fusha/Classical Arabic?
Unlike Classical Arabic or Fusha, the Palestinian dialect is the actual language in which you will hear people conversing in day-to-day life. Classical Arabic is used in much more formal settings, such as the reading of the Quran and the broadcasting of news and media sources.
Even though many native speakers know Fusha to a certain extent, it is not used in conversation and will not be very helpful in daily exchanges with people on the street, in stores, or even in an academic setting. However, if you have a background in Fusha, many of the words and derivations thereof come directly from Classical Arabic, which makes the learning curve when shifting to Shami much less steep. Once you master the basics of the local dialect, you will learn that the flow of conversation becomes much smoother and there is a reason for the difference between “spoken” Arabic and “Classical” Arabic.
How Long Can I Learn Arabic?
Learning Arabic can be a long process that may take years to achieve the desired proficiency. Regardless of whether you are a fluent speaker, intermediate, or have no prior knowledge of Arabic, Palestine is an ideal location for expediting the learning process.
- If you are a beginner, you are exposed to the Shami dialect immediately, allowing for you to engage in basic conversations with the Palestinian Center staff and locals whenever you would like. For intermediate and advanced speakers, your private lessons are focused on bolstering your vocabulary, centering the sessions around conversation and advancement in fluency.
- The program can last anywhere between one week and three months, depending on your schedule and desired time of study in Palestine. Regardless of the time spent learning at the Palestinian Center, your proficiency will certainly advance with your immersion into the Arabic-speaking region. The learning should not stop with your time at the Center, therefore the instructors will provide you with all the resources you will need to continue your Arabic speaking journey once you return home.
How Being in Palestine Helps me Improve my Arabic?
In order to fully grasp a foreign language, one must spend time in a country immersed in it. You can only learn so much by sitting in a classroom and, in order to break the barrier of fluency and understanding of the language, one should seriously consider studying abroad.
Palestine, unlike many other popular studies abroad destinations for Arabic learners, has an extremely small ex-pat community and it is less common to hear English spoken in daily life. Thus, you will be forced to communicate and navigate the country while using Arabic.
Specifically, within Palestine, the Palestinian Center in Hebron gives you all the tools and opportunities you need to engage in the culture, become a part of the society, and develop close relationships with people in the city to maximize your learning experience and progression in Arabic.
Click here to have a look at our Study Shami Arabic program!
How do I apply or receive additional information about Levantine/Shami Arabic in Palestine Program?
Please send an email to Mr. Mutaz Tamimi, at info@gopalestine.org. Please type “Study Shami Arabic in Palestine Program” or “Study Levantine Arabic in Palestine” in the subject line. In the body of the email tell us of your interest, ask any questions you may have, and request an application. Very shortly we will reply to you.
WhatsApp: +972598172071
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