Arabic Course: Speaking & Listening (Level 1A)

What you'll learn

Build confidence in spoken Arabic with our Arabic language short courses online.

Start your Arabic language journey with this beginner-friendly course designed for those with no prior experience. With a strong focus on speaking and listening, you’ll develop the essential skills to communicate in simple, everyday situations from your very first class.

You’ll be introduced to the sounds, rhythm and structure of Arabic, learning how to recognise and produce key sounds — including those not found in English — and how these influence meaning. Through practical, real-life scenarios, you’ll begin forming sentences, asking questions, and understanding common expressions used in everyday conversation.

This course introduces Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) alongside commonly heard spoken varieties, giving you a useful foundation for understanding how Arabic is used across different regions.

Classes are interactive, supportive and highly practical, with plenty of guided speaking and listening activities. Alongside language skills, you’ll gain insight into Arabic culture and communication styles, helping you feel more confident engaging with Arabic speakers in real-life contexts.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Arabic Speaking & Listening course, participants will have developed practical skills and knowledge in areas such as:

• Speaking clearly in simple, everyday situations
• Understanding basic spoken Arabic in familiar contexts
• Recognising key features of Modern Standard Arabic
• Identifying differences between formal Arabic and spoken varieties
• Developing an ear for Arabic sounds, rhythm and pronunciation
• Participating in simple conversations using basic vocabulary and phrases
• Using a small range of expressions from commonly spoken dialects
• Demonstrating an introductory understanding of Arabic culture and communication styles

Course content

What will be covered in this Arabic Speaking & Listening course?

During the course, participants will be guided through key concepts, techniques and approaches that typically include:

Topics such as:

• Greetings and introductions
• Asking and responding to simple questions
• Numbers, time and seasons
• Everyday interactions and social situations
• Cultural practices and communication norms

Language focus areas including:

• Introduction to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)
• Exposure to commonly spoken Arabic varieties
• Pronunciation and sound recognition
• Listening comprehension skills
• Building simple spoken sentences

Grammar concepts may include:

• Arabic alphabet and sound system (spoken focus)
• Recognising soft and emphatic sounds
• Word order and basic sentence structure
• Gender
• Differences between formal and spoken Arabic

Intended audience

Who is this Arabic Speaking & Listening course for? 

This course is suitable for:

• Complete beginners with no prior experience learning Arabic
• Learners interested in developing speaking and listening skills
• Individuals curious about Arabic language, culture and communication
• Anyone looking for a supportive introduction to spoken Arabic
• People working with or engaging with Arabic-speaking communities

Course venue

Online via Zoom

Zoom access details will be provided prior to your class.

Requirements:

• A computer, tablet or smartphone
• A stable internet connection

Course materials

What to bring to class

• Notebook and pen
• Course textbook (see below)

Textbook

Please purchase the course textbook, which is used for both this course and our Arabic Course: Reading & Writing (Level 1B).

Talk Arabic (Book/CD Pack): The ideal Arabic course for absolute beginners

ISBN: 9781406680164
ISBN-10: 1406680168

We recommend purchasing your textbook once your course has been confirmed (usually within three working days of the proposed start date). The textbook is not included in the enrolment fe

Certificate of attendance

Achievement Recognition

Students who attend at least 80% of the course will receive a Certificate of Attendance from Sydney Community College.

This certificate recognises your participation and commitment to learning Arabic.