Oscar De La Huerte answered
From someone who has spent some time learning Arabic, let me tell you it's not easy.
There is much debate among linguists about the best ways to learn a language and improve vocabulary, and in my opinion nothing beats immersing yourself in the language by living in an Arabic-speaking country.
How to improve my Arabic vocabulary
Immersing yourself in the language, traditions and customs of a foreign country is not only the best way to learn the language, but can also be an experience that will develop your awareness of a culture.
Learning a language abroad has also been proven to be the most effective way to develop vocabulary and improve both listen and speaking skills.
The greatest advantage it has over learning at home is that you have the chance to pick up on common colloquialisms that may not be present in a more formal learning environment.
Many tour operators organise language-learning holidays in destinations right across the world, and Arabic speaking destinations I'd recommend include:
Better Arabic vocabulary (without travelling abroad)
If you're not so keen on racking up the air miles and travelling to a country, the second best thing you could do is to get involved in the local Arabic-speaking community.
Most large cities have an Arab community these days, so I'd suggest going out there and getting to know some Arabic-speakers.
Fluent Arabic speakers will give you far more insight into vocabulary than any book will be able to, and there are usually people willing to spend time teaching you Arabic in exchange for your time helping them learn English.
One final option would be to use the technology of the internet. With video messaging services like Skype, communicating with people from all over the world is very possible.
Even spending 15-20 minutes a day chatting with someone via a webcam will help you pick up great Arabic vocabulary and pronunciation.
There is much debate among linguists about the best ways to learn a language and improve vocabulary, and in my opinion nothing beats immersing yourself in the language by living in an Arabic-speaking country.
How to improve my Arabic vocabulary
Immersing yourself in the language, traditions and customs of a foreign country is not only the best way to learn the language, but can also be an experience that will develop your awareness of a culture.
Learning a language abroad has also been proven to be the most effective way to develop vocabulary and improve both listen and speaking skills.
The greatest advantage it has over learning at home is that you have the chance to pick up on common colloquialisms that may not be present in a more formal learning environment.
Many tour operators organise language-learning holidays in destinations right across the world, and Arabic speaking destinations I'd recommend include:
- Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
- Marrakesh, Morocco
- Dubai, UAE
- Hurghada, Egypt
Better Arabic vocabulary (without travelling abroad)
If you're not so keen on racking up the air miles and travelling to a country, the second best thing you could do is to get involved in the local Arabic-speaking community.
Most large cities have an Arab community these days, so I'd suggest going out there and getting to know some Arabic-speakers.
Fluent Arabic speakers will give you far more insight into vocabulary than any book will be able to, and there are usually people willing to spend time teaching you Arabic in exchange for your time helping them learn English.
One final option would be to use the technology of the internet. With video messaging services like Skype, communicating with people from all over the world is very possible.
Even spending 15-20 minutes a day chatting with someone via a webcam will help you pick up great Arabic vocabulary and pronunciation.
