Classical Arabic Language

Course description

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), also known as al-fuṣḥā, is the formal version of Arabic used across the Arab world for specialized contexts such as literature, media (both print and electronic), and official communications. While MSA is not typically used in everyday conversation in Arabic-speaking countries, learning it before diving into the various regional and local dialects—which can differ significantly from one area to another—offers two major benefits.

First, a solid grounding in MSA makes it easier to learn any dialect a student may choose to pursue later. Second, unlike local dialects, MSA is universally understood throughout the Arab world, making it an ideal foundation for Arabic learners.

Our MSA program is designed to suit students at all levels who are interested in learning or improving their Standard Arabic. It equips them with the essential skills and training needed for a comprehensive understanding of the Arabic language system. The program is structured into six main levels, each subdivided into three progressive sublevels. This level system is aligned with the U.S. university model as well as the standards of our European and international partner institutions.

To ensure the highest quality of instruction, our teachers are trained in using the most widely recognized MSA textbooks available today. Our primary textbook is Al-Kitaab fii Ta‘allum al-‘Arabiyya, supplemented by resources such as Ahlan wa Sahlan and Al-‘Arabiyya al-Mu‘āṣira.

Please note: if the number of enrolled students in a group class is fewer than three, the number of instructional hours per week will be adjusted as follows:

2 students: 15 hours per week

1 student: 10 hours per week