For those of you trying to learn Arabic

[Curt Geezus]

I don't know if anyone here is actually interested in learning Arabic, but with the main focus these days being on the Middle East it might not hurt to learn a little bit. The first site is actually a Marine Corps site, the 2nd one is very straight forward and has a lot of great information.

http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/caocl/OIF/Language/Language_Support.htm

http://onlinelearning.lingnet.org/BIA/data/start.htm

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

I appreciate this more than you could know. I have been working slowly on this for some time. I'd never seen the second link before.

[GriT]

Knowledge is Power! Thanks for the links. I'll check it out.

[JCam0331]

I don't know if anyone here is actually interested in learning Arabic, but with the main focus these days being on the Middle East it might not hurt to learn a little bit. The first site is actually a Marine Corps site, the 2nd one is very straight forward and has a lot of great information.

http://www.tecom.usmc.mil/caocl/OIF/Language/Language_Support.htm

http://onlinelearning.lingnet.org/BIA/data/start.htm

I purchased the Rosetta Stone Program, the same one used by the US State Department Officials - Arabic Level 1 and Level 2.

Also taking ARAB 201 - Elementary Standard Arabic at the University of Illinois.

Definitely a very difficult language to learn.

[Curt Geezus]

I purchased the Rosetta Stone Program, the same one used by the US State Department Officials - Arabic Level 1 and Level 2.

Also taking ARAB 201 - Elementary Standard Arabic at the University of Illinois.

Definitely a very difficult language to learn.

What do you think of Rosetta Stone? I have heard very mixed reviews of the program. I have used the demo and wasn't very impressed.

Here is a free program that you can use with many different languages:

http://www.byki.com/fls/arab/arabic

It is basically like virtual flash cards, but it's a pretty good deal considering it's free.

[crazymjb]

I have a copy of that rosetta stone, Arabic, and plan on learning it sometime in the next year or so.

Mike

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

Rosetta Stone seems a little expensive for what it is.

I enrolled in an entry level arabic course in a college- but dropped after not being able to understand half of what the prof said, and the other half being about the great satan.

[sparkie]

Now we have to learn Arabic? I remember when it was Russian, Then Chinese. How bout Mexican? You got me scared again,,,, ;}

[Echo_Four_Bravo]

You may have to learn "Mexican" to get a job in the US pretty soon. (Already some cities mandate it) You'll only need Arabic if you plan to go somewhere where it is spoken and it is vital that you are understood while there.

[crazymjb]

Rosetta Stone seems a little expensive for what it is.
I agree, but there are copies "floating around" online so I figured I'd give it a try, and if I actually learned anything pick up the level II version on Amazon or something. It actually seemed to be working, and I think if I used it everyday for an hour I would learn the basics. The big problem was I was not picking up on the characters at all.

I have trouble learning languages, at least in school. I took spanish for 3 years in middle school and 3 years in highscool and had to drop to curriculum 2 sophmore and junior years. The only time I ever needed it was when my neighbors cleaning lady was driving with her parking break on, and I didn't know enough to explain it (after 6 years, bad I know), so I had to use hand motions.

Arabic I am actually interested in learning because I feel it could potentially save lives somewhere down the road for me.

Mike

[sparkie]

Who woulda thought? lost to the Mexicans. My dad is too dead to turn over. I'm feelin sick.

[JCam0331]

Rosetta Stone seems a little expensive for what it is.

I enrolled in an entry level arabic course in a college- but dropped after not being able to understand half of what the prof said, and the other half being about the great satan.

Rosetta Stone is brutally epensive. I got mine off eBay for 275 dollars.

My Arabic professor has bad breath and she speaks little english.

But if you know how I know people who have downloaded the rosetta stone off the web...(obviously illegal though)

[Curt Geezus]

The big problem was I was not picking up on the characters at all.

The best book to learn the Arabic alphabet and writing system(in my opinion at least) is this:

http://www.amazon.com/Arabic-Alphabet-How-Read-Write/dp/0818404302/ref=pd_bbs_2/104-5723979-1214318?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1188616787&sr=8-2

I would also recommend the Pimsleur series if you are a beginner. It is the best audio program I have seen.

[crazymjb]

I just ordered the book.

Mike

[1stRad2671]

I'm not familiar with Rosetta Stone training so I can't comment on it.

But I can tell you to start with the alphabet, not learning transliterated words and phrases.