Since the Arabic language has its own alphabet, a beginner is required to learn it to enable them to read and write Arabic. Beginner classes usually introduce the student to the letters of the Arabic alphabet, and how each letter is pronounced. If the student is interested in writing, the proper form of the letter is also taught. Proper pronunciation also comes in basic classes, as well as the different spoken forms of the Arabic language. The basic grammar rules of the spoken form of Arabic is also taught, as well as listening skills about how to distinguish words spoken by native speakers.
There are several forms of the Arabic language, and a student who is interested in learning Arabic should also determine what form she would like to learn. For example, the colloquial style of Arabic is very distinguishable from its formal form, which is often used in academic texts and speeches. There are also two forms of the formal style; the Classical Arabic and the Modern Standard Arabic. Regional Arabic dialects also vary and some of them are very different from each other. When taking Arabic classes for beginners, it is best that the student decide what type of Arabic dialect they would like to learn.
For people who do not want to leave the comfort of their homes, the best way to go is to join online Arabic classes for beginners. Most extensive online courses require a tuition fee, while there are some free classes. There are two types of paid online courses for Arabic; a live course and a self-paced course. The live course program includes a live instructor that will walk the student through the curriculum, while a self paced course is filled with instructional and video materials so that the student can learn at his own pace.
Enrolling in a local language school is a good way to learn the Arabic language for people who prefer classmates and companions while learning. Some people learn more effectively when studying with others and this is also a great way to directly interact with the teacher. Traditional classroom setup also encourages students to practice their knowledge of the language through conversation and written exercises.