Arabic Language Memorization Techniques

The Arabic language is a Semitic language, with its specifically Semitic mechanism of word derivation. The majority of Arabic words have tri-consonantal roots and are produced according to particular models. Model in Arabic is a formula or a pattern looking like a mathematical formula, which has stable consonant and vowel elements belonging to this particular formula like coefficients and three empty cells for the tri-consonantal root. In algebra we use X, Y and Z for the unknown; in Arabic the letters "fa," "ain" and "lyam" are used to indicate the first, the second and the third letter of any root respectively. The models cover multiple general meanings such as instruments, occupations and particular forms of a verb.
  1. Memorization of Arabic Roots

    • To memorize roots, you should remember the Arabic alphabet and differentiate between consonants that sound similar, such as "q" and 'k" and simple "s" and emphatic "s." Remember words with similar meanings and similar sounds. For example, mad-ra-sa (school), mu-dar-ris (teacher), dars (lesson). The common letters here are d-r-s They constitute a root with the general meaning relating to studies. Another example is: ka-tib (writer), mak-tab (desk), ki-tab (book). The common consonants here are k-t-b with the general meaning "writing."

    Memorization of Models

    • Words constructed according to the same models sound similar, or at least they have the same vowels. You can recognize any model in a written version relying on consonants solely. That is why Arabs generally do not use vowel signs. For example, all adjectives sound similar, like ja-mil (beautiful), ja-did (new) and ka-bir (big). The adjectives referring to disabilities or colors use another unified model: akh-ra-su (dumb), at-ra-shu (deaf), akh-ma-ru (red), az-ra-qu (blue). The same principle relates to any part of speech in Arabic.

    Memorization of Common Phrases and Sayings

    • In addition to memorizing roots and models and mastering their combination, memorize typical phrases and sayings that can be useful in everyday communication--for example, ahlyan wa-sahlyan (welcome), salyam aleikum (greeting appropriate at any time of the day), ma khalik? (how do you do?), ana bi-kheir (I'm fine) and ma'a-s-salyama (goodbye). Repeat them aloud.

    Arabic Songs and Lyrics

    • The most simple and pleasant technique of memorization is learning songs and lyrics by heart. Find transliterated versions of Arabic lyrics on the Internet and sing them together with a singer, paying attention to the pronunciation. Be aware that Arabs pronounce the same words differently in different Arabic countries. Some words in the so-called Arabic dialects (versions of Arabic in different Arabic countries) do not coincide with the Modern Standard Arabic words. For example, Egyptians pronounce "g" instead of "j" in "gomhoriya" instead of "jumhuriya" (republic).

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