Learn Arabic through popular media!

  • Map of the MENA/SWANA region with patches of different colors to show the distribution of dialects across the region

    Which Arabic Dialect Should I Study?

    From Mauritanian to Mughrabi, MSA to Khaleeji, there are lots of different Arabic dialects to study. We’ve created a list of questions that can help you choose the best dialect for you and your language-learning goals.

  • Hikayat Simsim street sign logo above smiling muppet characters, Tuntun, Juljul, and Elmo

    Hikayat Simsim

    Hikayat Simsim is the Jordanian version of Sesame street. The short clips of the show that are available on YouTube are an engaging resource for expanding Levantine dialect vocabulary and grammar for Arabic learners of all ages.

    Show description + links to watch

  • Image of lughatuna browser search filtered for Levantine dialect results

    Top 5 Levantine Arabic Dictionaries

    There are a lot of dictionary options available for formal Arabic, but it can be difficult to find a good one for dialect words. In this post, we’ve put together a list of our 5 favorite Levantine Arabic dictionaries with descriptions of each.

    Resource links + descriptions

  • Neon profile of face. Hair flowing back and colorful music notes emerging from mouth

    Where to Listen to Arabic Music

    Listening to music is a fun and easy way to passively acquire new vocabulary but it can be difficult to find quality playlists through all the clutter. Here are some of our go-to Arabic music playlists ranging in genre from classics to pop to indie.

    App + playlist recommendations with links

  • Image of a two-column vocabulary list of Arabic conversational phrases and the English equivalent

    Conversational Phrases

    From expressions of concern, to joy, to condolences, this is a list of sayings and and phrases to liven up your everyday Arabic conversations.

    Downloadable vocabulary list + sample dialogue

  • The cast of Al Fosol Al Arbaa sitting on couches set up in a circle chatting and looking happy

    Al Fosol Al Arbaa

    Al Fosol Al Arabaa is a Syrian sitcom from the late 1990s. The format of the show makes it a perfect language and cultural study tool for intermediate and above Arabic language learners. Watch the episodes and discuss with our vocabulary lists and review questions.

    Summaries + episode links + vocabulary lists + review questions

  • SyriaUntold circular logo in red and turqouise

    SyriaUntold

    SyriaUntold is an online archive of writing about all aspects of Syrian life and identity. The site features a variety of authors covering a range of topics and styles. Click on the links to begin exploring the site in Arabic and English!

    Description + links

  • Autostrad band logo

    Istanna Shwai by Autostrad

    Istanna Shwai is a classic by the Jordanian alternative rock group, Autostrad. It’s a fun, jazzy song with creative examples of common Levantine Arabic words and phrasing.

    Lyrics + translation + song + vocab

  • Youtube logo red background, white button

    How to Learn Arabic on Youtube

    YouTube is a great resource for Arabic learning videos, but it can be difficult to identify quality resources for intermediate learners. Here’s a list of our favorite Arabic learning channels with pros, cons, and links for each.

    Pros and cons + sample video + channel links

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