Course information
Contact
This course continues the study of Modern Arabic for participants who already have completed a beginners’ level or have equivalent knowledge of the Arabic alphabet, pronunciation, and simple sentence structures. Using “Al-Kitaab Part One” textbook, participants will develop their skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while expanding their understanding of Arabic language and culture through authentic texts, dialogues, and multimedia resources.
Al-Kitaab Part One offers an integrated approach to language learning that combines formal and colloquial Arabic (Egyptian and Levantine) using color-coded vocabulary and dialogues. Through authentic texts, video stories, and cultural contexts, participants develop comprehension and communication skills in real-life situations.
The course will cover key grammatical structures, verb forms, and sentence patterns, while introducing more advanced vocabulary related to everyday life, education, media, and work. Participants will read and discuss short authentic texts, watch dialogues, and complete online interactive exercises through the companion website that accompanies the textbook.
The aim of the course is to help participants move from beginner to intermediate proficiency, enabling them to:
- Understand and use more complex grammatical and lexical structures.
- Communicate in spoken and written Arabic with growing fluency and confidence.
- Recognize and appreciate variation between formal and colloquial Arabic.
- Read simple authentic texts and express opinions about familiar topics.
The course is given in collaboration with Paideia – the European Institute for Jewish Studies in Sweden.
Course structure
The course consists of interactive lessons combining explanation, pair and group work, conversation practice, listening comprehension, and reading of texts from the course book. Each session focuses on practical communication and reinforcement of grammar and vocabulary through active use.
Participants need to allocate approximately 2–3 hours per week for home studies to prepare for the next class, including reading, writing, and listening assignments.
Prior knowledge
The course is given in English.
Participants who have completed a beginners’ Arabic course at Paideia folkhögskola or have equivalent knowledge of basic grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills. Previous participants may join if they wish to continue their progression.
To apply, you need basic computer skills and knowledge of how to use the digital platform Zoom. The school offers Zoom manuals and a training opportunity before the start of the course.
Course material
All course material is not included in the cost for this course. Participants need to purchase the course book on their own. Participants need to have access to the book for the first class.
Course book:
- “Al-Kitaab Part One”, Third Edition with Website (Kristen Brustad, Mahmoud Al-Batal, Abbas Al-Tonsi).
About the teacher
Michael has been studying and researching Arabic for over 20 years, with a particular interest in the similarities and differences between Hebrew and Arabic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies and a master’s degree in Hebrew Language from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, giving him a strong foundation in Semitic languages. In Israel, Michael taught Hebrew as a second language at leading academic institutions. He relocated to Sweden with his family two years ago, where he now teaches Hebrew and Arabic, both online and on-site. He also delivers lectures on the history, culture, and evolution of the Arabic language, and the religion of Islam.
Photo: Canva.