So, you’ve decided to learn Arabic. That’s fantastic! But almost immediately, you run into the first big question that can stop many learners in their tracks: Should I learn a dialect, or should I go with Modern Standard Arabic?
It’s a very common dilemma, and one you shouldn’t lose sleep over. The good news is there’s no single “correct” answer. The best way to learn Arabic isn’t about picking a winner in this debate; it’s about understanding your goals and choosing the path that fits you. Let’s break down the two options so you can make the right choice.
What Is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)?
Think of Modern Standard Arabic (or MSA) as the official, formal version of the language. It’s the Arabic you read in books, hear on the news, and see in official documents and academic papers. It’s the common ground that speakers from different Arab countries use to communicate when their dialects are too different.
The Power of MSA
Learning MSA gives you a solid foundation in the grammar and vocabulary that connects the entire Arab world. With it, you can read classic and modern literature, understand broadcasts from Al Jazeera or the BBC Arabic, and communicate with educated speakers from Morocco to Iraq. Thus, you could say by analogy that MSA is like Latin was for languages like French, Spanish, and Italian, i.e. the foundation for many different branches of a language family.
What Are Arabic Dialects?
Arabic dialects are the spoken, everyday versions of the language. They’re what people use with family, friends, and in daily life. There are many different dialects, such as Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Moroccan, or Gulf. And they can sometimes sound quite different from one another. For example, an Iraqi might have difficulty understanding a Moroccan because their dialects are so far apart.
Each dialect is essentially a unique blend of Modern Standard Arabic and a local language that was once spoken in the region. For instance, in Syria, MSA mixed with Aramaic, giving rise to the Syrian dialect, which is very similar to the Lebanese and Palestinian dialects. Some dialects, like the Egyptian one, are more widely understood than others due to the widespread popularity of local songs, movies, and series.
The Best Way to Learn Arabic Is Your Way
Ultimately, the choice isn’t about which one is better, but rather, which one is better for you. It all comes down to your personal objective.
Learn Modern Standard Arabic If:
- You want to read books, newspapers, or historical texts.
- Your goal is to watch formal news programs and documentaries.
- You need to study religion, law, or academic subjects in Arabic.
- You plan to work in a diplomatic or formal setting.
Learn a Specific Arabic Dialect If:
- You are moving to or traveling extensively in a specific Arab country.
- You want to make friends and build relationships with locals.
- Your goal is to understand popular culture, movies, and music.
- You work in a community-based role or with a specific regional group.
A great way to think about the difference is to compare it to registers of English. If a foreigner learns English from books and courses, they might speak a very formal, textbook-English; for example, they’ll say “I don’t know.” But someone who learns from daily life might say “I dunno.” Both are correct, but one is much more suitable for a formal meeting, and the other for casual conversation. Thus, if you learn only MSA, you might get a few friendly smiles at the supermarket when you use a very formal phrase for a simple request!
Find Your Path with a Blended Approach
The ideal is, of course, to combine the two. That’s exactly what we do at LAM- L’arabe maîtrisé.
We start with a strong foundation in Modern Standard Arabic and then build bridges to a specific dialect (the Syro-Lebanese dialect). Once you understand the core mechanisms, you can gain a certain autonomy in the dialect.
This method can also make it easier to learn other dialects later on, depending on your future travels.
And remember, it’s not an irreversible decision! If you realize you haven’t made the right choice for your goals, you can always adjust your path.
Ready to start your journey?
Our experienced Arabic teachers at LAM- L’arabe maîtrisé can help you find the perfect balance between MSA and Arabic dialects to meet your goals. We offer courses tailored to your specific needs, so you can learn the right Arabic for you.
#ModernStandardArabic #MSA #ArabicDialects #BestWayToLearnArabic #LearnArabic #LanguageLearning #LArabeMaitrise #OnlineArabic