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Monday, February 10th
Talk in Arabic is a unique option in our review as it focuses on a different approach to teaching Arabic than most sites. While the majority of language sites teach Modern Standard Arabic, Talk in Arabic takes the approach of teaching regional dialects instead.
Self-guided learning
Keep in mind that Talk in Arabic itself says that it is "not a course.” With this provider, you have to be prepared for self-guided learning. You're free to use the lessons on the site, but without a premium membership, you'll be somewhat limited on how much content you can access. For this reason, it's one of the more limited Arabic courses in our review.
Easy navigation
When you first get started, you have the option to explore the Talk in Arabic dashboard without charge and preview its contents, although some features are restricted without a subscription. The navigation is clear and uncomplicated: a primary dashboard and subsections or dialect-specific dashboards can be accessed through the sidebar. In each dialect section, you can choose a level (Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced), and explore videos, vocabulary, or numbers. This selection will refine the lesson content displayed on the main page.
Have to search outside for lesson details
There are no trial pages without signing up with all of your personal information, so we had to research a trial or example from outside of Talk in Arabic. Here's what we found: on the left sidebar of Talk in Arabic, you'll find a range of Arabic dialects. If your subscription includes the Verb Pack or if you've separately acquired it, you can locate it at the bottom of the left sidebar. Notably, Talk in Arabic doesn't teach Modern Standard Arabic. Rather, you have to pick a specific regional dialect to get started. Clicking on the sections in the left sidebar reveals further sub-divisions within each of the three main sections. The actual lessons themselves feature audio clips where a native speaker guides you through and explains excerpts from different TV shows. Each PDF resource includes the Arabic transcript, English translation, and a brief vocabulary table.
Lessons focus on regional dialects
Working with a mix of audio and video learning, you can learn Arabic from pop culture sources as well as more traditional listening and vocab-focused lessons. And, since this site doesn't focus on Modern Standard Arabic, you'll find your actual speaking will reflect a more authentic dialect of different Arabic-speaking countries.
Three payment options
If you decide to choose a Premium membership at Talk in Arabic, you have three ways to pay. You can subscribe to a monthly payment of $12.95 per month, an annual subscription for $95.40 each year, or a lifetime membership for $197. The one-time fee option makes Talk in Arabic much more competitive than it would have been otherwise, as this allows you to learn at your own pace without any pressure of an annual or monthly renewal.
May need support outside of the platform
Talk in Arabic functions more like a collection of valuable lessons than a structured, step-by-step course, which might pose a challenge for absolute beginners seeking a more linear learning path. Unlike textbooks that guide learners methodically from basics to advanced stages, Talk in Arabic requires you to independently select lessons to fill gaps in your knowledge. This approach may not be ideal for those just starting their language journey. While the "Beginner” section offers bite-sized lessons, learners should be ready to seek clarification beyond the platform.
30-day refund policy
There is a refund policy at Talk in Arabic. If, within the initial 30 days of your paid Membership, you feel that these are not the right Arabic lessons for you, the company is willing to refund your membership. This also applies to things sold separately, like the Verb Pack which offers you more vocab to study.
Not a favorite for progressing
On the downside, there isn't a lot of buzz for Talk in Arabic. There are only 4 total third-party reviews for this program. While all of these are positive reviews with an average rating of 4 stars out of 5, there aren't any other sources beyond blogs that say anything about Talk in Arabic. The company doesn't offer a mobile app, so there aren't any mobile reviews to check on either. According to the few reviews on Trustpilot, customers like the dialect focus of the courses. However, there were some complaints about functionality, like difficulty checking off completed lessons and limited resources for advancing forward from beginner level.
Doesn't offer enough skill-building
Given that there aren't a lot of students using this program, and language bloggers aren't really fans of the program, Talk in Arabic falls to the bottom of the list. While its dialect approach is unique, it doesn't help it stand out enough. Talk in Arabic doesn't help students who really want to gain fluency. The approach is mostly self-guided and doesn't offer a lot of building blocks to move forward in the language. For this reason, it gets a lower rating in our review. However, you may like Talk in Arabic as a supplemental course to your other Arabic lessons.
Are you interested in learning Arabic? You may find yourself contemplating a relocation to one of the many countries where Arabic is the national language, or maybe you're just planning a trip to see Egypt. Whether you're looking to reconnect with your culture, learn more about a new one, or brush up on some courses you took in school, learning Arabic can be a truly worthwhile experience.
However, finding Arabic lessons that fit your busy life, include your preferred learning methods, and don't break the bank can be hard. For most people, in-person lessons aren't an option either for cost reasons or time commitments. Fortunately, the realm of online courses continues to grow, offering new Arabic learning opportunities that were previously unavailable.
Whether you prefer hearing, writing, or speaking, various Arabic programs are designed to offer a range of skill-building exercises. Modern audio materials cover syllables, words, phrases, and sentences for effective repetition.
Alternatively, for visual learners, there are Arabic language platforms that cleverly gamify the entire learning process. These platforms not only cover grammar and writing exercises but also often integrate speech recognition software, allowing you to compare your pronunciation directly with that of a native speaker.
Nearly every Arabic platform offers cultural and historical aspects in their programs. Given the rich historical background and symbolic importance of the Arabic language, a thorough grasp of it requires exploring its historical origins and understanding its contemporary applications. Many of today's language-learning options also emphasize Modern Standard Arabic, mirroring the language you would encounter in general conversations. And, some companies focus on local dialects too.
As you navigate the wide array of online Arabic lessons, it might seem a little daunting to pick the best fit. To help you find the best Arabic lessons for you, we've put together some helpful criteria:
To make sure you have the best possible experience learning Arabic, Top Consumer Reviews has assessed and rated the top options for Arabic lessons. We hope our reviews help you achieve your desired level of fluency, whether your goal is travel, cultural understanding, or simply enjoyment of a new language. Enjoy your continuing education in the beautiful language of Arabic!
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