Syrian Colloquial Arabic, a functional course

Syrian Colloquial Arabic, a Functional Course (third edition) by Mary-Jane Liddicoat, Richard Lennane and Dr Iman Abdul Rahim, ISBN 978-0-646-49382-4 (downloadable electronic format only)

A 450-page illustrated and fully indexed digital (PDF) textbook, accompanied by 180 minutes of authentic recorded conversations, dealing with modern colloquial Arabic as it is spoken in Syria with an emphasis on practical, everyday language useful to the foreign resident. We have recently added a reading resource page with photos of Arabic signs in Syria for you to practice your reading skills.

Read what others think about our material in our guestbook and survey.

This Arabic is very similar to that spoken in other parts of the Middle East including Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. We have had positive feedback from many who have used our material to study in these countries and at least one person has found it useful in Iraq.

The first three chapters, accompanying audio files, and the writing practice material is free of charge. Chapters 4-8 and accompanying audio files are available for the modest price of US$35.00. Discounts are available for bulk orders of 10 copies or more. Please email us to arrange your discount before you go to our online shop.

The textbook is available for download in digital form. Use it for:

- self study

- with a teacher or

- in a class.

The book leads you through a variety of real-life situations, and the language necessary to deal with them — directing a taxi, negotiating for a hotel room, haggling with the greengrocer, speaking on the telephone, and so on. This practical material has also been carefully fitted to a structured exposition of Arabic grammar. Read more about our methodology.

The book also covers basic reading and writing.

While written Arabic is generally Modern Standard Arabic, an ability to read road and shop signs, Arabic numbers, restaurant menus and bills, and to write your name and telephone number is a valuable skill for the Arabic speaker. The book is fully transliterated and can be used without learning to read Arabic, but we do recommend making the extra effort as this will help you if you go on to study Modern Standard Arabic.

With comprehensive vocabulary lists and full index, Syrian Colloquial Arabic is designed to be a handy reference even after you have finished the course.

Currently, printed copies of the book are not available. If you would like a hard copy, we suggest you either print the material out yourself, then bind it or put it in a folder, or ask one of the many photocopy/binding shops available to do it for you for a small fee. We find that a large spiral bound format is the most comfortable for this size of book. (If you do, we would be grateful if you remind your photocopy service provider that this work is copyrighted and that they should not make more than the copy you have ordered.)

Many thanks and all the best with your study!

Mary-Jane Liddicoat
EJG Contribution to the Planet Productions