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

A 450-page illustrated and fully indexed textbook (digital), accompanied by 180 minutes of authentic recorded conversations, dealing with modern colloquial Arabic as it is spoken in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, with an emphasis on practical, everyday language useful to the foreign resident.

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. The textbook is available for download in digital form. Currently, printed copies of the book are not available.

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.

Mary-Jane Liddicoat
Voluntary Female Labour Organisation

For more information on studying Arabic in Syria, please go to the Syrian Studies Association site.