Best 7 Books for Learning Arabic (For Adults)

November 23, 2023
best-7-books-for-learning-arabic-for-adults

Arabic, a semitic language, originated in Southern Arabia, current day Yemen, and spread across the Arabian peninsula a few thousands of years before Islam. Interestingly, the study of Arabic as a foreign language dates back to the early days of Islam when new converts , whose mother tongue was not Arabic, sought to understand the language of their sacred text, the Quran. This fact may explain the fact that the early Arabic grammarians , such as Sibwayh, and lexicologist Ibn-Mandur, were of non-Arab origin. As an adult, you have more responsibilities, most importantly, work and family responsibilities. It is not so easy to find time to devote yourself to the Arabic language. Therefore, this article serves to provide useful books for learning Arabic for adults.

What Are the Different Forms of Arabic?

Over the past 14 centuries, various religious and historical events produced different types of Arabic. It can be broken down into three main variants. 

Classical Arabic

It is the language of the Qur’an. It is rarely used except in reciting the Quran or quoting older religious texts. Classical Arabic could also be found in pre-Islamic and early Islamic poetry, the Prophetic sayings and several first century documents that were handed down on history.

Modern Standard Arabic

It is commonly used in contexts such as writing, TV and radio broadcasts, formal interviews, and speeches and official letters. It is regarded as the language of literature, technology, medicine, and education and not used in day-to-day events.

Colloquial Arabic ('Ammiyya)

"'Ammiyya" refers to that dialects that every Arab nation has developed for its own people and use in their daily life aspects, due to the regional varieties or vernaculars across the Arab world. For example, the Algerian and Moroccan dialect are the hardest Arabian dialects, while the Egyptian one is the easiest.

Best 7 Books For Learning Arabic (For Adults)

Once you’ve started advancing in Arabic, you might find yourself exploring the depths of Arabic literature and poetry. So without any further delay, here are the best books for learning Arabic. this list that will help you learn the language effectively.

  1. The Ultimate Arabic Handwriting Guide: Arabic writing can be confusing when you are a complete beginner and don't know what form of the letter you have to write, that's why this perfect book for learning Arabic has come out to teach you the differences between the forms of the Arabic letters (Isolated, Initial, Medial or Final letters).

  2. Step-By-Step Arabic Language: Beginner and Intermediate Learning: This textbook is one of the best books for learning Arabic, it includes all of the essential grammar rules and sentence construction. The lessons are designed to build a strong foundation for the student to build upon from the beginner to intermediate levels.

  3. Essential Arabic: Speak Arabic with Confidence: This considered one of the best books for learning Arabic with over 1500 practical sentences for everyday use, a glossary of over 200 terms and expressions and extensive information about Arabic grammar and pronunciation.

  4. Arabic-English Bilingual Visual Dictionary: The best book for learning Arabic, with over 6,000 fully illustrated terms arranged by theme, getting to grips with the Arabic language has never been easier. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, buying food or train tickets, discussing work, or famous sights on the tourist trail, you’ll gain confidence in your new language skills with this bilingual visual dictionary by your side. 

  5. Arabic Stories for Language Learners: Considered one of the best books for learning Arabic (through stories) A great way to learn Arabic, the sixty-six stories found in Arabic Stories for Language Learners present the vocabulary and grammar used every day in Arabic-speaking countries.

  6. Arabic Letters Practice Book for Kids and Adults: This workbook is one of the best books for learning Arabic, it is perfect for kids and adults to write Arabic letters and words easily. There are more than 140 exercise pages to help you or your child to learn how to write Arabic letters and words perfectly.

  7. Arabic Short Stories for Beginners: 20 captivating short stories to learn Arabic & increase your vocabulary in a fun way.