Arabic language courses are highly structured and are usually divided into two main categories: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and Colloquial Arabic (Dialect). The details of the course will depend heavily on which type you choose.

Here is a breakdown of the typical components and progression of a comprehensive Arabic course:

1. The Core Decision: MSA vs. Colloquial

The very first detail you must know about Arabic courses is the linguistic situation, called diglossia:

2. Course Progression by Level

Arabic courses are typically divided into three main stages, each focusing on building the four core language skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

A. Beginner Level (A1/A2)

B. Intermediate Level (B1/B2)

C. Advanced Level (C1/C2)

3. Specialized Arabic Course Types

Beyond the general curriculum, you may find courses focused on a specific need:

• Qur’anic Arabic (Classical Arabic): Focuses heavily on the grammar and vocabulary needed to read and understand the Qur’an and early Islamic texts.
• Media Arabic: Focuses on the specific vocabulary, style, and jargon used in Arabic news broadcasts, print media, and political speeches (which uses a higher register of MSA).
• Business Arabic: Focuses on professional communication, business correspondence, and financial terminology.
• Specific Dialect Course: Dedicated to a single colloquial form (e.g., Egyptian, Levantine (Shami), Moroccan) for travelers or those moving to a specific region.