In a nutshell: Learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is your gateway to a rich cultural tapestry, starting with mastering the alphabet and gradually building grammar and vocabulary. Dive into immersive resources like online courses and Arabic media, while practicing speaking and writing to solidify your skills. With dedication and curiosity, you’ll confidently unlock the beauty of the Arabic language and its vibrant heritage.

“The Arabic phrase is like the oud; if you pluck one of its strings, all the strings vibrate and quiver. Then the language moves in the depths of the soul beyond the limits of direct meaning, a procession of emotions and images.” – William Marçais

French Orientalist William Marçais captured the essence of Arabic in this beautiful description.

This is how Arabic feels. It’s not just for talking. It’s like poetry, makes you feel things. If you learn Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), you can talk to many people, read old and new stories, and understand this special language.

Get ready to start your journey to learn MSA. It’s beautiful, it’s useful. Come, let’s explore it together!

What Is MSA (Modern Standard Arabic)?

MSA or Modern Standard Arabic, is the current Arabic used in schools, academic studies, press, media channels, etc. It keeps the same syntax and morphology as classical Arabic but has a different style. MSA became an origin point for learning Arabic; it has the common syntactic and phonological bases that qualify you to learn any Arabic dialect or slang.

MSA is not a spoken language in the streets or at daily life events, it is a professional language used in official platforms, professional businesses, governmental enterprises, and any other entity that seeks formality using spoken or written Arabic.

Even if MSA is not spoken in the Arab streets, it is understood by the people as it is just the original form of the language they speak, and they’ve already learned MSA in schools.   

How to Learn Modern Standard Arabic

The best way to learn Modern Standard Arabic is to start with the Arabic alphabet and pronunciation. After that, move on to vocabulary and simple sentence structures.

Learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) may seem like a big task, but it can be both fun and rewarding if you approach it step-by-step! Here’s a simple guide to help you get started:

1. Learn the Modern Standard Arabic Alphabet

Start by the Arabic alphabet. It’s the same alphabet whether you’re reading a classic poem, chatting with your friends, or watching the news.

There are 28 letters, and each one can change its shape depending on where it is in a word – at the beginning, middle, or end. It’s like each letter has a few different outfits it can wear!

 For example, the letter ميم (Jeem) has three different shapes depending on its position in a word:

• مـ (Meem at the beginning)
• ــمـ (Meem in the middle)
• ــم (Meem at the end)

Don’t worry, you don’t have to learn all these outfits at once. Ustadh Hamada, one of Kalimah’s experienced teachers who has over 10 years of experience teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, says it’s better to take it slow. Learn how each letter looks on its own first, then see how it changes when it’s with its letter friends in a word.

*From Kalimah’s curriculum for online Arabic Course.

Now, here’s a secret that many new learners miss: To really get the Arabic alphabet, you need to learn about tashkeel and mudood. 

These are like little signs and special letters that tell you how to pronounce the words correctly. Tashkeel are tiny marks that show short vowel sounds, and mudood are letters that make long vowel sounds. Think of them as the music notes of Arabic!

*From Kalimah’s curriculum for online Arabic Course.

Mastering these foundational elements – letters, tashkeel, and mudood – lays the groundwork for successful modern standard Arabic language learning.

Check out Kalimah Center’s “Learn The Whole Arabic Alphabet Online With Illustration” course to kickstart your journey!

2. Understand Modern Standard Arabic Grammar

Modern Standard Arabic grammar is like learning the rules of a game. Focus on the basics first, like understanding sentence structures, verb conjugations, and noun-adjective agreements. 

For example, Arabic usually places the verb before the subject: “يقرأ أحمد الكتاب” (Yaqra Ahmed al-kitaab) — “Ahmed reads the book.”

And the following image from the curriculum of our Arabic course illustrates how the verb “يشرب” takes different forms depending on the subject: “أشرب” (I drink), “تشرب” (you drink – masculine), “تشربين” (you drink – feminine), etc. This showcases the rich conjugation system of Arabic verbs.

* From Al-Tamheed book.

3. Build Your Arabic Vocabulary by Topic

Start by learning words and phrases that are useful in everyday life. Focus on topics such as home, work, shopping, and hobbies. Use flashcards, learn by topic, and practice speaking with friends or teachers to build a robust vocabulary.

When you learn vocabulary by the topic, the words will stick in your mind like a family – all related to each other.

In the following image, taken from our curriculum of level A2.1, for example, we have grouped words related to one topic, “food and drink,” and of course it is followed by exercises

4. Practice Listening and Speaking Skills

Immerse yourself in Modern Standard Arabic by listening to podcasts, news broadcasts, and educational videos in MSA. Look for content that specifically focuses on formal Arabic usage. 

Practice Arabic speaking with native speakers or language partners who are proficient in MSA. 

Engaging in online group classes, like those at Kalimah Center, can also boost your speaking and listening skills in a supportive environment, focusing on Modern Standard Arabic communication.

Kalimah Group Classes are perfect if you want to improve quickly and save money, they are 4 times cheaper than the one-on-one sessions. 

5. Read and Write Regularly

Reinforce your Modern Standard Arabic skills through reading and writing. Start with simple texts like children’s books, short stories, and news articles. 

Progress to novels, academic articles, and poetry as your confidence grows. 

Practice writing through short paragraphs, journal entries, and formal letters. 

6. Understand the Culture Behind the MSA

Learning MSA is about understanding the culture behind the language. Immerse yourself in the Arab world:

• Watch films and series in MSA.
• Learn about Arab customs and traditions.
• Explore Arabic literature and poetry.
• Admire Arabic calligraphy.

How to Learn Modern Standard Arabic Online

There are countless resources, from free apps to structured courses. But, what is the best resource for learning Modern Standard Arabic? It depends on your learning style.

For beginners, I recommend starting with apps like Duolingo for basic vocabulary and phrases. 

Many Arabic teachers and native speakers create engaging content on YouTube. Look for channels dedicated to MSA grammar, conversation practice, and cultural insights.

Tools like Google Translate and specialized Arabic dictionaries aid comprehension and self-study.

Once you have a good foundation, you can enroll in a structured online Modern Standard Arabic course, like those offered by Kalimah Center, which provides a comprehensive curriculum from beginner to advanced levels.

When choosing a modern standard Arabic course, look for one that offers interactive lessons and cultural insights. A good course will not just teach you the language but also the cultural context.

Try a FREE trial class and see if Kalimah Center is right for you.

How Hard is Modern Standard Arabic to Learn?

Actually, learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is not hard; it’s just different from English. MSA has a different alphabet, grammar, and sounds from English. 

For Example, the modern standard Arabic alphabet has some sounds that are not in English, like “ع” (Ayn) and “غ” (Ghayn). 

Anothe point of difference is the grammar. Arabic sentences don’t always follow the same order as English. For example, in Arabic, the verb often comes before the subject. So, instead of saying “The boy eats the apple,” you say “يأكل الولد التفاحة” (Ya’kul al-walad at-tuffaha), which literally means “Eats the boy the apple.”

But here is something only an experienced teacher might tell you: Start by learning the most common phrases you need in daily life, not just from books. For example, if you want to ask someone how they are, you say “كيف حالك؟” (Kayfa haluk?), which means “How are you?” This is more useful in the beginning than long, complicated sentences.

Is it Better to Learn Modern Standard Arabic or Egyptian Arabic?

I am an Egyptian, but the truth is it’s better to learn modern standard Arabic than Egyptian Arabic.  Why? Learning MSA first offers several advantage. Let me explain:

1. Wider Reach

MSA is understood across the Arab world, allowing you to communicate with people from various countries. Egyptian Arabic, while widely understood, might not be as easily grasped by someone from, say, Morocco or Lebanon.   

2. Foundation for Dialects

Mastering MSA provides a strong foundation for learning any dialect, including Egyptian Arabic. The grammar and vocabulary you learn in MSA will make picking up a dialect much easier.

3. Access to Resources

MSA has a wealth of learning resources, from textbooks to online courses, making it easier to find structured Arabic learning materials. Resources for Egyptian Arabic might be more limited.   

4. Formal Communication

If you plan to work or study in the Arab world, MSA is essential for formal communication, writing reports, or giving presentations.   

5. Cultural Understanding

MSA provides access to a vast array of literature, poetry, and media, deepening your understanding of Arab culture and history.   

MSA Opens More Doors for You. If your goal is to travel, study, work, or do business in the Arab world, MSA is the best choice. 

Where to learn MSA?

Traditional places are good, but think outside the box too:

• Universities: They have formal courses, good if you like structure.
• Language Centers: More flexible, focus on conversation sometimes.
• Online Courses: Great for busy people, but need self-discipline. Consider Kalimah’s Online Arabic Course.
• Tandems: Find an MSA speaker who wants to learn English. You help each other!
• Mosques: Some offer MSA classes, plus you learn about culture
• Volunteer work: With refugees, for example. Real-life practice!

Most Common Words in Modern Standard Arabic

When you start learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), you will notice some words come up a lot. These words are very important for basic Arabic conversations and understanding the language. Here are some of the most common words you will hear:

• مرحبا (Marhaban): This means “hello” and is often used to greet people in Arabic. You will hear it a lot when you meet people.
• نعم (Na’am): This is the word for “yes.” It is simple and very important in any conversation.
• لا (La): This means “no.” Another simple but necessary word for daily communication.
• عفواً (Afwan): This is how you say “thank you.” It’s a polite way to show gratitude and is used often.
• من فضلك (Min fadlik): This means “please.” It is a polite word you use when you want something.

Most Common Verbs in Modern Standard Arabic

Verbs are the words for actions. In Arabic, some verbs are very common. Here are some verbs you will see and use frequently:

• يذهب (Yadhhab): This verb means “to go.” For example, “أنا أذهب إلى العمل” (Ana adhhab ila al-amal) means “I go to work.”
• يشرب (Yashrab): This means “to drink.” You might say “هي تشرب شاي” (Hiya tashrab shay), which means “She drinks tea.”
• يكتب (Yaktub): This verb means “to write.” An example is “أنت تكتب رسالة” (Anta taktub risaala), meaning “You write a letter.”
• يفهم (Yafham): This means “to understand.” You could say “أنا لا أفهم” (Ana la afham), which means “I don’t understand.”
• يعلم (Ya’lam): This verb means “to know.” An example sentence is “هم يعلمون اللغة العربية” (Hum ya’lamoon al-lugha al-arabiyya), meaning “They know the Arabic language.”
• قرأ (Qara’a) – “To read”
• سمع (Sami’a) – “To hear”
• كتب (Kataba) – “To write”
• درس (Darasa) – “To study”

Learning these verbs is very helpful to talk about actions and things you want or need to do.

Most Common Arabic Phrases in Modern Standard Arabic

Phrases help a lot when you are learning a new language. Here are some phrases that are often used in MSA:

• مرحبا بكم (Marhaban bikum): This is another way to say “Welcome!” in Arabic.
• كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa haluk?): This phrase means “How are you?” and is commonly used to ask someone about their well-being.
• أين تسكن؟ (Ayna taskun?): This means “Where do you live?” It’s useful when getting to know someone.
• ما هو عملك؟ (Ma huwa amaluk?): This means “What is your job?” A simple phrase when you are meeting new people.
• أنا لا أعرف (Ana la a’arif): This phrase means “I don’t know.” It’s good to use if you are still learning and don’t understand something.

These words and phrases are very basic but important. They will help you start your journey in learning Arabic and talking with others.

How to Say “Hello” in Modern Standard Arabic?

In Modern Standard Arabic, there are different ways to say “hello,” depending on the situation. The most common and respected greeting is:

• السلام عليكم (As-salamu alaykum): This means “Peace be upon you.” You can use it in both formal and informal settings. It shows respect and kindness. The reply is always وعليكم السلام (Wa alaykum as-salaam), which means “And upon you be peace.”

If you want to greet someone in a more relaxed way, you could say:

• مرحبا (Marhaban): It simply means “Hi” or “Hello.” It’s friendly and suitable for casual situations.
• أهلا وسهلا (Ahlan wa sahlan): This means “Welcome” and can also be used to say “Hello” in a warm and friendly way.

These greetings are very important in Arabic-speaking cultures. Learning how to greet people correctly shows you respect their language and traditions.

Comparing Modern Standard Arabic to Other Arabic Forms

To better understand Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), it’s helpful to compare it with other types of Arabic used around the Arab world. Each type serves a different purpose, but all are connected by the core of the Arabic language. Let’s look at some of these differences.

Classical Arabic vs. Modern Standard Arabic

There are six main aspects that illustrate the differences between Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic (also referred to as Quranic Arabic) as it is the written language of the Quran. They include:  

1- Phonology

Although they speak the same language, MSA and Classical Arabic have different speech sounds and laws governing them. The points of comparison in phonology include:

Vowel Length

Arabic includes six vowels; three are letters, and the rest are considered diacritics. Classical Arabic classifies vowels into short and long ones. In MSA, vowels have a standard length. Vowels include:

• Damma  ُ
• Kasra ِ
• Fatha َ
• Alif ا
• Wāw و  
• Ya’ ي 

Consonant Pronunciation

There are 29 consonant letters in the Arabic alphabet. We can find variations between consonant pronunciation in Classical Arabic and MSA. For example, Geem ج is pronounced as a voiced palatal fricative in Classical Arabic. It is an affricate in some types of MSA, where it starts by completely blocking the airway from exiting the vocal tract (like a stop sound), then releases it through a restricted opening.  

2- Morphology 

The differences between MSA and Classical Arabic in Morphology take many forms, including:  

• Verb Conjugation

The verb conjugation system in classical Arabic is more complicated than in MSA. For instance, while the passive voice is expressed in MSA using the verb “to be,” Classical Arabic has a separate conjugation for it.   

• Pronouns

There is a more extensive system of pronouns in Classical Arabic when compared to MSA. Thus, there are separate pronouns for different grammatical cases in Classical Arabic.   

3- Syntax

You may find a little difference between the syntax in Classical Arabic and that in MSA. The major conflicts come from:

• Word Order

The order of words in a Classical Arabic sentence might be more flexible than in MSA sentences. MSA follows a strict formula, the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure. In Classical Arabic, it is normal to find the verb coming before or after the subject, and the object preceding or following the verbs.  

• Use of Inflection

Changing the words’ endings or inflection is more used in Classical Arabic to clarify grammatical relationships than MSA. While MSA uses prepositions to indicate the same relationship or depend on the comprehension of the receiver for the sentence.  

4- Vocabulary

Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Classical Arabic with the Qureshi dialect, which was the dominant dialect at that time. Many words used in the Quran can be easily understood by people of this time. However, MSA replaced these words with others, which made the language simpler and more suitable for today.  

5- Style

Classical Arabic uses much longer sentences that seem more complex compared to current MSA sentences, which are much shorter and simpler.  

6- Usage

While Classical Arabic is mostly used in religious contexts. While the MSA is used in contexts including broadcasts, literature, and official documents.  

Modern Standard Arabic vs. Fusha

“Fusha” is a term that many use to mean formal Arabic. It includes both Classical Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic. When someone says “Fusha,” they might mean the Arabic of the Quran and ancient texts (Classical Arabic) or the modern form used today in news and books (MSA).

MSA is a modern version of Fusha, adapted for our times. You hear it on TV and read it in today’s books, while Classical Arabic is found in old religious texts and historical writings. Understanding this difference helps you choose what you want to learn—whether it’s for reading the Quran, understanding old literature, or communicating in modern contexts.

Quranic Arabic vs. Modern Standard Arabic

Quranic Arabic is a form of classical Arabic used in the Quran. It has special words and a unique style. Learning Quranic Arabic is important for Muslims who want to read the Quran in its original language.

While MSA shares many grammar rules and words with Quranic Arabic, there are differences. For example, the word “فرقان” (Furqan) means “criterion” in Quranic Arabic, referring to the Quran itself. In MSA, such specific terms are less common and may be replaced by more everyday words. Learning MSA is a good base to understand Quranic Arabic because it gives you the grammar and vocabulary needed to handle the Quran’s language.

Modern Standard Arabic vs. Dialects

The biggest difference in Arabic is between MSA and local dialects, or عامية (Aamiya). Dialects are spoken Arabic forms that vary widely by region. Each country, and sometimes different areas within a country, has its own way of speaking Arabic with different accents, words, and grammar.

MSA, or فصحى (Fusha), is used in writing, formal speeches, and media. It is not usually spoken in casual settings. For instance, a Moroccan might say “كيداير؟” (Kay dayr?) to ask “How are you?” in daily talk, while in MSA, you would say كيف حالك؟ (Kayfa haluk?).

Learning MSA gives you a good foundation to understand the dialects because many words and grammar rules are similar. But if you want to talk easily in a specific place, it helps to learn the local dialect too.

Eastern Arabic vs. Modern Standard Arabic

When people say “Eastern Arabic,” they often mean the dialects spoken in places like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. These dialects have their unique sounds and words that are different from MSA.

For example, in Lebanese Arabic, they say “كيفك؟” (Keefak?) for “How are you?” But in MSA, it is “كيف حالك؟” (Kayfa haluk?).

MSA is still the standard for writing and formal talks in these areas. It works like a bridge that connects different dialects, especially in media and formal settings.

Gulf Arabic vs. Modern Standard Arabic

Gulf Arabic includes the dialects spoken in countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. These dialects have unique characteristics, influenced by local cultures and nearby languages.

For example, in Gulf Arabic, you might hear “وايد” (wayid) for “a lot,” but in MSA, you would use “كثير” (kathir).

Unlike MSA, which is used in formal writing and media, Gulf Arabic is mostly spoken in everyday conversations.

Modern Standard Arabic vs. Levantine Arabic

Levantine Arabic is used in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It has a soft and melodic pronunciation and unique expressions.

For instance, in Levantine Arabic, people say “بحب” (bhebb) for “I love,” while in MSA, you would say “أحب” (uhib).

While MSA is still used in writing and formal speech, most people use their local dialect in everyday life. MSA and Levantine Arabic share many words, but differences in pronunciation and grammar make MSA more suitable for formal communication.

Ready to Take Your First Step in Learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)?

You’ve been learning about MSA, and that’s a wonderful first step! Now, let Kalimah Center be your guide to true fluency.

We’ve been teaching Arabic with passion and expertise since 2011, helping thousands of students just like you discover the beauty and richness of this language.

Our online Arabic course for Adults will equip you with the skills you need to confidently navigate the Arabic-speaking world. We’ll help you:

• Read and understand complex articles, news stories, and even literature.
• Write clearly and effectively, from casual messages to professional emails.
• Listen and comprehend native speakers in conversations, lectures, and media.
• Speak fluently and naturally, expressing your thoughts and ideas with ease.

Join us for a FREE trial class and see how our proven methods and dedicated teachers can make your MSA journey a success.

We also have a modern standard Arabic course for KIDS:

• Special classes for children.
• Learn Arabic the fun way!

Sign up for your kid in a FREE trial class. See if Kalimah Center is right for your CHILD!

Conclusion:

Learning Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) opens up a world of cultural and literary appreciation, as it serves as the formal language used in education, media, and official contexts. To embark on this journey, start with the Arabic alphabet and pronunciation, then progress to grammar and vocabulary through relevant topics. 

Engaging in listening and speaking practice, along with reading and writing exercises, will reinforce your skills and deepen your understanding of the language.

To effectively learn MSA, utilize a variety of resources such as online courses, apps, and interactive lessons. Immerse yourself in Arab culture through films and literature to enhance your learning experience.