"My teacher, Israa, is amazing, I am very happy with her."
Jumell Jones
Arabic course in Bedford.
Arabic Lessons in Oxford
In recent years, the Arabic language has become more and more popular in the UK. Oxford is no exception, and in addition to the more than a thousand foreign-born speakers you can find in the city, there are plenty of English residents interested in exploring this fascinating language. If you find yourself to be part of the local group of people who want to learn this language, you’ll be glad to know that according to the 2011 census, Arabic is among the ten most commonly used foreign languages in the city. As a result, there are many events, institutions and businesses around the city that celebrate and spread the language, which means you’ll get many chances to boost your skills and get more familiarized with Arab culture without leaving Oxford. Furthermore, if you decide to become a fluent speaker, you’ll be able to get closer to the various immigrant communities that come from Arab-speaking countries, get unique opportunities in the city and get to explore some of the most captivating cultures in the world.
Why Study Arabic in Oxford?
Learn Arabic for Work and Travel
Do you want to get a better job? If so, learning Arabic is the way to go, as you’ll be able to apply for the many great positions in the area that are exclusive to bilingual speakers such as Arabic Customer Service Representative for Ivanti, Technical Support Specialist for Lenovo and Inside Sales Representative for Splunk. What’s more, if you have your own business in the city, you’ll get the chance to build useful professional relationships with members of the local foreign-born community and others from all over the world, and even attract international clients, which will make you a much more successful businessperson. On top of that, you’ll become eligible for the many well-paid job openings for English native speakers in wealthy Arab countries like Qatar and The United Arab Emirates, which is perfect if you want to work and travel at the same time.
Learn Arabic for Social
A great way to immerse yourself in Arab culture without leaving the city is to listen to the beautiful music that originated in the Arab World. Fortunately, at Oxford, you’ll find one of the most talented bands that play Arab in the country, Oxford Maqam. This amazing group of vocalists and musicians are renowned experts in Egyptian music, especially songs of the 19th and 20th centuries, that they perform with a fresh, innovative take that will blow your mind. They regularly sell out venues both in the city and internationally, as they offer entertaining recreations of Egyptian and Arab music that have captured audiences in the UK, Europe and even in the Middle East. While the Arabic music scene is filled with groups that perform popular music, this local band stands out because of their original recovery and revival of heritage works. Whatever your musical taste is, don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience amazing live music steeped in Arab culture and tradition.
Learn Arabic for Culture
In addition to helping you get a better job and expand your horizons, learning Arabic is a great idea if you want to make new friends from all around the world. At Oxford, you’ll find social groups like the Oxford Arab Society, which organises many events that celebrate the Arab culture and language that have a great turnout. If you want to practise your language skills, you should consider attending the language exchange event they hold every Wednesday at Brick, a coffee shop located at 30 Pembroke St. In these events, you’ll be able to meet native speakers and advanced speakers who share your passion for the language and enjoy wonderful conversations with them. What’s more, because you can find people from different Arab communities at these meetups, you’ll be able to listen to different Arabic variants, which will help you boost your listening skills. On the other hand, if you can’t speak a word of Arabic yet and don’t want to attend an event where everyone is speaking in a language you don’t understand, don’t worry, there are other events held by this society where English is spoken, such as Quiz Nights, Karaoke Nights and picnics.
Where to learn Arabic in and around Oxford?
After reading about the many advantages of learning this fascinating language in the city, you probably wonder where you can learn it around Oxford. No matter how fluent you are, you should check out the Oxfordshire Public Library, located on Queen Street, which has many useful materials to develop your reading skills, work on your grammar and expand your vocabulary. A great example is A Grammar of the Arabic Language by W.Wright, a well-known book used by many learners which covers all the key points of Arabic grammar, making it the ideal reference tool for beginner and intermediate students. Alternatively, if you are looking for fiction in Arabic, you’re in luck, as the library has volumes such as Stories from One Thousand and One Nights: For Intermediate and Advanced Students of Arabic by Ghada Bualuan, which presents a selection of authentic Arabian Night stories in simplified language providing learners of Modern Standard Arabic access to this classic of Arabic literature.
However, if you are truly committed to becoming a fluent Arabic speaker as fast as possible, there’s an even better choice and that’s to study at Listen & Learn. Nowhere else in the city will you find language courses that are completely tailored to your unique language goals and interests. We even have free language tests you can take on our website to see how good your skills really are and on top of that, you can check out the many testimonials from our clients from all around the globe. To start, simply send us a quick enquiry now and one of our team members will get in contact within the next 24 hours!
The type of courses we offer:
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) General Arabic
These Arabic lessons fit a broader spectrum and can be useful for those who need different things from the language. Most beginner students will have a handle of survival Arabic by the end of their lesson, which will provide them with enough Arabic to communicate at least at a basic level during short trips to the country, but those who require more would benefit greatly from these sessions. Typical students have been those eager to travel all over the world, those buying overseas property, those with foreign spouses, aficionados of Arabic culture and those who just wish to pass a particular Arabic exam. Enquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Face-to-Face 1-to-1 (Individual) Business Arabic
The people who would benefit the most from these Arabic tutorials are those who feel they need to learn Arabic to help them out in their business lives. For starters, learning salutations and business etiquette is essential. Once these have been practised, then reading and writing lessons can begin. Typical studiers have been those involved in international imports/exports, negotiations and acquisitions, multinational companies requiring another language and those working in any way with international governments and relevant administration. Even our simplest lesson for beginners will have students finishing the lessons with basic telephone and e-mail Arabic as well as survival Arabic should a visit to the country be necessary. Enquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Face-to-Face Closed (Private) Group General or Business Arabic
Those wishing to learn Arabic in groups of two or more together (Two-to-One Arabic Lessons or Small Group In-Company Arabic Lessons) can sign up for our group classes. All students must be at nearly the same level of Arabic proficiency, have the same needs from the language and must be able to study at the same time and place as the others. Bookings must be made for all students simultaneously. Listen & Learn does not suggest group sizes of more than 6-8 people, but In-Company Taster Arabic Lessons can occur with up to 12 people. Enquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online 1-to-1 (Individual) General or Business Arabic
Our native-speaking qualified Arabic teachers can instruct you and your group at your work or at home at a time most convenient for you. Classes can take place on any day of the week—even weekends—morning, afternoon or evening. If meeting at your office or home is not suitable, you can take your lessons at the trainer's office. Study materials are supplied for you. Enquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Skype, Google Meet or Zoom Online Group (Closed or Open) General or Business Arabic
Those wishing to learn Arabic in groups of two or more together (Two-to-One Arabic Lessons or Small Group In-Company Arabic Lessons) can sign up for our group classes. All students must be at nearly the same level of Arabic proficiency, have the same needs from the language and be able to study at the same time and place as the others. Bookings must be made for all students simultaneously. Listen & Learn does not propose group sizes of more than 6-8 people, but In-Company Taster Arabic Lessons can occur with up to 12 people. Enquire now about our Arabic Courses or Take A Free Arabic Level Test
Top Tips For…
arabic Songs
” مع جريدة” (With a Newspaper)
Looking for a song in Arabic that is catchy, easy to understand and not too grammatically complex? “With a Newspaper” is the perfect choice for you. Based on the poems of Syrian writer Nizar Qabbani, it tells the emotional story of two refugees who flee their country looking for a better life. The lyrics are beautiful and use formal Arabic, so you can practise what you learn in your course with Listen & Learn. Furthermore, this song is well-known, so you won’t have any problems finding the lyrics online! Click here to listen to this song.arabic Songs
“حبيتك بالصيف” (I Loved You in the Summer)
“I Loved You in the Summer” is a romantic song by one of the most well-known Arab singers from Lebanon, Fayrouz. This song is great for beginners because it uses a lot of basic vocabulary, like the seasons (alsayf is summer, shata’ is winter, rbye is spring and alkharif is autumn). But the song is also useful for advanced levels who want to put their vocabulary to the test and challenge themselves to understand the gist of the song: unrequited love. The singer uses advanced words and expressions to describe her suffering, so keep the lyrics to hand! Click here to listen to this song.“انت عمرى” (You Are My Life)
“You Are My Life” is, as you may have guessed, a romantic song by an Egyptian singer and songwriter, so it’s a great idea to listen to it to familiarise yourself with different Arabic accents. Some new terms you will hear include your eyes (euyunk), your light (nurik) and my heart (qalbi). In terms of grammar, the song is quite simple because it only includes verbs in the past and the imperative, like forgot (nasit) or gave (aetaa), so listening to the song is a great way to revise your course contents. Click here to listen to "You are my life".arabic Books
Your First 100 Words in Arabic
Beginner-level students can take advantage of this book designed to help learners overcome the obstacles of reading and writing the Arabic script. It mainly focuses on calligraphy and how letters are joined to form words with clear explanations in English, so you don’t have any doubts. Each chapter represents the vocabulary category you will be learning, such as home, opposites, animals, parts of the body, and more. Plus, the book includes a set of flashcards with charming visuals to help you remember new terms and a workbook with hundreds of grammar and vocabulary exercises. Click here to buy the book.arabic Books
The Night Mail – Hoda Barakat
The Night Mail will introduce you to the gripping story of four immigrants who have arrived in Lebanon. The novel depicts how their fates intertwine by chance and how the conflict and trauma affect them. In addition to learning more Arabic vocabulary and structures, you will discover the Lebanese culture and history (such as the Lebanese Civil War, 1975–1990). You will also read and learn more about how the characters celebrate Eid al-Fitr (Breaking the Fast), a religious festivity commemorated by Muslims all over the world. Click here and learn more about the novel.Women Without Trace – Mohammed Abi Samra
If want to learn Arabic while getting to know more about the women of the MENA region, then Women Without Trace by Mohammed Abi Samra is the novel for you. The story follows four women, scattered across Lebanon, and the hardships they endure during the Lebanese Civil War. In addition to exploring themes like identity and diaspora, the novel shows how women’s lives compared to those of the men. The narrative is quite complex, so the book is best suited for advanced learners. Click here and learn more about the novel.Testimonials
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Alex Wade
Japanese in Oxford
I wanted someone that I could be friends with as I learned the language in my own time, at my own pace. Listen & Learn seemed to offer that kind of person, and I found out very quickly that the tutor provided to me, Chika-san, is exactly who I was looking for
Our Clients Include
From our clients all over the world
Hawaiian Tropic Europe Inc.
Language learned: Spanish in Dublin.
Oracle Ireland
Language learned: Spanish in Dublin.
