Pimsleur Arabic (Modern Standard) Level 1 Lesson 1

About Modern Standard Arabic

• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), also known as Standard Arabic or Literary Arabic, is the variety of Arabic used in writing and in formal speech. • MSA is spoken by an estimated 300 million people world-wide. • It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. • Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of all Arab countries, and is the only form of Arabic taught in schools at all levels. Because of this, MSA is the lingua franca of all educated Arabic-speakers, regardless of nationality or spoken native dialect.  • It is used in the news, schools, official documents, and courts of law. • MSA bears great resemblance to Classical Arabic; the language of ancient poetry and the Quran. • The Modern Standard Arabic alphabet contains 28 basic letters and is read from right to left.

The Pimsleur® Method has worked for millions all over the world. Totally portable; simple to use; Pimsleur works so you don’t have to. Modern Standard Arabic Phase 1, Unit 01 contains 30 minutes of spoken language practice, with an introductory conversation, and isolated vocabulary and structures. Detailed instructions enable you to understand and participate in the conversation.