In Arabic, the written form is substantially different from the spoken…to the point that it justifies learning it on its own. FusHa is the formal/written medium of Arabic, rarely spoken but commonly used in literature, historical manuscripts, government documentation, and religious or ceremonial contexts. The two types of FusHa are called Classical and Modern Standard (MSA). Modern Standard Arabic is the most commonly taught form of FusHa.
In general, Arabic courses taught at universities focus on MSA so that students are able to read but not communicate in the language very well. This process is similar to learning Latin and then trying to communicate to Italian speakers. Although you have the basis of the language, it has evolved a lot since the days when it was spoken. The modern language has similarities, but it is just not spoken any more.”
Why Egyptian Colloquial Arabic Arabic?
Colloquial Egyptian is the most widely understood Arabic dialect in the Middle East and is considered a “lingua franca” – a language that is understood and used across borders” – within the Arab world. Egypt’s capital, Cairo, has long been the center of Arab media, films and television programs watched by millions of people across the Arab world. In terms of the number of films produced, Cairo would fall third in line of production after Bollywood (India) and Hollywood (USA). Regardless of the rather dramatic changes in dialect throughout the Arabic speaking countries, Egyptian media has made Egyptian Colloquial Arabic familiar to nearly every household.
Therefore, irrespective of which Arabic speaking destinations you may find yourself in, Egyptian Arabic is a good dialect to begin learning because Arabic speakers around the world will be able to understand you. You may have difficulty understanding their dialect at first, but they will at least be able to understand you. You can adjust your new colloquial Arabic accordingly from that point.
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Why Modern Standard and Colloquial Arabic?
