Learning Arabic In Bahrain: A Comprehensive Guide

Learning Arabic in Bahrain is a popular choice for many, with a range of courses and schools available. Arabic is a challenging language to learn, but with the right tools, it is possible to become proficient. There are several institutions in Bahrain that offer Arabic language courses, catering to different levels, from beginner to advanced. These courses focus on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, with an emphasis on communication and interaction. The classes are often small, allowing for a more personalized learning experience, and are taught by qualified and experienced teachers. Online courses are also available for those who prefer a more flexible learning environment.

Arabic for non-native speakers

Arabic is the official language in 22 countries and is spoken by more than 250 million people. It is also the second language in many Islamic countries as it is considered the spiritual language of Islam. It is one of the permanent languages in the United Nations and is one of the oldest living languages in the world.

Arabic may seem like a difficult language to master, especially for non-native speakers. The Arabic script looks very different from the Roman alphabet, and the vocabulary is challenging as words are unlikely to be similar to those in your native language. However, once you master the alphabet, writing, and pronunciation, you will see that the language's structure follows a fairly logical pattern.

There are several ways to learn Arabic in Bahrain, and locals will appreciate the effort, no matter your level.

Arabic Language Schools

The Arabic School at the Discover Islam Centre teaches Modern Standard Arabic, including reading, writing, and speaking. They offer classes from beginner to advanced levels and are reasonably priced.

Berlitz Language School is another option, offering conversation-based lessons that progress to reading and writing. They provide well-structured lessons, DVDs, CDs, books, and other tools to help you learn. They offer group lessons, semi-private lessons, and private lessons.

Online Courses

There are also several online courses and resources available:

• Gulf Arabic: This website offers free grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation lessons for Gulf Arabic. A subscription fee provides access to the full text, audio, and exercises.
• Madinah Arabic: This portal is for people who want to learn Arabic online with lessons, tuition, vocabulary, downloadable e-books, and user forums.
• Arabic-studio.com: This website provides online courses, Arabic language articles, and links to books and other resources.
• Bahrain Embassy: The Bahrain embassy in the United Kingdom provides links to Arabic language schools in Bahrain and abroad.
• Laimoon: This platform offers various Arabic courses, some of which are virtual classroom-based, with significant discounts for users.
• TeachX: This platform offers one-to-one tutoring and group courses for Arabic learners, from beginner to advanced levels.

Additional Tips

• Find a language exchange partner or join an Arabic conversation group, either locally or through online chat rooms.
• Watch Arabic films, listen to Arabic music, and read books or magazines in Arabic.
• Familiarize yourself with Arabic TV channels and newspapers that are now easily accessible online.
• Practice with native speakers in your community to improve your language skills and learn about different dialects.

Arabic group classes

Arabic is a challenging language to learn, especially for those who are new to it. However, there are several Arabic language classes available in Bahrain that offer group courses.

Inlingua Arabic Group Program

Inlingua is a well-known language school that offers Arabic group classes. Their method focuses on immersive learning, where trainers teach in the target language using pictures and role-playing instead of direct translations. This intensive approach aims to get students speaking from the very first lesson. The group program includes 24 hours of instruction, with classes taking place twice a week for 1.5 hours each. There are usually around 12 students in a group.

TeachBahrain Arabic Group Courses

TeachBahrain offers Arabic group courses for corporates and groups, providing on-site classes that are customized to your location for added convenience. They also offer online classes if needed. Their courses are designed to teach Arabic communication skills effectively, with specific programs for all levels, from beginner to advanced. The beginner course covers everyday situations such as greetings, daily activities, telling time and date, and making purchases.

LanguageBookings Arabic Courses in Manama

LanguageBookings offers Arabic courses near Manama, Bahrain, that are known for their excellent results and enjoyable learning experience. Their Arabic partners schools have experienced trainers who will have you speaking Arabic from day one. The courses focus on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities, covering various topics such as family, culture, leisure, and work. Grammatical bases are also covered extensively, allowing students to converse freely about different time periods.

Laimoon Arabic Classes in Bahrain

Laimoon lists three quality institutes that offer Arabic lessons in Bahrain. One of the courses listed is the Arabic Language Beginner Group by Al Manal Training, which is a live virtual classroom with classes that may be individual or in a group.

Global Arabic Courses in Bahrain

Global offers general Arabic courses in Bahrain for non-native speakers. Their courses focus on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, while also covering essential grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and idioms connected to the local Bahraini dialect. The courses are available at all levels, from beginner to advanced, and placement tests are used to ensure students are placed in the appropriate class. The class size is a maximum of 10 students, with an average of 3.

Arabic private classes

If you're looking for private Arabic classes in Bahrain, there are several options available.

TeachX

TeachX offers Arabic language tutoring services, including one-to-one tutors. They provide specific programs for training Arabic communication skills from beginner to advanced level.

Discover Islam Centre

The Arabic School at Discover Islam Centre teaches Modern Standard Arabic, including reading, writing, and speaking. They offer classes from beginner to advanced levels, and charges are reported to be reasonable. Their contact number is 17537373.

Berlitz Language School

Berlitz teaches Arabic by starting with conversation and then progressing to reading and writing. They offer well-structured lessons, DVDs, CDs, books, and other tools to help you learn the language easily. They are based in Adliya (by the British Club) and just off Budaiya Highway near MedCafe. Their classes are reportedly not pricey unless you want private lessons.

Inlingua

Inlingua offers Arabic Private (1-2-1) Programs with trained native speakers. You can set the schedule according to your availability, and lessons can take place at your premises or in their language centre.

Individual Tutors

Some forum users have recommended hiring individual tutors. One user suggested finding an educated local who is willing to give lessons for a couple of BD and can meet you wherever you are. Another user recommended a specific teacher and shared their website.

Arabic for corporates and groups

The corporate and group programs offer a complimentary consultation to understand your requirements and customise the course accordingly. The pre-beginner group Arabic course is designed for non-speakers to create a setting for students to practice their Arabic communication abilities with integrated grammar activities. The beginner Arabic group course will enable you to communicate in daily settings, such as greetings, navigating, and making purchases.

At the intermediate level, you will be able to understand real texts, speak on various topics with appropriate pronunciation and intonation, and create more complex essays. The advanced Arabic group course focuses on achieving strong and fluent international communication skills. Students will understand different topics, express themselves orally and in writing, and use a range of accurate vocabulary.

Arabic language beginner courses

Arabic is a challenging language to learn, especially for those who do not have a background in it. However, for expats in Bahrain, there are several options to learn Arabic and blend in with the locals.

Several institutions in Bahrain offer beginner-level Arabic courses. Here are some options:

• Laimoon: Laimoon offers three Arabic courses in Bahrain. One of their courses is the Arabic Language Beginner Group by Al Manal Training, which is a live virtual classroom with full-time instruction.
• Inlingua Bahrain: This institute offers Arabic Group Classes, Arabic Small Group Tutoring, and Arabic Private (1-2-1) Programs for all levels, including beginners. Their method focuses on speaking and listening, using examples and role-playing rather than direct translations. They offer 24 hours of instruction, with lessons taking place twice a week for 1.5 hours each.
• TeachBahrain: TeachBahrain provides Arabic language courses for corporates and groups, as well as one-to-one tutoring options. Their beginner course covers communication skills in ordinary settings, basic grammar, and an introduction to Arabic-speaking life, culture, and society.
• Global Bahrain: Global offers general Arabic courses for non-native speakers, focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Their beginner course is 30 hours long, and they offer placement tests to ensure students are placed in the right-level classes.
• LanguageBookings: While LanguageBookings does not currently have available courses in Manama, they work with nearby schools to offer comprehensive Arabic classes. Their beginner courses focus on developing speaking, listening, reading, and writing abilities, covering various topics such as family, culture, leisure, and work.
• Arabic School at Discover Islam Centre: Recommended by a forum user, this school offers classes from beginner to advanced levels. It covers modern standard Arabic, including reading, writing, and speaking. The charges are said to be reasonable.
• Berlitz language school: Another forum recommendation, this school teaches Arabic through conversation, later progressing to reading and writing. They offer group and semi-private lessons, providing various tools like DVDs, CDs, and books to aid learning.

These options provide a range of choices for those seeking to learn basic Arabic in Bahrain, allowing students to choose between virtual classrooms, in-person group classes, or private tutoring to suit their preferences and learning styles.

Frequently asked questions