How I did it: I commandeered a book from my friend had on Arabic when I got to the middle east.  I wrote Arabic religiously for an hour sometimes more a day for about three months.  After I learned how to write it I continued for about another three months learning basic phrases and conversation starters from an interpreter who was fluent in speaking Arabic.  I know the very basics but enough to get by and make friends.  What I don't know I just draw or point out with my fingers haha  Just showing an effort goes a long way.

The first time I traveled out of country I didn't try to learn about the culture or anything and stayed in the very Americanized areas.  I have now tried  to do a 180 and learn learn learn everything I can and get immersed not only in the culture but the language.  Fun stuff! It makes being in another country more pleasant.  :)  Very nice experience and also Arabic is very pretty to me written out.  Just doesn't sound too good speaking.  Very harsh language. 

Lessons & tips: The best way is to learn from someone who knows the language you're trying to learn.  I was never a fan of language cd's/dvd's/cd-roms I've tried Rosetta Stone it's ok.  I heard Pimsler or something is way better.  It's worth a try.

Resources: Bought a book on Amazon how to write Arabic.  It was very good.  Anyone will do I'm sure.  Even if you have the alphabet typed in front of you I suggest you get the book cause they will guide you how to write each letter.  I thought I was doing it right but there's also stacking the letters and all kinds of goofy stuff with Arabic. 

My friend got me a book on Conjecated Verbs in Arabic.  My God I didn't even know some of the English grammar tense terms they were reffering to. haha  So I googled and got a lesson on that as well.  Good luck to any of you trying to learn this language it's a handful!!!!!

Nov 12, 2008, 12:53PM PST | 3 comments | 13 cheers