Which Arabic? I'm having a small existential crisis. I've been learning Arabic for a couple of weeks now and it's time to pick a dialect. But which dialect? Which Arabic? They say that Modern Stand

Amy

Which Arabic? I'm having a small existential crisis. I've been learning Arabic for a couple of weeks now and it's time to pick a dialect. But which dialect? Which Arabic? They say that Modern Standard Arabic is the official language of documents but isn't a good form of Arabic for learners because it isn't widely spoken; whereas Egyptian Colloquial Arabic is understood in many Arabic-speaking parts of the world because a lot of spoken media is produced in ECA. ECA would also make sense given that my main motivation for learning Arabic is a childhood dream of visiting Egypt, but - with all love and respect for this beautiful country and people - I've been strongly recommended against travelling to Egypt for safety reasons, and I have to agree. So now I'm thinking about visiting Morocco instead - it seems so warm and colourful, with good food and the added bonus of a mix of Spanish and French - but it seems that Moroccan Arabic and most other Arabic dialects are almost completely unintelligble. What do you think? If you speak Arabic, which dialect(s) do you speak, and which dialect(s) can you understand? Is there any way to learn a single Arabic that will make you understood in as many countries as possible, or is it really a case of learning unique Arabic languages?

Jul 28, 2014 6:52 AM

Corrections · 5

well, regardless of what is happening in Egypt , I don't know who tells Arabic learners to go for this dialect or that! it's like reaching the top of the mountain then retarding back to land ! believe me Arabs speak these dialects because Arabic is a complicated language and most of the areas that hang heavy with these dialects are less educated or never keep learning MSA as they told u

August 17, 2014

I would recommend standard Arabic. it's understandable by every arabic speaker, also newspapers, most of books and documents are written by standard arabic.

August 2, 2014

Hi I recommend standard Arabic Bus if u insist on learning spoken Arabic i recommend Syrian or Lebanese dialects

July 28, 2014

Exactly as heythame said ! I confirm also regarding the dialects: even me I am tunisian and I don't understand the moroccan dialect to the fullness! So MSA is the solution to avoid all this! Also at a certain level french and english would be very useful in arabic countries! Good luck ...

July 28, 2014

Hi i'm Algerian, i advice you to learn the modern standard Arabic, i can understand all the Arabic dialects but, the Algerian and Moroccan are the most difficult, if you learned one of the Arabic dialects you may find a problem in communication with other Arabs but if you speak the modern standard Arabic everybody will understand you even if it isn't widely spoken except in the official documents :)

July 28, 2014

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