Introduction:

When we start learning a new language our primary focus is to be able to speak at the earliest. This definitely is the ultimate goal of learning any new language, however, there are other aspects of learning which will greatly influence your ability to speak fluently. Listening is one such aspect that is ignored or not given as much time as it should be while learning a new language. If you have started learning Arabic and would like to be fluent in it, make listening to an integral part of your learning. If you are wondering how to do that, let us help you with 12 terrific ways to practice your Arabic listening skills and thus improve your speaking ability as well.

• Understand the difference between hearing and listening

Most of the time, as suggested by many experts’ people engage themselves in listening to or watching Arabic programs or music to get used to the language. This is definitely helpful. Just pay attention to whether you are actively listening to what is being said or are you just hearing where you are not completely engaged in the dialogue and missing out on most of the words. Only when you pay close attention and try to listen actively, will you be able to improve your listening skill.

• Work on your vocabulary

Start with practicing vocabulary. Vocabulary is not just important to speak well but plays a crucial role in good listening ability as well. We always pick the words that we know and try to figure out the meaning of other words as beginners.

• Work on your pronunciation

Make an effort to learn the correct pronunciation from the very beginning. This would ensure that you are able to better understand the words that you listen to.

• Choose a dialect

There are many dialects in Arabic such as Egyptian, Moroccan, Levantine, etc. Choose a particular dialect that you would like to learn and listen to that. This would avoid confusion and not let you feel lost.

• Make good use of listening exercises

You can search the web for various listening exercises in Arabic. Listen to them. Practice without using the subtitles or transcript in the beginning. This will help you pick the words that you understand. Make a note of the new words or phrases that you come across. Observe how they are used in sentences.

• Do not fret about understanding everything

Do not worry if you don’t understand everything that is being spoken. Focus on understanding the pronunciation of the words and how they are used contextually. Even if you do not understand word by word, you will be able to get the gist of what is being said by listening actively.

• Practice comprehension exercises

Find simple comprehension exercises and try to answer the questions. This is a good way of testing your listening skills.

• Find help

You can always join a class where you can learn from a teacher directly. With technological advancements, it is possible to learn Arabic from the comfort of your home online. Find a good teacher who can guide you and help you improve your listening and speaking abilities both. When you learn from a teacher, especially in a one-on-one scenario, you can ask questions without hesitation.

• Make listening to an integral part of your learning

Have a regular schedule for your Arabic learning. Make sure that listening is an integral part of this schedule. You can have a listening activity for ten minutes, followed by practicing the pronunciation and learning the new vocabulary that you come across.

• Read aloud or repeat what you listen to

Have you ever felt that you know a word very well unless you actually said it? Yes, this can happen quite commonly. You think that you know the word exactly in your mind, but when it comes to speaking you are not very sure. The best method to overcome this is to say or read aloud the words that you listen to. You can even use the audio transcript to read along and practice.

• Practice and more practice

Only through practice and repeated practice can we learn a new language. Be prepared to spend enough time every day to practice your Arabic listening skills along with reading, writing, and speaking.

• Be patient

Understand that learning a new language is a time taking process. You need to be patient while learning as you cannot rush things and learn Arabic instantly.

Take a break whenever necessary, keep listening activities fun and entertaining, if possible join a group to learn Arabic, practice diligently and you are bound to achieve excellent Arabic listening skills which in turn will help you speak fluently as well.