How to let a 2 year kid learn Arabic?
There is no age to learn a language especially if it is something that is important to learn. The Arabic language is not very simple. Those who know about the language or have learnt the language know that it has a very particular pronunciation. Each letter has its own charm and way of pronouncing it deeply. It is very important to pronounce the letter the way it is meant to be. This is specifically for the Muslim community. It is mandatory for them to pronounce the letters and the words exactly.
The holy book of the Muslims is in the Arabic language. They have to offer compulsory prayers every day. These prayers are in the Arabic language. It is obligatory for them to read the Arabic prayers with the perfect pronunciation. The language holds religious importance for them.
The children start learning right from the time they are very small. The Muslims teach their children to read and say their prayers in Arabic right from their childhood. Usually, they teach them with the help of a learned scholar who is an expert at the Arabic language. If the child starts speaking they can be introduced to the Arabic letters at first.
If you are planning to teach Arabic to your children you can follow these tips:
- Do not focus on perfection: since they are small it is not possible for them to do justice to the pronunciation that the Arabic letters demand. Let them get familiar with the sounds of letters. Start with the easy ones. Do not expect them to learn all the letters.
- Make it fun: you cannot expect them to be able to memorize them easily. Use some tactics to make them learn the letters. Like clapping hands or giving something when they are able to pronounce a few letters. Repeat and let them repeat after you.
- Use pictures: children get attracted to colourful pictures. Show them pictures and tell them what it is called in Arabic. Children learn better when they are taught with the help of pictures. You need to make sure that whenever the same thing comes in front of you, keep on asking them what it is and help them memorise it. Start with those things that are very common and that you see daily. This will help them learn the common things easily as they see them every day.
- Play Arabic: play Arabic songs or videos or stories. They may not understand and still let them hear Arabic. They will start chanting what they hear over time. They will know about the language and eventually adopt it. If what they are listening is interesting you can help them by explaining them. We all listen to music while we are travelling. Why not replace it with Arabic for children to listen and learn?
- Record: let us make them happy by recording their voice when they are speaking something in Arabic and playing their voice for them to hear. This will add sparkle to their eyes and will get them excited.
- Praise: even if they have learnt something small, appreciate them. Appreciation helps them do better and they are happy.
Finally,
It is in the long run that these children will be able to learn better and fluent Arabic. Patience and consistency is the key. Seek help from an expert such as Multibhashi.