Arabic Courses in Amman, Jordan

The Qasid Institute, Amman:
Located in Amman, Jordan, the Qasid Institute has quietly developed a reputation as one of the leading centers in the Middle East for Arabic language learning. We teach classical Arabic as well as modern standard Arabic. We also offer supplementary skill-specific courses including Arabic for diplomats, newspaper fluency, grammar and modern literary prose. Graduating students who have applied themselves will find understanding an all-Arabic university course to be within reach, and translating general texts to be manageable.

Each class meets four hours per day, five days per week, over the course of nine weeks (summer session), and three hours per day, five days per week over the course of twelve weeks (fall, winter, and spring sessions). Classes are conducted in a comfortable institute setting; students sit along custom-made U-shaped tables ideal for discussion. Every student, whether in level one or five, is encouraged and expected to actively participate in class. Our program places a special emphasis on developing a student's ability to converse in Arabic.

The Academic Program is divided into two tracks, Classical and Modern Standard. Incoming students have the option to apply to either, both of which provide training at the beginner, intermediate and advanced levels.

Classical Arabic:
Within the Academic Program, Classical Arabic refers primarily to the language of the Qur'an, and secondarily to the various texts and works that are directly inspired by both its form and content. Students receive direct exposure to Islamic legal, theological/philosophical and mystical texts from the classical and medieval periods.

The first three levels are foundational in that they focus on “linguistic mobility”, i.e. equipping a student with the necessary skills in grammar, morphology, and rhetoric (nahw, sarf, and balagha), and to excel in the reading, understanding, analyzing, translating, and interpreting of classical texts; in addition to “Classic 4” skills development (listening, reading, speaking, writing) necessary for advanced-intermediate fluency.

Levels 4 & 5 represents a unique milestone in the student’s Arabic development – a transition from learning the language to using it as a tool to access classical texts comprised of rotating special studies modules focusing on both classical and contemporary subject matter. Among these mini-modules (usually each two-weeks in length) are Scriptural Exegesis, Poetry (pre-Islamic and classical), Psychology, Literary Criticism, Islamic History, Theology, Prophetic History, Speech Presentation (Khutba), and Terminology of Sacred Law and Hadith. The books are identical to those used by native-Arab university, itself evidence of the advanced level reached by Qasid students after 15 short months, for those who come with absolutely no knowledge of the language. Those who have previous background in Arabic will complete the program in even less time.

Modern Standard Arabic:
Modern Standard refers to the standard literary and communicative language of the Middle East and North Africa, recognized as one of the UN's six official languages. It is the common medium for nearly all formal communication, both printed and spoken, and, as the official language of all Arab countries, provides the most versatile tool for those interested in living or working in an Arab country, or those whose field intersects with any aspect of the Arab world.

The first four levels of the track follow normal undergraduate curricula, each level equivalent to an entire year of university Arabic. Currently, the base text is the now standard al-Kitaab series (our own unique curriculum, similar to the Classical track, is in the works), ensuring a smooth transition for those continuing studies at their home institutions. All four language skills are emphasized from the outset of class such that students develop balanced, confident command of the language. Actual texts are introduced early, such that by the end of the fourth level, students are fully functional outside the classroom.

Level 5 provides advanced students with an opportunity to further enhance their language skills through rotating modules (normally 2 – 3 per term) dealing with a variety of topics. Topics include Media Arabic, Readings in International Relations, The Arabic Novel and Short Story, Poetry, Literary Criticism, and Economics. Students may also custom design modules that suit their needs and goals. No language acquisition materials are used other than the very books and audio used by Arab university students; graduating students will find themselves well-equipped and literate enough to engage Arab society, culture and literature with ease.

Supplementary Courses:
In addition to the core track classes, other skill-specific courses, including 'Ammiyya, Arabic for Diplomats, Tajweed, Newspaper Fluency, Calligraphy, Grammar Intensive, Arabic in the Qur'an, and Modern Literary Prose are available at extra cost, subject to demand, and on a by-request basis.

Advanced Course Modules:
Students who have achieved fluency and want to continue a deep exploration of the language, learn how to teach Arabic, or focus on using their language skills to unlock, review, and translate texts will find a home at Qasid. Advanced modules are custom designed and are subject to demand; among the most popular are Historical Readings, Teaching Arabic Grammar and Morphology to non-Native Speakers, and Advanced Classical Texts.