The Intensive Levantine Arabic Program offered by Salam Palestine is a unique opportunity for anyone looking to expand their spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect. It is also a great opportunity for those wanting to travel through the Levant and immerse themselves in Levantine culture, history, and politics. Fortunately, for those looking to study Arabic with us, we are located in the West Bank, of Palestine. This is in the heart of the Levant, within the busy and vibrant city of Hebron. Levantine Arabic is one of the most widely spoken Arabic dialects. This makes its acquisition the ultimate passport to the Arabic-speaking world.
The Arabic courses offered by Salam Palestine focus on daily colloquial tasks. This means students will learn everyday phrases and real-world skills. Students will learn how to write and speak using Levantine phonetics, in addition to improving their reading and listening comprehension. The program, depending on the course level, will also focus on various topics specifically designed for use in conversation. The experience is immersive and includes interactions with the city of Hebron, as well as the possibility of staying with a host family.
Our Intensive Levantine Arabic classes are available throughout the year, ranging from one-week intensive courses to three-month (13-week) programs. Are you seeking a short or longer-term intensive Arabic course in the Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, West Bank, Israel, or Middle East area? Or are you interested in immersing yourself in a complete cultural experience? Then, we can readily accommodate your needs! You have the freedom to select the timing and level of study that aligns with your language proficiency, learning preferences, and any other specific requirements or preferences you may have.
What is the Levant and Levantine Arabic?
The Levant is a region of the Middle East associated with the Eastern Mediterranean. Typically, the countries included in this region are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. However, broader definitions may also include Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, and a small portion of Iraq. The population of the Levant totals about 44.5 million people. This population has a rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities, including Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, Assyrian, Circassian, Domari, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, Turkish, and many others!
The Muslim conquest of the Levant in 634 CE brought Arabic to the region. Since then, it has been the predominantly spoken language of the region. In the 1400 years since then, generations of Arabic speakers have slowly developed a regional dialect. This is called Shami (another name for Levantine Arabic). The dialect is distinct from the rest of the Arab world. However, it is still closely related to Classical Arabic, known as Fus-ha. Approximately 50% of its vocabulary corresponds directly to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), making it one of the most recognizable dialects among many in the Arab world. Today there are two distinct dialects of Levantine Arabic:
Northern Levantine
North Levantine Arabic is spoken in the northern countries of the Levant. This includes Lebanon, specific territories such as Turkey’s coastal regions of Adana, Hatay, and Mersin, and the regions of Syria bordering Aleppo, Damascus, and the Mediterranean. It is also known as Syro-Lebanese Arabic.
Southern Levantine
This dialect of Levantine is spoken in Palestine and across most of Jordan. It is also spoken in Syria’s southern region, particularly in the Hauran. It will be the dialect most present in Hebron and the immediate region.
There is also a colloquial form of Arabic known as ‘Ammiyya. ‘Ammiyya is a term that refers to the regional varieties or vernaculars across the Arab world used for everyday speaking situations. In fact ‘Ammiyya is the first language of every Arab, as they later acquire Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in school. Unlike MSA, ‘Ammiyya does not adhere to the strict rules of grammar and word order. Additionally, it often loses other structured linguistic features.
What is the difference between Levantine Arabic and Ammiyya Arabic?
People often use Levantine Arabic and Ammiyya Arabic interchangeably to refer to the same dialect. However, it is important to understand their distinctions. “Ammiyya Arabic” is a broader term that encompasses various spoken dialects across different regions of the Arab world. On the other hand, “Levantine Arabic” specifically refers to the dialects spoken in the Levant region. This includes countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine.
Levantine Arabic is a subset of Ammiyya Arabic and possesses unique features that set it apart from other dialects.
Why Learn Levantine Arabic?
Shami is now one of the two dominant dialects of Arabic in the world, the other being Egyptian. One of the most widely spoken dialects of Arabic is Levantine Arabic. It has an estimated 38 million native speakers throughout the Levant and the Arab diaspora! By learning this dialect, students will have numerous opportunities to engage with the people, politics, histories, and cultures of the Arabic-speaking world within and beyond the Levant.
Levantine Arabic is a key for interacting with an important part of history, literature, and religion. This is due to its geopolitical importance and rich historical inheritance. This region continues to be important today. Moreover, it is vital for those wishing to engage with the politics, human rights, and economics of the region. Learning Levantine Arabic is the key to accessing this diverse region, as well as the Arab diaspora at large.
Additionally, those who study Levantine Arabic will be connected to one of the most diverse and influential regions of the world. This could be because of travel, recreation, business, personal interest, family lineage, or simply curiosity. Students will have the opportunity to interact with individuals and communities across Arabic-speaking countries. They can also interact with the Arab diaspora, including those located in their communities back home!
Qualified Teachers
Salam Palestine prides itself on its faculty and staff, all of whom are native Levantine Arabic speakers. In addition, many of our teachers have degrees in related fields such as Teaching Arabic to non-native speakers. Others have degrees in Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic Cultural Studies, Arabic Literary Studies, and many more.
Our flexible and experienced teachers are ready and happy to help build an Arabic course designed specifically for your needs. Essential to our intensive Arabic language courses is participation in lively class conversations. We employ a communicative approach and limit class sizes to five students. This leaves ample opportunity for discussion and inclusive participation, as well as for receiving individual attention from our Arabic teachers.
How Are Classes Conducted?
Salam Palestine offers Arabic classes that are second to none, creating a completely immersive experience for our participants. Salam Palestine can provide this due in part to its prime location in the bustling center of Hebron. This allows participants to intimately engage with the Arabic language daily.
These Arabic courses ensure students quickly build their Arabic skills. The courses use the immersion methodology of language acquisition. This means you will reinforce your formal studies by using the language outside the classroom in your daily life. Students will essentially have two options in terms of class style: one-on-one or small groups.
1. One-on-one
Students will have private lessons with one of our qualified Arabic language teachers. This allows for a more personalized approach to instruction. This also ensures that the student will have the instructor’s full attention while allowing the instructor to fully focus on any questions that the student may have.
2. Small groups
These courses are typically 2 or 3 students, but up to 5. One-on-one courses are more personalized. However, small groups allow for structured interaction with peers at similar language proficiency levels, which is often an effective strategy for fostering collective linguistic growth. Students will be able to practice their Arabic together, collaborate on group projects, enjoy class excursions, and much more.
Are the Courses Taught in English?
The short answer is yes. We gear all our Intensive Levantine Arabic courses towards English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, we minimize the use of English in the classroom as the course level increases.
Please also keep in mind that while Salam Palestine’s center caters to English speakers and communicates in English, the city of Hebron predominantly speaks Arabic. When navigating through Hebron, students will need to utilize their Arabic and rely on their skills to the best of their ability, thereby creating a fully immersive experience.
Arabic Course Levels
- Beginner: This course is designed for students with absolutely no previous Arabic language experience. This course will introduce students to basic concepts including the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, grammar fundamentals, phonetics, and common vocabulary.
- Elementary: This course intends to build upon the foundational Arabic language knowledge of students, continuing from where the previous course ended. It involves introducing new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules into the curriculum, alongside regular reading, writing, and speaking exercises. Upon completing this course, students will be able to converse, read, and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions, and expressing preferences.
- Intermediate: The intermediate course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels. This will entail venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. Instructors may instruct students to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic, or engage in other colloquial activities.
- Advanced: The advanced course maintains an immersive nature while also expanding into complex reading, writing, and spoken materials. Students will conduct research in the community of Hebron on a variety of subjects. With all these methods and materials combined, students will establish a firm understanding of, and gain a grammatical competency in Levantine Arabic. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to articulate their thoughts and opinions over complex matters such as politics, history, the environment, and the arts of Palestine.
Available Levantine Arabic courses:
| Super Intensive Levantine (Ammiya) Arabic | Intensive course for beginners in Levantine Colloquial Arabic |
| Summer Levantine Arabic Programs | Virtual course for studying Levantine Dialect Arabic online |
| Private Levantine Colloquial Arabic Lessons | One-on-one lessons for learning Colloquial Levantine Arabic |
| Online Levantine Colloquial (Ammiya) Course | Various course levels are available for learning Arabic |
Arabic Course Intensity Options
- Non-Intensive: This Levantine Arabic course load would mean students spend approximately 12 hours per week in Arabic classes. We recommend that students who are interested in a long-term program of 2-3 months in duration enroll in a non-intensive course. This will provide you with plenty of in-class instruction while still leaving ample time to explore the city of Hebron and immerse yourself in Palestinian culture.
- Intensive: This Levantine Arabic course load would mean students spend about 20 hours per week in Arabic classes, in addition to assigned homework and extracurricular activities. For those looking to study for a month or less, we recommend enrolling in an intensive course.
- Super Intensive: This Levantine Arabic course load can include up to 30 hours of in-class Arabic lessons per week. This intensity is for those looking for a challenge, and for anyone who wants to make great gains in their language abilities. However, this does not account for the extra-curricular activities for which Salam Palestine is well known and may be an overwhelming study load for some. There is no doubt you will leave Palestine with an accentuated and advanced knowledge of Arabic after this course.
Which Course is for Me?
If you are having difficulty deciding on which course to enroll in, Salam Palestine offers a free placement test. This will evaluate your Arabic language skills in 4 crucial areas: speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
We are always happy to consult with you if you have any questions regarding course levels or intensity. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with our Facebook page and other social media platforms.
Levantine Arabic Program Information Overview
| Levantine Arabic Courses | Super-Intensive Program | Intensive Program | Non-Intensive Program |
| Program Duration | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks | 1-13 weeks |
| Lessons Per Month | 30 | 20 | 12 |
| Days Per Week | 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Lesson Duration | 45 minutes | 45 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Average Class Size | 1-3 students | 1-3 students | 1-3 students |
| Maximum Class Size | 5 students | 5 students | 5 students |
| Program Levels | Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced | Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced | Beginner Elementary Intermediate Advanced |
| Lesson Periods | Morning 8:30-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-16:00 | Morning 8:30-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-16:00 | Morning 8:30-12:30 Afternoon 12:30-16:00 |
| Application Deadline | No Deadline | No Deadline | No Deadline |
| Start/End Dates | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible |
| Program Fee Per Week | €700 | €450 | €370 |
| University Credit | Available | Available | Available |
Start and End Dates
Studying Arabic with Salam Palestine is available year-round and has no official application deadlines. Therefore, when you decide to start your Levantine journey is up to you! Students may choose their starting and end dates however they see fit, up to a three-month stay.
However, particularly for students, our Summer Semester offered from June to August is especially popular. This is ideal for students on a summer break looking to study Arabic for their interests, for academic credit, or to equip them to take a summer internship in the Levant afterward. Our summer Arabic courses are also ideal for anyone else simply looking for a way to begin studying Arabic or improve their Arabic with real-world experience in their time off.
Living with a Palestinian Host Family
Your time in the classroom is not where your Arabic learning experience will end. Residing in Hebron, you may have the option to reside with a Palestinian host family. This opportunity is truly special and unique since students will have the opportunity to practice their Arabic skills with native speakers. You will also gain rare access to Palestinian culture, customs, and home life.
This ensures an intensive, immersive experience not only in the classroom but outside as well. You may even take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron, and so much more!
However, homestay is only guaranteed for female students. It is subject to availability for male students. Therefore, we recommend applying to the program of your choice as early as possible to secure your place and homestay.
Student Requirements
Salam Palestine does not discriminate on any basis. This includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or any other discernible means. There are only 3 main criteria we request from participants:
- Students should be between 18-70 years of age. The Salam Palestine’s director may waive this age restriction if granting special permission.
- We require all prospective students to have working knowledge of English and/or Arabic since these are the primary languages used during the program.
- Finally, we ask all participants to have a positive attitude, an open mind, and an eagerness to learn.
Competitive Pricing
Salam Palestine is priced competitively in comparison to other study abroad programs. It also covers a wide range of expenses aside from mere Arabic lessons. The intensity determines the price of a course, which is charged every week. The program fee per week is as follows:
- Non-Intensive: €370
- Intensive: €450
- Super Intensive: €700
All students also pay a one-time registration fee of €30. Program prices listed on this webpage are the complete and final costs students will pay. There are no hidden or additional fees.
Program Fees Cover:
- Placement Tests
- Language courses
- Study Material and Workbooks
- Housing for the duration of your stay
- Operational expenses
- Arrival and pre-departure assistance
- Breakfast 5 days a week
- Excursions led by Salam Palestine in Hebron, including the old city of Hebron, local companies, refugee camps as well as local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University
- A certificate upon completion
Reviews and Community Awards
Since 2011, the Excellence Center and Salam Palestine have welcomed visitors from all around the world. We are always improving our programs to deliver the finest learning experience possible. However, our core objective remains the same: to connect, teach, and develop individuals in the local and international communities.
We continue to aim for “excellence”. In 2021, we were named one of the top three volunteer programs in the world. Go Overseas awarded us the community choice awards in the categories “best language school”, “fun”, and “teaching.”
- Reviews and ratings (96.8%) on Gooverseas.com
- Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
- Participants’ video testimonials
How to Apply
If you are interested in participating in our Study Levantine Arabic Program, please contact us at Info@ecpalestine.org and CC Mr. Rafat Shantir at Rafat@excellencenter.org. We aim to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.
When sending your email, please use the subject line “Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic.” We will promptly reply to your email with an application form attached.
Conclusion
For anyone wishing to learn spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami), expand their knowledge of Palestinian or Levantine history and culture, and reside in a dynamic and bustling city in the West Bank, Salam Palestine’s Intensive Levantine Arabic program is for you! This is a unique opportunity for anyone looking to expand their spoken Arabic to include the Levantine dialect. In addition, travel through the Levant, and immerse themselves in Levantine culture, history, and politics.
The Arabic immersion programs offered by Salam Palestine focus on daily colloquial tasks. This means students will learn the idioms and everyday phrases associated with the Levantine dialect. Students will gain an immersive experience and potentially reside with a host family. They will also venture into the Arab world experiencing the culture and customs of Palestine firsthand. This Intensive Levantine Arabic program promises to be a transformative and enriching experience for all who pursue it.
From all of us at Salam Palestine, we would be more than happy to have you as part of our family here in Hebron. Apply today and begin your linguistic journey!
Related Programs
Connect with Us!
For more information, please visit our Excellence Center website.
Volunteer in Palestine
Watch us on Youtube
Whatsapp:+972 599 479 880
Email: Info@ecpalestine.org
