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Mastering Arabic [Book & Double Cassette Pack]
 
 
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Mastering Arabic [Book & Double Cassette Pack] [Hardcover]

Jane Wightwick , Mahmoud Gaafar
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)

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Hardcover --  
Hardcover, 14 Jun 1990 --  
Paperback £13.99  
Audio, CD, Audiobook £23.25  
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Product details

  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (14 Jun 1990)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0333533704
  • ISBN-13: 978-0333533703
  • Product Dimensions: 25.8 x 17.8 x 4.2 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 958,927 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • See Complete Table of Contents

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Jane Wightwick
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Product Description

Review


 
"The new edition of Mastering Arabic is particularly exciting. The first edition has long been an oasis in a dry landscape. The quirky cartoons, the straightforward explanations and the clear layout have been very good reasons for teachers to go back to it continually as their textbook of choice... this new edition has confirmed Mastering Arabic's status as the most suitable book for beginners. It is ideal for anyone who wants to offer an enjoyable course that will take their students from zero to lower intermediate level." - Haroon Shirwani, Independent Schools Modern Language Association Newsletter
 
"It is so refreshing to see a language series so well thought-out, which goes really in-depth yet at the same time is easy and enjoyable to follow. I tried several arabic learning materials before finding this one, and it is by far the best on the market!" - Mark Trevarton

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

This complete pack (book and cassette) teaches the modern standard Arabic which is the universal language of the Arab world, understood by all the Arabic speakers. It is also the language of almost all written material, formal TV programmes, talks etc.

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
53 of 54 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I really like this book, which is the second editition and was completely updated: You learn the alphabet in little chunks so that you are not overwhelmed by the Arabic script. The layout of the book is very clear, you have lots of excercises and listening comprehensions.
With this book you even learn how to learn - the authors show you how to learn vocabulary easily and never forget it, which I find especially helpful since my schooldays are long over!
The only downside for me personally: I purchased the book without the audio cds (since I'm a bit advanced), but if you want to be able to do all the excercises you really need them, although this was not pointed out directly. Then also there is no book for the advanced pupil (yet?), but at least the authors give you advice on how to take it from there once you've worked your way through this book.
All in all a very recommendable book for those who want to learn Arabic the fun way!
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49 of 50 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I do wonder if all the other glowing reviews of this book are by users who have assiduously done this course from start to finish. First, the book comes in an attractive package with the CDs. The first six lessons do a good job of teaching the Arabic script, incl. basic instructions on handwriting. Overall, they have done a good job of teaching all the main grammar points throughout the course, yet it is marred by a number of things. Despite all the pictures, the book is basically a grammar course - not enough thought has been given to the most important, useful vocabulary a beginner might need. The verb is introduced far too late, so that the derived forms, weak verbs have to be introduce all in a rush towards the end, which is terrible from a memory perspective. The weakest part however, is the concentration on political vocabulary half-way through the course. Now I can say "minister of education", "convene a meeting", yet I barely know how to communicate. Also, I do feel galled at the quite large number of errors that have gone uncorrected despite being in the second edition. This is simply sloppiness, and rather unforgivable in a course where beginners need to rely on what is written. Finally, the course is poorly indexed and some of the grammar points could be better explained.

I am on the final lesson and I won't be too sad when this is over. I do hope they've done a better job with the second book - I want to master Arabic, and this course is not making it too easy.
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30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I purchased this set recently having only a very little knowledge of arabic (I did a few classes about 5 months before I bought the set) and I found 'mastering arabic' very clear and easy to follow. The book progresses nicely and introduces letters and grammar bit by bit. The audio CDs really help with pronounciation and are vital. It gives exercises that help with reading, writing and speaking, which i found very helpful. It teaches Modern Standard Arabic and the book is clear that it is a starting point for beginners to gain a good basic knowledge of arabic and is not just a phrase book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Mastering Arabic (Palgrave Masters Series)
It takes you step by step. Has got vowels marked which makes it easy. Necessary to buy the CD to follow the pronunciations. Recommeded for starters.
Published 11 days ago by OK
Why learn arabic in old age
Excellent book, very clear and user-friendly BUT needs the CD that accompanies it in order to get the best from the content. Read more
Published 26 days ago by challenger
There are better ways to learn Arabic
I am not too keen on these systems which involve reading while listening - so this book doesnt work for me. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Flum
Fast and in perfect condition
Amazing. Delivery was fast. The item was in perfect condition. And the price is just so AWESOME!!! Well-fit for students. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Fate
Great Package for learning Arabic
Straight forward explanations and great balance between grammar, conversation and reference tools. Makes it easy to break down progress into bite sized steps. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Ms. I. Danso
tedious and plodding
I really didn't like the format or content of this book, the topics were haphazard and not particularly useful, it was badly laid out and confusing, it also contains a fair few... Read more
Published 5 months ago by DonnaB
CDs do not match the books
The book is brilliant however the CDs have not been checked to make sure they are the latest version and have all the exercises. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ms. Katherine R. Kane
GreaT BOOK
Hi,
I had to buy this book for an arabic course, my tutor advised us to buy it, and our tutor use it during the class. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Stelle
Essential beginers arabic book
This book is nothing short of brilliant for learning the arabic language. Its excellently structured, and having known very very little arabic before reading this book i have... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Kaream
Good
It took me about 6 weeks, 2 hours a day to memorise the vocab and grammar and work through the exercises in this book. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Shah
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