Program Details
Start Learning Arabic Language
Shaam’s Immersion far exceeds other contemporary competitors due to its rigor, intensity and Unified approach. We teach students how to completely conquer diglossia that may be difficult for non-native speakers of Arabic. From the first day, you will be able to only speak Arabic in classes. The blended approach allows you to switch registers seamlessly, building up to confident use in contexts.
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What is Classical Arabic ?
Classical Arabic refers primarily to the language of the Qur’an, inspired works with similar form and content.
What is the challenge?
The gap between MSA and Classical Arabic is mainly grammatical and diction complexity. Once a student is sufficiently confident in their usage of formal registers, Classical Arabic texts — from religious, mystical or medieval sources — can be easily introduced.
How can learning Unified Arabic solve this problem?
The fastest way to understand Quranic Arabic in use — theological seminars, legal writing or archival research — is to build a solid foundation of spoken Classical Arabic. Thereafter, classical Arabic can be easily absorbed.
What is Modern Standard Arabic ?
Modern Standard refers to the literary and communicative medium, which is recognized as one of the UN’s six official languages. It is a common medium for nearly all formal communication. However, it is rarely used in any familiar context.
What is the challenge?
The challenge of diglossia is both of diction and of usage. For instance, MSA and Dialects have independent dictionaries, grammars and differ significantly in sound. Non-native speakers frequently do not know how and when to switch between them.
How can learning Unified Arabic solve this problem?
We teach Modern Standard by introducing formal registers as early as possible, but only after significant immersion in dialect. This allows them to learn like a native learner. Then, we focus on situational usage, ensuring students learn in the context of communication where MSA is normally used. This allows students to communicate to the effect of an emphatic, formal or academic register when necessary.
What is Syrian Dialect ?
Native speakers typically only speak dialect. Unless non-native speakers learn the diction, grammar and idiosyncrasies of Dialect, they risk a shallow immersion experience. We offer the only Intense Immersion to learn the Syrian in the world, one of the clearest dialects.
What is the challenge?
The main challenge in learning this dialect is the scarcity of authentic learning experiences and material. Additionally, the gap between MSA and Syrian Dialect is vast. Although Syrian Dialect is grammatically simpler, its accent, diction and idiomatic nature warrant serious study. To solve this problem, we write our own textbooks, facilitate cultural programs with the Syrian diaspora in Berlin. We guarantee a culturally-informed, native sounding dialect given your commitment.
How can learning Unified Arabic solve this problem?
The fastest way to understand Quranic Arabic in use — theological seminars, legal writing or archival research — is to build a solid foundation of spoken Classical Arabic. Thereafter, classical Arabic can be easily absorbed.
Program Dates
What can you do with a Shaam experience?
Kieran Wanduragala
USA
Studied Arabic at Shaam in Syria. He went on to study Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Oxford University and holds an AM in Middle Eastern Studies from Harvard.
Mary Cowan
England
Since studying at Shaam Center in Damascus, Mary runs her own language teaching company for Arabic in the UK.
Emma LeBlanc
USA
A senior researcher at the ACLU. Wrote on rebel-controlled Syria, awarded by the Association of Middle East Anthropology.
Nicolas Braye
France
Polyglot Lawyer, oversees the MENA Program Manager at ECPM.
Francesca de Chatel
Holland
Francesca de Châtel is a journalist and editor specializing in water issues in the Arab world and Mediterranean region. Written 2 books on Syria.
Sarah Birke England
England
A leading journalist on Syria. Now The Economist’s Tokyo bureau chief, covering Japanese politics, society and business.
Annika Folkeson
Sweden
A leading journalist on Syrian Affairs, Washington Post at the United States Institute of Peace.
Merrit Kennedy
USA
A reporter for NPR. A reporter and television producer in Cairo for The Associated Press, covering Egypt, Yemen, Libya, and Sudan.
Haley Bobseine
USA
She also worked in the Public Information Office at UNRWA, Human Rights Watch (HRW). Worked at International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP).
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