If you’re new to Arabic, it can be confusing to choose between Levantine Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Both are valuable, but they serve different purposes.
Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose what to start with.
1. Levantine Arabic: the spoken language
Levantine is the everyday language used in Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria. It’s what people speak at home, in cafes, with friends, and in real conversations.
2. MSA: the formal written language
Modern Standard Arabic is used in media, books, news, and formal speeches. It’s rarely spoken naturally in daily life.
3. What’s better for beginners?
If your goal is to connect with people, travel comfortably, speak with family, or handle everyday conversations, Levantine Arabic is the best starting point.
4. Learn to speak first, then expand
Most learners begin with Levantine for practical communication and later add reading and writing skills through MSA when needed.
At School of Yalla, our method focuses on clear, practical spoken Arabic that helps you interact confidently in the real world. When you’re ready, our Reader and Writer course gives you the foundation for reading signs, menus, and simple text.
