Customer Reviews

Arabic Made Easy (Jewel Case)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This CD is good for the beginning Arabic student because of the good sound quality for the diction, the challenging exercises, the precise annotation of the symbols (great graphics!) and there are some fun games as well.
There are two drawbacks: 1. The "repeat" and "previous" commands take the exercises back to the very beginning of the section as opposed to the previous symbol. And 2. You cannot print out the information in the help section such as the alphabet.
However, to put a positive spin on the "repeat" and "previous" commands, since you are taken back to the beginning of the exercise, you get a good review of the symbols, vocabulary, etc. you were currently working with.
Also, since you cannot print out the alphabet or whatever is needed from the help menu, you have to copy the information down by hand. Writing the information down by rote is an infinitely better learning tool for memorization, especially for a foreign language, than staring at a computer screen. Then you have a hard copy of the exercise for study away from the computer screen.
This CD is a good information guide for the street life in the Middle East for those of us who will most likely never get to visit the area. I am enjoying it immensely.

Arabic Made Easy is an interactive CD-ROM that teaches formal written and spoken Arabic. It is designed with both the beginner through advanced student in mind. Learn the formal Arabic alphabet and beginning reading and writing principles. Practice the Egyptian dialect through exciting and realistic street scenes. Arabic Made Easy delivers more instruction, more effectively than many other higher priced products on the market today.

This is not a complete course, but its a good place to start, especially since so many get stuck on the alphabet. This CD will teach you the accurate pronunciation of the alphabet - at your own pace. Once you've learned pronunciation and reading, the dialogue section is a lot of fun! You'll like the graphics of the Egyptian city: the market place, food, friends, hotel, even the taxi! It's a cultural experience.

Your Arabic Made Easy program is a joy to work with. After studying Arabic (self taught) for a few years, I could read Arabic on a second grade level, but could never keep a spoken conversation going.
My Egyptian friend thinks I'm a genius to be learning so fast - this is really excellent software!