This textbook is not as evil as some reviewers make it seem, but it has some notable weaknesses. I can only summarize this by saying that, if you have a great teacher with native speaking abilities, you'll have much less of a grudge against this book. If you have a bad teacher, you will certainly hate this book. Given that a quality teacher is an essential supplement to this text, I must conclude that it is not the best choice for someone who is hoping to learn Arabic through independent study.
I am a college student completing my second year of Arabic language. I am currently in the middle of this textbook, and I will say that I find it to be an improvement over Part 1 of this series, as it makes an effort to teach vocabulary through roots and patterns rather than at random. A multitude of words in the Arabic language are derived from predictable patterns, so becoming familiar with the patterns enables learners to take a three letter root and derive all sorts of words, or to identify words with the same root and therefore similar meanings.
Another benefit of this textbook is that it is a standard in the academic/university setting. Therefore, if you plan to eventually enroll in a college Arabic course, it is good to be familiar with this text. In fact, as I was applying to study abroad programs, I was very grateful I had used this text, because almost every institution attempted to approximate the language level of applicants based on what chapter of Al-kitaab they reached in their studies.
This text does have drawbacks. Having already reached conversational proficiency in Spanish, I am honestly astonished by my lack of proficiency in Arabic given the amount of time and the intensity with which I study. The way this book is organized, it does not focus on teaching the most useful expressions and vocabulary first. I have known how to say, "My father works in the United Nations," since the first chapter of the first book in this series, and yet it isn't until months or even semesters later that students learn colors and body parts, learn how to say dates, ask what something costs, hail a cab, etc.
Ultimately, this book has been helpful because it made me realize how important it is for me to get abroad for as long as possible if I want to become conversationally proficient in this language. I'll be spending the next year enrolled in intensive language courses in Jordan. I'll bring this textbook with me, but I'll be glad when I don't have to use it.
ISBN-13: 978-0878403509
ISBN-10: 0878403507
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 24, 2011
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Top reviews from other countries
Writer
Not for self-study. Better than Vol 2 new edition
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on May 9, 2015Amazon Customer
Great book, DVD does not work
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 24, 2018Patricia Tricker
Don't bother!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 23, 2011
