The Levantine Colloquial Arabic (Shami or Ammiya Dialect program, presented by Engage in Palestine, offers a distinctive opportunity for individuals eager to enhance their spoken Arabic skills by incorporating the Levantine dialect (Shami Arabic). Whether you choose the intensive or non-intensive option, this Ammiya Arabic program provides a pathway to not only broaden your linguistic abilities but also to embark on a journey through the enchanting Levant region.

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Levantine culture, delve into its fascinating history, and gain insights into its dynamic political landscape. This Levantine Colloquial Arabic program is designed to be a comprehensive and immersive experience for those seeking a deeper understanding of the Levantine way of life. Whether you are an undergraduate, graduate, professional or retiree our intensive Arabic language programs are designed for you. Living and learning in the city of Hebron, West Bank, our Arabic language lessons are for all levels of Arabic language studies: first time learners, beginners, intermediate level speakers and advanced learners.

Our Levantine Colloquial Arabic courses span from one week to three months (13 Weeks) year-round (Summer, Winter, Fall, and Spring). If you are looking for a short or longer intensive Arabic course in the area of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the West Bank, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Middle East or are interested in the full cultural experience, we can easily accommodate you. You are free to choose the timings and level of studies to suit your needs, language ability, learning preferences and any other wishes. 

Levantine Arabic Courses

The spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami Arabic) courses offered by the Center focus on daily colloquial tasks, meaning students will learn the idioms and everyday phrases associated with the Levantine dialect.

During this Ammiya Arabic program, students will learn how to write and speak using Levantine phonetics, in addition to improving their reading and listening comprehension. Depending on course level, the program will also focus on various topics specifically designed to be used in conversation.

The Center’s Study Levantine Arabic courses and Ammiya Programs are available in 4 different levels of difficulty: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each course level is offered in either an intensive or non-intensive format, the difference being the number of hours of instruction each week, in addition to the structure of immersion into Arabic culture.

Ammiya courses offered by Engage in Palestine are available year-round and have no official application deadlines; when you decide to start your Levantine journey is up to you!

Intensive Arabic Language Course

Engage in Palestine is prepared to offer international students intensive Arabic language courses that are second to none, creating a completely immersive experience for its participants. The Center is able to provide this due in part to its prime location in the bustling center of Hebron, which allows participants to intimately engage with the Arabic language on a daily basis.

This intensive course ensures students quickly build their Arabic skills since it uses the immersion methodology of language acquisition, meaning their formal studies will be reinforced by their use of the language outside the classroom in their daily life. Participants are often surprised at how quickly their language skills develop when they are using their spoken Arabic on a near-constant basis.

Residing in Hebron also allows for ample opportunity to travel to other parts of Palestine, as traveling to Palestine likewise allows for easy access to other parts of the Levant; the countries, cities and landmarks of this region, both natural and historical, are open for you to explore!

Summer Intensive Arabic programs

For students interested in studying Intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic (Shami or Ammiya Dialect) through the summer, Engage in Palestine offers Arabic programs from June to August. These Levantine Arabic immersion courses are ideal for students on a summer break or for  individuals looking to study on an extended visit.

Our Summer Levantine Colloquial Arabic courses include 4-6 hours of Arabic classes per day, which give students more time with the Arabic language immersion element.These summer Arabic immersion programs combine a language focus with full learning and engagement in Palestinian culture, politics and history.

Winter Intensive Arabic Programs

While summer study abroad programmes are indeed more popular, Engage in Palestine also offers Winter Intensive Levantine Colloquial Arabic Programs. Students who wish to improve their Arabic through an accredited study abroad experience for four weeks during the winter break will find that our December and January sessions fit the bill perfectly.

What is the Levant and Levantine Arabic? 

The Levant is a region of the Middle East associated with the Eastern Mediterranean. Typically the countries included in this region are Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Palestine, though broader definitions may also include Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt and a small portion of Iraq. The population of the Levant totals about 44.5 million people, with a rich diversity of cultures and ethnicities. These ethnicities include Arabic, Aramaic, Armenian, Assyrian, Circassian, Domari, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, Turkish and many others! 

The Levant has been able to foster such a diverse group of peoples and cultures because of its location in the literal cradle of civilization known as the Fertile Crescent. This positioning on the globe – which also connects Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa – has made this region the original melting pot, influenced throughout history by a myriad of civilizations and empires including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. These histories remain influential even today.

What is Levantine Arabic? 

Levantine–also commonly referred to as Shami, since the Arabic word for the Levant is the Sham–is one of the two dominate dialects of Arabic in the world, the other being Egyptian. With an estimated 38 million native speakers throughout the Levant and the Arab diaspora, Levantine Arabic is one of the most widely spoken dialects. It is commonly taught to non-native speakers and is generally understood in other Arabic-speaking countries.

In addition to the Palestinian spoken dialect, Levantine Arabic is the closest dialect to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA); approximately 50% of its vocabulary corresponds directly to Standard Arabic, making it one of the most recognizable dialects. 

What are the Levantine Sub-dialects? 

The sub-dialects of Levantine Arabic (Shami) are predominantly divided into two main subgroups: Northern and Southern Levantine.

Also known as Syro-Lebanese Arabic, North Levantine Arabic is spoken in the northern countries of the Levant such as Lebanon, in specific territories such as Turkey’s coastal regions of Adana, Hatay and Mersin, and in the regions of Syria bordering Aleppo, Damascus and the Mediterranean.

Southern Levantine Arabic is the other subdialect, and is spoken in Palestine and across most of Jordan. It is also spoken in Syria’s southern region, particularly in the Hauran. 

Colloquial Arabic or ‘Ammiyya’

‘Ammiya refers to the regional varieties or vernaculars across the Arab world used for everyday speaking situations. In fact ‘Ammiya or Darija is the first language of every Arab, as they later acquire Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in school.

Unlike MSA, ‘Ammiya does not adhere to the strict rules of grammar and word order and often loses other structured linguistic features. ‘Ammiya uses many Farsi and Turkish terms in the Arab countries that were under the Ottoman rule.

Why Learn Levantine Arabic? 

The reasons for learning spoken Levantine Arabic are multifaceted and wide-ranging. As one of two dominant spoken dialects, Levantine Arabic has approximately 38 million native speakers worldwide. By learning this dialect, students will have numerous opportunities to engage with the people, politics, histories and cultures of the Arabic-speaking world.

Additionally, whether it be because of travel, recreation, business, personal interest, family lineage or simply curiosity, those who study Levantine Arabic will be connected to one of the most diverse and influential regions of the world. By studying this dialect, students will have the opportunity to interact with individuals and communities across Arabic-speaking countries and the Arab diaspora, including those located in their own communities back home! 

Benefits of Studying Levantine Arabic

• Gain access to one of the most widely understood dialects, spoken by around 38 million people
• Be able to easily travel throughout the Levant
• Learn more about Levantine history and culture through language

General Information about Levantine Arabic 

Specific Course Information

The Study Levantine Arabic Program is available at 4 distinct course levels, with course loads offered in either intensive or non-intensive for each. The variety of Levantine Arabic courses are designed to give students the maximum amount of learning options, while also being tailored to fit their specific language needs.

Each Levantine course offered by Engage in Palestine is designed to immerse students in Arabic language and culture, as well as preparing them for the lifelong process of learning another language! 

Below you will find the list of Levantine Arabic courses available in this program.

Arabic Course Levels on Offer:

Beginner

The Beginner Levantine Colloquial Arabic course is designed for students with absolutely no previous Arabic language experience of any kind. This course will introduce students to basic concepts including the Arabic alphabet, writing systems, grammar fundamentals, phonetics, and common vocabulary and colloquial phrases. The Beginner Levantine Arabic course will create a strong linguistic foundation from which students may leap into the diverse, complex and ever-expanding world of the Levant. 

Elementary

The Elementary Levantine Arabic course is intended to continue where the previous course left off, building on student’s foundational Arabic language knowledge. This entails the introduction of new vocabulary and slightly more complex grammatical rules into the curriculum, as well as regular reading, writing and speaking exercises. Upon the completion of this course, students will be able to converse, read and write about elementary subjects such as shopping, asking for directions and expressing preferences.

Intermediate

The Levantine Colloquial Arabic intermediate course will introduce students to a more immersive curriculum than the previous levels; this will entail venturing into the Palestinian community of Hebron in order to communicate with native speakers and complete everyday tasks. For example, students may be instructed to purchase items from a Palestinian market, order from a restaurant, discuss preferences about a certain topic or other colloquial activities. Students will also be introduced to subjects in class which touch upon specific issues such as culture, art and politics, and will learn the vocabulary needed to further converse about these topics in a concise and well-informed manner. 

Advanced

The advanced Levantine Colloquial Arabic course will combine elements from the previous course’s curriculums, maintaining the immersive nature of the Intermediate level while also expanding into complex reading, writing and spoken materials. Additionally, students will conduct research in the community of Hebron on a variety of subjects. With all these methods and materials combined, students will establish a firm understanding of, and gain a grammatical competency in Levantine Arabic. m

What is the Difference Between the Paces?  

The level of immersion and difficulty between non-intensive, intensive, and super-intensive courses varies. We recommend that students who are interested in a long-term program of 1-3 months duration enroll in a non-intensive course, which will provide them with plenty of in-class instruction (about 12 hours a week) while still leaving ample time to explore the city of Hebron and immerse themselves in Palestinian culture.

For those looking to study for less than a month, we recommend enrolling in the intensive or super-intensive Arabic courses. The intensive courses will require 20 hours of instruction per week and will include additional assigned homework and extracurricular activities. The intensive Arabic program is for anyone looking to totally immerse themselves in Levantine Arabic while also residing in Hebron. 

Which Course is for Me? 

If you are having difficulty deciding on which course to enroll in, Engage in Palestine offers a free placement test to evaluate student’s Arabic language skills in 4 crucial areas: speaking, reading, writing and listening.

We are always happy to consult with you if you have any questions regarding course levels or intensity. Our contact information can be found at the bottom of this page, along with our Facebook page and other social media platforms. 

Qualified Teachers

Engage in Palestine prides itself on its faculty and staff, all of whom are native Levantine Arabic speakers. In addition, many of our teachers have degrees in related fields such as Teaching Arabic to Non-native Speakers, Teaching Arabic as a Second Language, Arabic Cultural Studies, Arabic Literary Studies and many more. 

A Unique Experience

Although the Center hosts volunteers and students from all over the world, many people are unaware of the diversity of Palestine and the Levant, with only a crude understanding of these cultures which are thousands of years old. By enrolling in this program students will take part in a unique experience that is sure to change perspectives and dispel any preconceived notions about Palestine and the wider Arabic-speaking world.

Additionally, the opportunity to live in Hebron with a Palestinian host family will provide students with a level of Arabic immersion that is second to none, creating many opportunities for cross-cultural learning and linguistic immersion. 

Are the Courses Taught in English? 

The short answer is yes, all our Levantine Arabic courses are geared towards English speakers. However, for the sake of immersion, the higher the course level the less English will be utilized in the classroom.

Please also keep in mind that when navigating through Hebron, students will need to utilize their Arabic and rely on their own skills to the best of their ability, thereby creating a fully immersive experience.  

General Information Regarding Courses

Additional Pertinent Information

• 30€ one-time registration fee
• No charge for study materials including books
• Free placement test
• Certificate of completion
• Monthly program fee covers:
  • Arabic courses
  • Breakfast
  • Housing
  • Center-led excursions in Hebron
  • Operational costs
    • Examples of visits may include the old city of Hebron, glass and ceramic factories, local companies, refugee camps and public parks as well as local universities such as the Palestine Polytechnic University and Hebron University

Great Reviews and Community Awards

Engage in Palestine has been welcoming individuals from all over the world since 2011. While we continuously develop our programs to provide the best possible learning experience, our fundamental mission remains the same: to connect, teach and develop individuals within the local and international community.

We continue to strive towards “excellence”: In 2022 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide in offering volunteer opportunities and one of the top three language schools worldwide by Go Overseas. We received a total of five Go Overseas Community Choice Awards in 2022. The Excellence Center was also recognized as one of the top Teach Abroad Providers for the category of “benefits” and one of the Top Internship Abroad Providers for the categories of “growth” and “support”. 

We continue to strive towards excellence. In 2021 we were rated one of the top three programs worldwide for offering volunteer opportunities. We received the community choice award from Go Overseas in the category of “best language school”, and were also voted best for “fun” and “instruction.” 

In 2019, we received our first “Go Overseas Community Choice Award” in acknowledgement of Engage in Palestine’s impact on the community of world travellers. Engage in Palestine continues to be highly rated by travel organizations across its range of programs. Check out our many great reviews here:

• +730 Reviews and ratings (95%) on Gooverseas.com
• 160 Reviews and ratings (91%) on Goabroad.com
• Participants’ video testimonials

Live with a Palestinian Family 

During their time in Hebron, students will have the opportunity to reside with a Palestinian host family! This valuable experience will immerse students completely in Levantine Arabic, as well as providing them with a rare look into Palestinian home life and culture. Students will take part in family activities, attend Palestinian cultural events, become familiar with daily life in Hebron, and so much more! 

However, homestay is only guaranteed for female students and is subject to availability for male, students, so we recommend applying to the program of your choice as early as possible to secure your place and homestay.

Who is Eligible for this Program?

As previously stated, Engage in Palestine does not discriminate on any basis; this includes nationality, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or by any other discernable means. Engage in Palestine has a long history of welcoming people from around the globe, from all walks of life, and from all backgrounds and identities. All are welcome!

Previous participants with Engage in Palestine have hailed from the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States!

Are There Any Criteria for This Program? 

There are only 3 main criteria we request from participants, the first being that students enrolled in the Study Levantine Arabic Program are between the ages of 18-70. This age restriction may be waived, however, if granted special permission by the Center’s director.

Additionally, we require all prospective students to have colloquial knowledge of English and/or Arabic, since these are the primary languages used during the program. Finally, we ask all participants to have a positive attitude, an open mind and an eagerness to learn.

General Criteria for Participants: 

• 18-70 years of age (unless granted special permission by the Center’s director)
• Colloquial fluency in Arabic and/or English
• A positive outlook to foster constructive learning

Summary

For anyone wishing to learn spoken Levantine Arabic (Shami Arabic), expand their knowledge of Palestinian or Levantine history and culture, and reside in a dynamic and bustling city in the West Bank, Engage in Palestine’s Study Levantine Arabic program is for you!

This Levantine Arabic intensive program promises to be a transformative and enriching experience for all who pursue it, as you will have the unique opportunity of formally studying Levantine Arabic while living with a Palestinian host family.

From all of us at Engage in Palestine, we would be more than happy to have you as part of our family here in Hebron. Apply today and begin your linguistic journey! 

How to apply

If you are interested in participating in our Study Levantine Arabic Program, please write to us at Info@ecpalestine.org. We should be able to respond to your initial inquiry within 1-3 business days.

In the subject line of your email write “Study Levantine Colloquial Arabic,” and we will reply with an application form attached. Please fill this out and return to us to begin the enrollment process.

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