ARLEN GARGAGLIANO
If you’re looking for an Arabic language program that fits your style and schedule, Arabius is the one. Despite Arabic being defined by the Foreign Service as one of the “super hard languages” for English speakers to learn, Arabius can make learning the language—and the culture—accessible and enjoyable.
We love Saudi Arabia, and that’s why this company exists! – pronounces Matthew, prior to the start of my first Saudi dialect Arabic language lesson with Arabius. Matthew Buice, Joel Huffman, and Timothy Wilson shared a vision that encompasses language and cultural learning and they started their company in October of 2020, primarily for expats who live and work in the Kingdom. They launched the company in March 2021. Since then, they’ve grown tremendously. They now have 10 guides on their roster—with more about to be hired. They give about 64 language sessions, of between two to four hours, every week.
As far as scheduling, there’s flexibility, which makes it ideal. In this case, the Arabic language-learning client decides on what fits their schedule best; sessions are offered both in person and online.
Matthew explains, “We allow the client to completely choose whether they want sessions online or in-person at our office in Takhussusi. They can even do a mix,” He adds that if the sessions are online, the guide—or teacher—still gives the session from their Takhusssusi office.
Always Wanted to Learn Arabic
I’m their ideal student. I’m in love with Saudi Arabia and the Arabic language. Yet despite spending three years in the Kingdom, my Arabic is stuck on a plateau of cavewoman level: I can direct an Uber driver, say hello, say it’s warm out, and say thank you, but not much more. The chance to dive in and get some more training has always been interesting to me. However, because of my schedule, the goal shifted. During COVID, I again attempted to study Arabic via Duo Lingo and some other programs. They didn’t work for me; I need context, attention, and feedback. Additionally, I wanted to focus on learning the Saudi dialect. Arabius provides all that—and more.
“We’re having them guide!”
Matthew’s referral of teachers as guides was a big clue as to how they approach their client-centered sessions. He says they use ICE methodology: immersive, customized and experiential.
Immersive: Guides use the target language; everything is in Arabic. As Matthew explained, “we’re putting your brain into Arabic” But it’s not just Arabic, it’s Saudi dialect.
Customized: Arabius Arabic focuses on a learner’s growth zone. Sessions are either private or semi-private, small enough to give people the individual focus and attention they require.
Experiential: Clients are active participants in their own learning. The Saudi guides develop enriching and entertaining resources to share language and cultural understanding, too. They build through repeated exposure and by constructing a relatable and sustainable foundation.
“Memorization is not the target.” Matthew declares, prior to putting me into a Level One session.
My Guide and My Zoom Arabius Session
Riyadh, my guide, as Matthew had promised, seemed about as excited to teach me as I was to learn. My session, due to the fact that I’m currently in New York, was all online. Though I confess I was initially not a supporter of online language learning, I was convinced otherwise!
Riyadh started with a broad smile, and a puppet. Despite my chomping at the bit to speak, I held back, and let Riyadh lead me. He greeted me, and I could respond with marhabba. He used gestures to direct my very basic responses.
The class moved quickly into vocabulary expansion. Riyadh, using Google Jamboards, an online interactive learning program, switched up the screen with images of a napkin, plate, spoon and glass. This lesson was perfect for me because I love all things related to food—and serving!
Using visual imagery is fundamental in language teaching and learning. Associating a name with an item, showing it frequently and having the learner repeat in context, allows the learner to better ease into the language, without the pressure of rote memorization which can be stressful and ultimately not very productive. It’s also not as fun.
But this was a lot of fun! My guide moved the images around, and pointed to them as he said each one, while encouraging me to repeat. He explained using other words that I couldn’t always understand, but I could get the meaning. He would ask me to repeat the words we were focusing on (spoon, glass, plate and napkin). When I didn’t pronounce a word correctly, he said it again, and I repeated—until I got it. For example, Riyadh moved the napkin, and I said mindil, and thanks to the interactive program, I could mark it on the screen. Any time I did something correctly, which I’m proud to say happened frequently, I was reassured by his encouragement.
We went through the other items. It was fun—and challenging—but I was able to do it because he was scaffolding: building on the information he presented, and increasing the words as I became more comfortable. This technique of language construction, one that is learner focused, is ideal because it keeps the learner’s comfort level, and interest, high. Feeling comfortable and maintaining motivation are key components in any successful language-learning situation.
This was, as I recognized, just the beginning. But I was doing it. In the short span of my abbreviated lesson, I got my individual attention and accolades, my two “must haves” for language learning.
As far as my next steps, I would work to attain my 100 hours of Level One, which would send me on my learning journey of incorporating 1000+ words into my vocabulary, which is more than 10 times what my reach is right now. It would, I’m sure, also help me build confidence so that I could move beyond my cavewoman level status of speaking! Also, I like the convenience of online, but would pair it with in-person sessions. One of each per week would be ideal for me.
Arabic Language Learning Plan of Action
We know that time is fleeting, and now, more than ever, we recognize that we don’t know what the future holds. However, we do realize that language learning gives us a new way to view the world and interact with it.
What I like about Arabius are the options, flexibility, the feedback, and the “roadmap” for learning. (Check out the methodology section of their website. This takes the daunting, and translates it into a clear vision.)
In conclusion, I welcome all to join me in learning Arabic with Arabius!
Arabius
7013 Takhassusi St Floor 1, Office #3, Riyadh 12341
For more information, visit/contact:
\Website: www.arabius.com
Email: enjoy@arabius.com
Whatsapp: +966538511133
Social Media: @arabius_ksa
