About Me

As a native Arabic speaker with a Master’s degree in Arabic Language and Linguistics, Mr. Boubaya is passionate about sharing the beauty of the Arabic language and its rich cultural heritage. Since 2021, he has been designing engaging, student-centered lessons that bring Arabic to life through real-world application and cultural exploration. Blending Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) with a communicative approach, he tailors learning experiences to diverse goals—whether for communication, travel, or religious study. His classes go beyond language, incorporating music, gastronomy, and calligraphy to create a truly immersive experience. Committed to innovation, he leverages technology to make online learning interactive and is developing free resources to make Arabic more accessible to all. Beyond teaching, Mr. Boubaya finds joy in calligraphy, exploring new teaching methods, and celebrating the timeless culture of the Arab world.

Benefits of Learning Arabic

       
• Personal Growth: Learning Arabic fosters cultural enrichment by deepening appreciation for Arab traditions, art, and literature. It enhances travel experiences and challenges the mind with a unique script and linguistic structures, offering new ways to express ideas and emotions.

       
       
• Professional Advantages: Arabic is critical for careers in business, diplomacy, journalism, and education. It opens doors to global networking, connects you to emerging markets, and makes you a sought-after professional with in-demand skills.

       
       
• Academic Benefits: Studying Arabic qualifies you for scholarships and grants in critical language programs. It enriches disciplines like history, international relations, and Middle Eastern studies, while providing insights into language structures beneficial for learning other languages.

       
       
• Cultural and Social Impact: Arabic bridges cultural divides, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and allows access to classic and modern literature, films, and religious texts. It builds connections with local and global Arabic-speaking communities, fostering empathy and meaningful relationships.

       
       
• Cognitive and Personal Fulfillment: Arabic sharpens memory, focus, and multitasking skills while offering the satisfaction of mastering a rewarding language. It empowers learners with confidence and a sense of accomplishment as they progress.

       
       
• Future Opportunities: Learning Arabic opens paths to study abroad, volunteer work in the MENA region, and career shifts into translation, interpretation, or cultural consultancy, enriching both personal and professional journeys.

   

Course Information

Course Name: ARAB 121 Elementary Arabic

Schedule: Mondays & Wednesdays: Time TBD (Pacific Time)

Office Hours: Mondays & Wednesdays: 20 minutes after each class meeting (via Zoom)

Mode: Online (Zoom & Canvas)

Prerequisite: None

Credits: 5

Course Description

ARAB 121 is an elementary Arabic course that introduces students to the Arabic script, pronunciation, basic vocabulary, and foundational grammar. The course emphasizes speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills while integrating cultural knowledge of the Arab world, dialects, and social customs. Students will engage in practical tasks, cultural discussions, and collaborative work to improve their language proficiency.

Course Objectives

       
• Master the Arabic alphabet, recognize and correctly pronounce all Arabic sounds, and write accurately from dictation.

       
• Initiate basic social interactions and ask for information in Arabic, with an understanding of relevant cultural norms.

       
• Distinguish between Modern Standard Arabic and spoken Arabic (dialects) and use basic expressions in one dialect.

       
• Acquire an active vocabulary of Arabic words necessary for basic communication.

       
• Talk about personal information, family, and education with native speakers.

       
• Comprehend simple print, audio, and video texts on familiar topics.

       
• Compose simple paragraphs about oneself and family/friends.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

               
• Do I need prior knowledge of Arabic? No, this course is designed for beginners.

               
• Do I have to purchase a textbook? No! Textbooks or materials are not required.

               
• Are the classes recorded? Yes, all class meetings are recorded and available on Canvas.

               
• How much time should I dedicate weekly? Practice around 5–7 hours in addition to class time.

           

Key to Successful Language Learning

       
• Stay Consistent: Complete your homework regularly to avoid last-minute stress. Procrastination leads to panic.

       
• Take It Slow: Learning Arabic takes time—this is a beginner class, and fluency isn't the goal. Focus on mastering the class outcomes.

       
• Practice Speaking: Record yourself reading new words and compare your pronunciation to the provided media files. Mistakes are part of learning.

       
• Develop Writing Skills: Practice spelling regularly by listening to audio files and writing out what you hear. Compare your work to the textbook or flashcards.

       
• Be Persistent: Grit and diligence are key to mastering Arabic. Dedicate at least 5–10 hours per week to studying.

       
• Seek Help When Needed: If expectations feel unclear, contact the instructor. If your grade drops below 80%, reach out for a personalized study plan.

       
• Understand the Structure: Arabic uses gendered pronouns, so learning is based on building blocks, not memorized dialogues. You'll create scenarios based on gender distinctions.

       
• Embrace the Script: Don't fear the new script—find its beauty and be creative with it.

       
• Monitor Progress: Save your grades weekly to avoid issues with system crashes.



Arabic is a beautiful and rewarding language to learn. With patience, practice, and the right mindset, you’ll be amazed at what you can achieve. I look forward to guiding you on this journey—let’s make learning Arabic an enjoyable and successful experience!



 

Testimonials

How to Enroll?

  through the Highline College registration portal. Classes fill quickly, so don’t wait!

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