Arabic For Dummies

It was only the first edition of this book (2006) which had no Arabic script. Both the 2nd edition (2013), which I have, and the 3rd edition (2018) have Arabic script alongside a transliteration which is very useful in the early (or even later) stages of learning the alphabet.The chapters are mainly based on situations like shopping, dining out etc., so are useful for daily situational conversations (there is a CD-ROM, playable on a computer only, inside the back cover of the 2nd edition book with audio versions of the conversations).The Arabic script in the 2nd edition is of acceptable size even for my less than perfect vision.I gather from the description of the 3rd edition that audio files are now online and there is more information on grammar, verb forms and pronunciation.I think that anyone buying this should buy the 3rd edition (beware if buying used - sellers may not distinguish between editions). I intend to buy the 3rd edition soon.Having spent more money then the cost of this book on a one hour lesson with a teacher, I think this book represents brilliant value-for-money.

If like me you don't have the time to go to classes or wade through the pages of children's language books or even the space to listen to CD's this book will fill the gap. Because you don't need to stick to a running order you can simply locate the topic you're interested in or need and just focus on that alone. Like all language learning it only sticks if you keep on practicing.

Given to a family moving to Dubai, helped them out no end

As a linguist, who has self-taught languages previously, and a language teacher all I can say is this book is terrible. The use of Arabic words in the middle of English sentences is mostly certainly not conducive for language learning - useless it is completely unavoidable as in the case of grammatical terminology. To begin using Arabic words before introducing the script is simply fruitless and confusing. Starting a language learning book with heavy grammar only serves to demotivate the learner. The book offers very few opportunities to interact with the language, which is the best way to learn a new language. It is terribly put together with absolutely no logic or structure to it.

A very good book and CD as a starting point, for a previously non-Arabic speaker and writer. Takes you clearly past the 'holiday lingo' stage.

I didn't find the cd very clear and the pronunciation in the text isn't clear either, probably because some Arabic letters are hard to translate. Luckily I know someone who speaks Arabic and can help me with it.

Excellent. Superb introduction to learning Arabic. Very user friendly approach used in order to gaining an early grip on this,in my opinion,difficult language.

Good book but mainly for holiday use and if already familiar with middle eastern languages