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In The Complexities of Learning Arabic in the 21st Century , recommendations are made for improving pedagogy and materials so that students can gain genuine communicative competence in Arabic, which means not only understanding MSA, but also speaking and listening in at least one dialect, the language of the people.

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The Complexities of Learning Arabic in the 21st Century examines how of the four levels of difficulty and hundreds of languages spoken worldwide, Arabic is considered a category 4, which means it is among the most difficult languages to learn. While Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) is most frequently taught, it is the native language of no country or people; however, the many regional dialects (Amiyya), often dismissed by educators, make up the living language of Arabic. Due to its linguistic complexities, educators are divided on how to teach Arabic in domestic language programs in the United States and in study abroad programs in the Arab world. An investigation into programs catering to Americans learning Arabic as a foreign language revealed a heavy emphasis on reading and writing in MSA, but scant attention given to speaking and listening in the real language of the people-dialects. In Complexities of Learning Arabic in the 21st Century , recommendations are made for improving pedagogy and materials so that students can gain genuine communicative competence in Arabic, which means not only understanding MSA, but also speaking and listening in at least one dialect, the language of the people.

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List of Figures - Acknowledgments - Abstract - Preface - What Is Arabic? - Arabic Today - A Spectrum of Approaches to Teaching Arabic - Arabic in Institutions of Higher Education - Future Directions for Arabic in the United States - Appendix A. Program Summaries - Appendix B. University of Chicago Sample Course Materials -Appendix C. CIEE Sample Course Materials - Appendix D. Al-Mashriq Center Sample Course Materials - Appendix E. Qasid Sample Course Materials - Appendix F. AMIDEAST Sample Course Materials.

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"This text is an excellent addition to the field of Arabic education. Here is an admirable overview of the history of Arabic, the different approaches to language learning, a survey of some of the most important programs, and future trends in learning Arabic, in addition to a brilliant account of the complexities of learning the language and culture, particularly from highly desired students´ perspectives. I believe this book is an invaluable resource for students and educators interested in Arabic language and culture." - Dr. Mohammad Al-Masri, Associate Professor of Arabic Language and Literature, University of Oklahoma

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