Students study in depth the Lebanese Dialect as it relates to Modern Standard Arabic, and achieve a high level of fluency in speaking and communicating in the dialect. In addition to drills and other formal assignments, classroom activities include regular presentations by students, individually and in groups, on topics of personal and cultural interest. It is designed principally for students of Lebanese and Arab descent who have not had the opportunity to learn the language and experience first-hand the culture of their roots, but it is also open to any student who opts for a less intensive language component and wants to spend more time exploring the wide variety of cultural activities available in Lebanon. The aim of this course is to provide students of Modern Standard Arabic an opportunity to learn the basics of the Lebanese dialect. Students also gain some insights into how the Lebanese Dialect relates to Modern Standard Arabic.
Minimal homework is required.
The course is open to students in Intermediate Arabic and Advanced Arabic, and to students in the elementary levels who have had prior exposure to the dialect.