Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic
Episodes
Alhamdulillah (الحمدلله): Why Arabs Always Say “Praise Be to God”
22 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Why do Arabic speakers say alhamdulillah no matter what’s happening in their lives—even in hardship?In this episode, we explore the deeper meaning...
Using اللي (illi) in Spoken Levantine Arabic: 4 Essential Rules and 4 Common Mistakes
26 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
If you want to sound natural in spoken Levantine Arabic, you need to use one small but powerful word: اللي (illi).In this episode, we break down h...
Alternatives to Shukran: Expressing Gratitude in Levantine Arabic
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Saying shukran is just the beginning. In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, recorded in Amman, Jordan, Jennifer Killpack takes you fa...
Making friends while learning Arabic in Jordan
22 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
How Do You Really Make Friends in Jordan?In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, Jennifer sits down in Amman with Adriana to talk hones...
Why Memorizing Vocabulary Fails (and What Arabic Learners Should Do Instead)
30 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we bust one of the most persistent myths in Arabic learning: that memorizing vocabulary lists leads to fluency. Spoiler alert—it do...
Stop Translating! Tips for Learning Arabic in Arabic
14 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, host Jennifer Kilpack broadcasts from Amman, Jordan, sharing one of the most important lessons ...
5 Tips for Learning Any Language
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We’re sharing five powerful tips to boost your language acquisition—no matter the language you’re learning. Drawing on 20+ years of experience a...
Why Arabic Prepositions Trip You Up—And How to Fix It (Common Mistakes Arabic Learners Make # 2)
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tips for learning Levantine Arabic, we tackle one of the biggest challenges for learners: Arabic prepositions. Whether you’re stu...
Learning Arabic From Zero to Near Superior: An Interview with Reagan White
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic, we sit down with Reagan White, a dedicated language learner who has spent two years immersed in...
Exploring Circassian Culture and Ramadan Traditions
16 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Join us as we delve into the rich cultural heritage of the Circassian community in Jordan. Our guest, Sama, shares her unique perspective on Circassia...
Discovering Meaning Through Word Combinations: Examples with قطعة and حبة
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jennifer delves into the concept that vocabulary meaning is discovered through word combinations, a principle heavily emphasized by m...
Tips to Reach Advanced High Proficiency in Arabic (OPI)
22 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Nour interviews Ethan, a student at Shababeek, about reaching the Advanced High Proficiency level in spoken Levantine Arabic. Ethan h...
Common mistakes Levantine Arabic students make (#1)
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Jennifer shares insights from her 15 years of experience as a language advisor and program director in Amman, Jordan. With over 1,800 ...
Fossilization: What is it? How do I avoid it?
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the vital concept of fossilization for those learning Arabic. Learning Levantine Arabic, like mastering any skill, involve...
Top 10 Reasons to Learn Arabic in Jordan
29 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we dive into why Jordan is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in Arabic language learning. From savoring the country’s del...
Navigating Cultural Nuances #1: Insights for Honoring Arabs
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, we explore the sometimes profound difference between intent and impact when engaging with diverse cultures. Join us as we delve into ...
Navigating Cultural Nuances #2: 12 Essential Tips for Living in the Middle East
31 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our current series covering cultural insights for Arabic language learners who live in the Middle East, we explore some nuances of Arab culture to ...
Using the Ism Fa'el in Levantine Arabic
20 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. For Arabic learners, one such hurdle often encountered...
Insights and Strategies from Advanced Arabic Learners: Final Panel Episode (3 of 3)
08 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Continue with our panel of seasoned Arabic learners as they share invaluable insights and strategies on navigating the complexities of language acquis...
Perseverance and Progress: Continuing the Advanced Arabic Learner Journey (ep. 2 of 3)
16 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In our last episode, we kicked off a panel discussion with seasoned learners, and today, we're picking up right where we left off. In this install...
Navigating the Journey to Advanced Levantine Arabic Proficiency: Insights from Seasoned Learners (ep. 1 of 3)
08 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you grappling with the intricacies of advancing your proficiency in Levantine Arabic? If so, you're not alone. In a recent panel discussion le...
Exploring Ramadan: Insights from Anwar Nassar (Reissue)
25 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Join us in this enlightening episode as we delve into the significance of Ramadan with our special guest, Anwar Nassar, from Amman, Jordan. Anwar shar...
Maintaining Your Arabic Skills While Traveling: Tips and Strategies
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are you worried about losing your Arabic skills while traveling? In this episode, we explore effective strategies to sustain your language progress ev...
Lexical Combinations: What Do Words Mean?
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today's episode takes us on a linguistic exploration of the intricate relationship between words and their meanings. This episode invites listener...
Using Tricky Prepositions in Levantine Arabic: من & عن
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Levantine Arabic language learners often find prepositions to be a formidable challenge. Our first piece of advice: resist the urge to directly transl...
Practical Strategies for Intermediate Arabic Learners
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Once Arabic learners reach an intermediate phase, it's common that they find they have plateaued in their language progress. In this episode, Jenn...
3 Goals for Intermediate Arabic Learners
10 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Our podcast guides you through the exciting journey of learning Levantine Arabic. Broadcasting from the vibrant city of Amman, Jordan, our mission is ...
Words are not Islands - How We Should Be Learning Vocabulary
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
When learning a second language, many people feel they need to memorize lists of vocabulary words. Linguistic experts, however, have a different opini...
Choosing between بصير (biṣīr) and بكون (bikūn)
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Jenn addresses the differences between the Levantine Arabic usage of بصير (biṣīr) and بكون (bikūn). These verbs are often...
How to use بصير (biṣīr) in Levantine Arabic
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The word بصير (biṣīr in phonetic spelling) can often be challenging for students of the Levantine Arabic dialect. In this episode, Jenn covers ...
How to use بكون (bikūn) in Levantine Arabic
23 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Over her years of coaching Levantine Arabic language learners, Jenn has noticed a tendency for many people to drop the verb بكون (bikūn). However...
How long will I be in Phase 5?
10 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Shababeek's experiential approach to learning Levantine Arabic is divided into 5 phases, with each phase having an estimated amount of time needed...
How to use the verb "like" (عجب) in spoken Levantine Arabic
01 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most Arabic learners use the verb love (جب) much more frequently than they use the verb like (عجب). While these words are often interchangeable, ...
Why empathy is indispensable for cross-cultural relationships
17 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week Jenn reflects on the indispensable value of empathy when interacting with people from another culture or religious tradition. When we listen...
Ramadan and Eid al Fitr with Besan
10 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this Ramadan episode Jenn speaks with Besan about fasting traditions in Saudi Arabia, where she grew up, as well as celebrating the two Eids (Eid a...
Celebrating Ramadan in Jordan with Nour Al Haha
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Nour joins Jennifer to discuss Ramadan in Jordan. Nour describes the personal as well as communal spiritual significance of the month of Ra...
Experiencing Ramadan in Jordan with Anwar Nassar
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Anwar Nassar discusses the fasting month of Ramadan, learning to fast as a kid, fasting while pregnant, and more. You'll hear Anw...
How much time should I spend learning Arabic?
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many Arabic learners want to know how many hours a week they should commit to learning the Levantine Arabic dialect. The answer depends on what Arabic...
What are the pros and cons of having a partner to learn Arabic with?
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At Shababeek, Arabic learners can choose to study one-on-one with an Arabic nurturer, with a partner, or in a small group. There are pros and cons for...
What are some ways to work on patterns of speech (Arabic grammar)?
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Learning Arabic grammar can seem daunting; and it often is in traditional classroom settings. Instead of calling it "grammar", we use the phrase "patt...
How do I form deeper relationships in Arabic?
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Most people learn a language so they can interact with other humans who speak that language. However, building cross-cultural relationships in a new l...
The hazards of striving to learn Arabic
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Moving towards something without the pressure to get there is actually really good for us. Some Arabic learners put so much pressure on themselv...
What percentage of my sessions should I be speaking Arabic?
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a comprehension led Arabic program, speaking naturally lags a step behind. This doesn't mean you should be solely focused on understanding Arabic b...
What are some ways I can develop my reading ability?
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
May Arabic learners want to jump into reading as soon as possible. Is this something you should be pursuing? It all depends on your goals. Check out t...
What should I prioritize reviewing between sessions?
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
While you're in your sessions, you'll be making audio recordings of new phrases, grammar patterns, and stories. You'll also have a recorded word log o...
My understanding is developing quickly. How do I make sure I'm learning to speak Arabic better as well?
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a comprehension based Arabic program, it's natural for our understanding to outpace our speaking. What are some activities you can do to make sure ...
How do I know if I'm ready to move on to the next phase?
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As participants progress through Shababeek's Five Phase Levantine Arabic Program, they often want to know when they will be moving into the next phase...
How many audio recordings should I get through in an Arabic session?
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Many Arabic learners want to know how many audio recordings they should be listening to with their tutor, teacher, or, as we call them, nurturer, in a...
There are some Arabic words I can't get to stick. Help!
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some words just don't seem to stick. That can be incredibly frustrating for beginning Arabic learners. In this episode, Jenn offers some helpful coach...
Introduction - Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is our (overdue) introduction in which you'll hear from Jenn about what is offered each week in the Tips for Learning Levantine Arabic podcast.&n...
Overcoming Self-Imposed Limitations While Learning Arabic
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We all know that Arabic is a challenging language to learn. But sometimes knowing the difficulty of learning the language can cause Arabic learners to...
How can I stay encouraged if I’m not seeing progress?
12 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In those early levels of learning Arabic, it's easy to see progress. After all, you're probably starting from zero. Progressing from zero is very appa...
I'm an early learner. What should do to get exposed to Arabic at my level?
05 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It can be hard to be exposed to Arabic while you are a beginner. Watching videos online or listening to Arabic podcasts is too advanced for early lear...
What is one of the biggest mistakes language learners make?
28 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Learning another language is challenging. However, one of the biggest mistakes Arabic language learners consistently make is also one of the easiest t...
How much time should I spend in sessions? Learning Levantine Arabic
20 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"As someone learning Levantine Arabic, how much time should I spend with my tutor or teacher compared to time spent with Arabic speaking friends?" It ...