imnomuslimsuperman asked: Do you think learning Arabic is best done in a class setting or can it be achieved through self study? I am familiar with the language so I thought that would give me a leg up.
Excellent question that can be extended to any language. It’s a toughie to answer, as so much depends on your own ability to acquire language. I tried the self-study thing and didn’t really make too much progress. As soon as I began taking structured classes, I excelled, reaching intermediate proficiency after only one year of study and advanced after two. Much of it has to do with pedagogy, and I’ve been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the business in four different countries.
If you’re already familiar, you have an advantage. But the real question is the extent of your familiarity. Are we talking just the script? Some conversational vocabulary? Or are you familiar with some of the more dense grammar, like al’i3raab (which you don’t necessarily NEED, I suppose), iDaafas (essential), and the roots and patterns?
Depending on the extent of your familiarity, you may be able to make some decent progress on your own. There are some great resources out there—aside from the standard Arabic textbooks (Al-Kitaab and Ahlan wa Sahlan), there’s a nifty little work called “All the Arabic You Never Learned the First Time Around.” I think it may be out of print, but you can find digital copies online.
tl;dr: Take classes if at all possible, your Arabic will improve infinitely beyond your self-study. Self-study is better than no-study.
