Learn Arabic in Paris

Learn Arabic in Paris

As you may know, Paris is home to an impressive Arabic-speaking diaspora. Are you looking to learn Arabic in Paris? In this article I give you 4 tips to learn Arabic in Paris, that obviously include Arabic courses in Paris, but also other means of learning!

Learning Arabic as a self-taught can be much harder than one imagines, especially given the constellation of dialects that are spoken all over the world. Thanks to its numerous Arabic-speaking diaspora, France and Paris are a great place to learn, because of the multiplicity of resources available. Read on to discover more!

With Arabic being one of the 6 recognized languages by the United Nations; whether you are learning it for practical use or simply for the beauty of the language, Paris is a great way to learn Arabic!

1. A course at INALCO (Institut National des Langues et des civilisations orientales)

Inalco – Source: Inalco official website

This one is really a no brainer if you live in Paris and are committed to learning Arabic. The INALCO (Institut National des Langues et des civilisations orientales) is a well-known institute that teaches more than a 100 languages and also offers culture and history classes.

This institute is to my mind the best way to learn Arabic for someone who is committed and determined, because it offers several courses and sufficient flexibility to fit into anyone’s schedule: they have night classes ad Saturday classes.

INALCO offers the possibility of delivering a one-year diploma (for the most commited), but if you’d rather simply follow classes whenever you want, they have a formula for this too, called the Passeport! What is really great about is is that it gives you full access to the INALCO library as well. If you are a student and know the nightmare of finding a place to study in Paris’ overcrowded libraries, this might be a serious advantage to consider!

It will also be a way to meet other French and international students from incredibly diverse backgrounds. What is great about students at INALCO is that the age average of students there is much higher than what you would expect (people from all age very often attend the courses).

Head to their website for more information.

2. Other Arabic courses in Paris (live and online)

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If for whatever reason, none of the INALCO formulas suit you, there are of course hundreds of other ways to take Arabic courses in Paris, depending on what you are looking.

Institut Fasaha is a great alternative, and one of the most famous Institute in Paris for learning Arabic. Their formula is great for consistent progress: 89€ per month for two hours a week and online resources to help you make progress.

What I love about their classes is that if you are too busy one week, you can even attend from your home via their online portal. Their pedagogy is designed to make maximum progress in little time and give you all the means to be able to work yourself depending on the commitment you are willing to take.

You can find all the information you need on their website.

The Institut du Monde Arabe also offers quality Arabic classes. Click here if you want more information.

If you’d rather private lessons, there are plenty out there – make sure you look for adds on the pin boards of your local coffee shops, or head to the internet. The website Superprof is a great way to start looking. Their website links you with several Arabic teachers in Paris – you can choose one according to price, and also if they teach via skype or come to your place if you do not have time to head to your lesson.

3. Team up with a Language buddy

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If you already possess the basics of Arabic, or if you can learn only by practicing, a language buddy is a great alternative to courses! A great way to find a language buddy is to post an add on the pin boards of your neighborhood libraries and coffee shops.

Another great way to find a language buddy is to infiltrate one of the numerous facebook groups for French Universities, and ask there. There will probably be an Arabic speaking student that is looking to learn English or another language in exchange for speaking with you in Arabic.

4. Head up to oriental electronic parties in Paris

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This one will obviously not teach you Arabic from scratch, but it will definitely give you the opportunity to party with plenty of Arabic speaking parties, and if you are extraverted enough to open conversation, you will get to practice your Arabic!

The electronic oriental scene in Paris is booming and the parties and DJs are amongst my favorite in the French Capital. I would suggest you follow the main DJs that play these sonorities on social media and look out for their next concerts of gigs in Paris. My favorite include Acid Arab, Hadi Zeidan, Deena Abdelwahad, Love&Revenge, Glitter…

You can also check out the facebook events of the Institut du Monde Arabe which regularly organizes free or cheap concerts, and which is also an exhibition space and had an impressive library.

These parties are usually attended by a lot of Parisians, Arabic Speaking or not, and will be a great way to meet new people, practice your Arabic, and expose yourself to the bursting musical scene of the Middle-East and North Africa. I can guarantee you these are worth it – as a matter of fact, I almost only dance to these parties!

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There you have them, my 4 advices to learn Arabic in Paris! With its multiple institutes and resources, the French capital is a great place not only to learn arabic, but also familiarize yourself with the culture of the different countries where it is spoken.

Also, if you are learning Arabic, or looking to learn, that means that you somehow are very curious about your surroundings and the world around you. If you are new to the French capital, or simply willing to experience Paris through the eyes of a local, some Parisians are giving free tours to help you discover their city – click here for more info!