Arabic varieties compared
Which Arabic dialect should I learn?
A practical decision guide: pick the Arabic variety that matches where you will live, who you will speak with and what you want to read.
Short answer
Learn the dialect of the people you will actually talk to. Living in or moving to Morocco, or with Moroccan family: Moroccan Darija. Egypt: Egyptian. Lebanon, Jordan, Syria or Palestine: Levantine. Gulf countries: Gulf Arabic. If you mainly want to read or have no specific country, start with Modern Standard Arabic.
Ask three questions
Where will I use Arabic? Who will I speak with? Do I need to read and write? Your answers point to one variety, and sometimes to MSA plus one dialect.
When MSA comes first
MSA is the best start for academic study, translation, journalism, reading literature or when you have no particular country in mind.
When a dialect comes first
If speaking with people is your priority, start with their dialect. You can add MSA later; the shared roots make it easier.
Lisanova Academy teaches Modern Standard Arabic and Moroccan Darija online, in live 60-minute lessons with Moroccan teachers. Book a free trial lesson to start.
Related guides
- Which Arabic dialect should I learn for travel?
- Regional Arabic: the main spoken varieties explained
- Which Arabic course should I take? A guide by goal
See also Modern Standard Arabic lessons, Moroccan Arabic lessons, group Darija classes and pricing.
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