Arabic Lessons in Calgary

If you love being exposed to cultural diversity, there are few better places than Calgary. Home to over 240 different ethnic origins, Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada. According to Canada’s 2016 census, more than 120 languages are spoken in the city, which makes complete sense if you take into consideration that Calgary has one of the highest levels of net migration in the country. What many people don’t know, though, is that Arabic is among the most used languages in the city, with more than eighteen thousand estimated speakers.

At this point in time, of course, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, Arabic is listed as the fifth most-spoken language in the world, with an impressive 315 million native speakers around the globe. Melodious and alluring, this Semitic language is spoken in more than 20 countries, among which you can find Algeria, Egypt, and Qatar. As you can imagine, the vast proliferation of Arabic has resulted in many unique dialects that are worth exploring. However, the most common and widely-used variant is Modern Standard Arabic, which makes it a perfect gateway to the Arab World.

Learn Arabic for Work and Travel

It’s no secret that learning a second language will improve your career. In fact, being able to express yourself seamlessly in another language is proven to make you more employable, increase your confidence, and may even lead to a higher salary. However, picking the right language to learn can be tricky… Before you make up your mind, it’s always advisable to ask yourself one question: which language will bring me the best opportunities?

Learning Arabic is one of the best decisions you can make to advance your career. Despite being in high demand for job positions such as Energy Mentor, Account Executive, and Customer Experience Associate, it is still one of the least chosen languages by college students in Canada, who tend to choose European languages like Spanish or German. This means that if you choose to learn Arabic, you will many more chances to stand out in any job application and get jobs most people won’t be qualified for.

Also, if you’re interested in working abroad, you might consider learning Arabic to move to countries with growing economies like Qatar or the United Arab Emirates. These growing markets are positively filled with opportunities for people interested in real estate, technology, finance, and tourism, among others. Although learning Arabic is not strictly necessary to get a job in these territories, it will definitely help you do better work, and it will make your stay easier.

Learn Arabic for Social

Getting to know a new culture expands your horizons and changes your worldview forever. Fortunately, learning Arabic presents its learners with the wonderful chance to know about the lives of many diverse communities that experience the world in a unique way.

A great way to immerse yourself in Arab culture is by attending one of the events held by the Calgary Arab Art & Culture Society. This non-profit organization contributes to Calgary’s thriving arts and cultural scene by actively promoting events that showcase the rich diversity of Arab culture. One of the most well-known events they hold is the annual Calgary Arab Film Nights festival at Calgary’s Globe Cinema, located at 617 8 Avenue Southwest, where both Calgarians and tourists can enjoy awarded films from countries like Egypt, Palestine, and Lebanon.

Another way to experience a culture, of course, is through its food. In Calgary, there are many excellent Middle Eastern restaurants that will amaze you and your family, but Jimmy’s A&A Mediterranean Deli is definitely one of the best. Located within a walking distance of Calgary’s downtown, at 1304 4th Street SW, Jimmy’s A&A has won many awards for making the best shawarma in the city. Not only is it known for its delicious beef donair and veggie falafel, but also for its friendly atmosphere and great service, As owner Jimmy says: “Come and visit us — you’ll be served with love and you’ll leave happy — I can promise you that.”

Learn Arabic for Culture

One of the best ways to meet new people is by learning a new language. If you want to surround yourself with people who belong to different Arab communities, then the annual Calgary Arab Festival is exactly what you’re looking for. Held at the Olympic Plaza, located around Macleod Trail and 7th Avenue S, this free cultural festival will help you learn more about the diverse Arabic cultures across the Middle East. As you explore the exhibition tents you’ll be able to discover Middle Eastern dance, art, music, authentic Arabic cuisine, and most importantly, new Arab friends.

Where to learn Arabic in and around Calgary?

If you’ve always wanted to study at university, you should consider the Arabic Language and Muslim Culture Program at the University of Calgary, where you’ll learn Modern Standard Arabic in its cultural context. Another great way to learn about the Arab culture in the city is by listening to Calgary Arabia, a weekly, 2-hour, live radio show that showcases Arab art & cultural heritage, and airs live interviews with prominent figures from diverse walks of life in Calgary.

However, if you’re tired of using outdated materials and want unique lessons that are completely tailored to your needs, the best choice is Listen & Learn. If you prefer face-to-face lessons, one of our excellent teachers will go to your home or office. On the other hand, if you want an online lesson, you can have the lesson on Skype or Zoom. Just send us a quick inquiry now and one of our team members will get in contact with you as soon as possible!