Languages in Kuwait

Arabic varies greatly, depending on which of the 22 countries you're living in or visiting. When Arabs from different regions talk to each other, they use a mixture of the language, usually Egyptian Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and often some of their own dialects.

Classic Arabic or CA as it is sometimes referred to, is the language of the Qur'an, the Holy Book of Islam, and of Arab poetry as well as literature. Both MSA and CA are identical except that both modified to fit modern needs, supplemented with new expressions (for film) and incorporated into casual, everyday speech. Arabic is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and the literary standard across the Middle East and North Africa - most books, newspapers, magazines, official documents and reading primers for small children are all written in MSA. Even Arabic speakers can't differentiate between MSA and CA and rarely will you find someone who speaks either of them all the time. Despite this, everybody in the Arab world understands MSA, because they were taught it in traditional schools.

All through Kuwait's long history, the Arabic language has been influenced by other societies and their languages. In Kuwait, the dialects spoken in urban areas are very different from those in rural areas.  However, most Kuwaitis now speak an Arabic dialect known as Gulf Arabic. This dialect is also known by the name Khaliji in Kuwait and by the names Al Hasaa and Khamseh in other countries. It's comparable to Classic Arabic.

English is widely spoken and understood in Kuwait.

Language Schools

Those moving to Kuwait for work might be offered language courses in Arabic although, most foreign companies operating in Kuwait use English. There are several language schools in Kuwait. Each of them offer a variety of courses, some short and intensive, to evening courses for people with more time. They differ in price and style.

Schools include:

• AWARE Center - The Advocate for Westerners-Arab Relations center is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization working for promoting positive, constructive relations between Westerners and Arabs by organizing social activities and information services related to Arab and Islamic culture. Over the years, AWARE has built a reputation as a consistent, trusted, and reliable resource for westerners in Kuwait. AWARE Arabic language courses are designed with the expat in mind. The environment is relaxed & courses are designed for those wanting to learn Arabic for travel, cultural understanding, & conducting business or simply to become more involved in the community. We cater to teachers, travelers & those working in the private business sector. Arabic classes at the AWARE Center are unique because students are provided with the chance to practice their Arabic through various social activities that aim at bringing Arabs & Westerners together.
• Kuwait Samachar-This portal is for connecting Indians living in Kuwait. Updated daily. - You can find Kuwaiti news, India news, jokes, top stories from magazines, useful web-links, and a business directory. 
•  American University Kuwait- A private liberal arts institution based on the American model of higher education in Kuwait City, Kuwait. Degrees awarded: Bachelors and Graduate degrees in Business and Economics and many others.
• Islam Presentation Committee- IPC offers classes for all levels, from beginners to advance level. The classes are tailored to meet the needs and the requirement of the students. Arabic classes are intended for all expatriates who wish to learn Arabic for whatever purpose, be it for business purposes, basic communication, as a second language or simply as a hobby. During the course, students will learn how to read, write and speak Arabic in a friendly, relaxed and welcoming environment. FOR WOMEN ONLY.
• The Grand Mosque in Kuwait- Free Arabic courses. Times and dates vary. See their Facebook page for more details. FOR WOMEN ONLY/NO CHILDREN OR MEN ALLOWED.

British Institute for Vocational Training

The British Institute for Vocational Training or BIVT is the premiere institute for vocational in Kuwait.

Established in 2007, BIVT is part of the British International group of companies?which includes the British School of Kuwait (BSK), The Sunshine Kindergarten (TSK), The British Academy? of Sport (BAS) and The British Academy of International Arts (BAIA). Presently, BIVT offers a wide range of? training solutions, in the form of courses, to enhance an individual's skills, helping them gain a step ahead in their chosen?career.

BIVT is a learner centred provider of accredited and industry appropriate qualifications. All courses are designed to meet the aspirations and needs of those wishing to further their vocational training. BIVT is partnered alongside many recognizable institutions such as City &? Guilds, Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM), English Testing Services (ETS), as well as BTEC. BIVT offers over 100 courses which are internationally recognised, with applicable credits toward a higher degree.

BIVT offers language courses in English (beginner, intermediate and advance - business English and conversational English), Arabic, German and French. Courses are taught by highly qualified instructors, with many being native speakers. Courses can be taken at the student's own pace.

In addition to language studies, BIVT also offers a variety of business related courses. There are even courses in coaching, mentoring and self-improvement. Basic s skills in typewriting, word processing, practical data processing and spreadsheet are also offered to adult learners.

Prices aren't listed on BIVT's website so you will need to contact them directly by visiting their offices (Block 3, Street 5, Building 3, Salmiya, Kuwait) or contact them by telephone, on: +00+965+ 2575 6110 or visit BIVT online.

Online Courses

• www.gulfarabic.com  - On this website you can learn Gulf Arabic through grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation lessons for free. By paying a subscription fee you will have the access to the full text, audio & exercises.
• www.kuwaitarabic.com  - This is another on-line course of the Kuwaiti dialect. The site offers first class colloquial Arabic classes, fun study programs, colloquial Arabic learning materials, and high quality translation and interpretation services.
• www.madinaharabic.com  - This portal is aimed at people who want to learn Arabic online with lessons, tuition, vocabulary, downloadable e-books, user forums, etc.
• www.arabic.desert-sky.net  - A web page that features various links to websites with free information on Arabic language and also media sources with free content that can help you practice Arabic.

Tips for learning Arabic

One of the best ways to learn a foreign language is to completely immerge yourself, whether working and living in an Arabic country or conversing in Arabic with native speakers.

Here are a few more tips that might improve your Arabic:

• Find native speakers in your community
• Listen to Arabic music on the radio
• Read books or magazines printed in Arabic
• Watch Arabic films
• Join or start an Arabic conversation group. There are many on the World Wide Web.
• Read and watch Arabic news online
• Utilize Arabic search engines
• Visit Arabic chat rooms

Private Lessons

Using private tutors may be illegal in Kuwait, unless sanctioned by a reputable government authority or going through a well-established school.

Language Exchange

An exchange partner is an excellent resource for practicing a new language with a native speaker. As an added bonus, language exchange partners can help you understand the culture of the area and inform you of local happenings. Questions about gift giving, festivals, nightlife, and greetings can be addressed without worry. In the best case sceneries, an exchange partner is not only your ambassador, but a friend. Find a tandem partner through EasyExpat's forums.

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