Al-Kitaab Supplement (Review)

This resource review is submitted by Seema Atalla as a service to the Arabic Language Learning Community. The instructional value of the resource for each unique learning environment must be determined by the instructor. Note: Content reviewed here may or may not be freely available or openly licensed, so please carefully check the licensing statement for more information about the terms of use of this resource.

Resources

Title: Al-Kitaab Supplement
Author: Ahmed E. Souaiaia
Institution: BookSurge Publishing
Licensing: All Rights Reserved

Instructional Context

Arabic Language Learning / Teaching

Keywords: ,al-kitaab, grammar, modern standard arabic (MSA), listening, exercises, cd, website, alif baa, world languages, almasdar, arabic language learning

Intended User: Student, Teacher

Material Type: Homework and Assignments, Textbooks, Other

Educational Use: Curriculum/Instruction, Other

Educational Level: High School, Community College - Lower Division, College - Upper Division

Proficiency Level: Beginner, Intermediate

Description

This book is meant as a grammar supplement to the Al-Kitaab series. It has some dialogues of its own which can be accessed for free via the website located at the back of the book or via a CD available for purchase. It also includes lines for taking notes and for completing the exercises. This book was created in response to frustrations with working with the Al-Kitaab series and is not meant to stand alone; rather, it is meant to work side by side with Alif Baa and Al-Kitaab: Part One (2nd ed.). 

Review

In his introduction, author Ahmed Souaiaia describes his al-Kitaab Supplement as a "personal experiment to which our students responded positively." The intent of this experiment, he explains, is to offer students a more holistic experience of the Arabic language by providing what is lacking in al-Kitaab: a solid foundation in grammar, and plenty of MSA dialogues for practice. Accordingly, the book is structured to follow the sequence of chapters in Alif Baa and al-Kitaab Part One (2nd ed.), addressing the applicable grammar and employing the relevant vocabulary from each chapter in dialogues. In terms of organization and layout, the book is not designed as an instructor resource but rather as a student workbook; lessons are accompanied by spaces for note-taking and followed by exercises to be completed directly in the book.

One of the most valuable and refreshing features of the Supplement is the author's use of Arabic grammatical terms in presenting the grammar lessons. While some English terminology and explanations are provided, the focus is on acquainting the learner with the Arabic terms and definitions. As Souaiaia explains, these are inherently more accurate and also enable the learner to discuss Arabic grammar in Arabic rather than resorting to English. Another welcome feature is the many short, realistic dialogues included throughout the book. Sidestepping the stilted formality often encountered in MSA dialogues, these down-to-earth conversations offer practical examples of the relevant vocabulary in action. Finally, the inclusion of brief poetry excerpts brings an added dimension of authenticity to the material, although the student will likely need instructor assistance to navigate these. When used in coordination with al-Kitaab (2nd ed.), and with an instructor's guidance, this workbook may bring focus and depth to the learner's experience.

Seema Atalla, Adjunct Professor of Arabic
Mount San Antonio College