The Advantages of Arabic College Multimedia
Vocabulary based on Frequency within Corpus
The choice of vocabulary is based on the count of words included in huge corpus. Words of high frequency are introduced first. The corpus includes 10 million words taken from a wide range of books, newspapers and magazines covering topics from multiple disciplines with authors chosen from all over the Arab World.
Structural Patterns based on Frequency within Corpus
The order of presentation as well as the choice of structural patterns depends to a large degree on the frequency of that pattern in huge corpus. As an example, the past tense is presented before the present tense as its frequency is higher, verb forms are presented in the order of the frequency of their occurrence, etc..
Controlled Vocabulary
The expansion of vocabulary is carefully controlled in order to ensure a gradual build up between levels. Four hundred new words are added at each level.
Controlled Structural Patterns
The policy of this courseware is to control structural patterns such that simple patterns are introduced first and then a gradual expansion takes place.
Maximum User Control
The courseware gives maximum control to users in order to satisfy their different needs and preferences. Lessons are designed to afford flexibility while retaining a carefully structured nature. At the beginning of each lesson users are requested to choose a number of themes. Letters to be learnt in that lesson are displayed within words taken from those themes. Such non-linearity makes it possible for learners as well as instructors to build the lessons according to their own requirements.
Complete Immersion
A comprehensive experience is attained through a thorough coverage of the language, culture, history and civilization of the Arab World. Language is inseparable from its speakers; hence, understanding Arabic necessitates understanding the Arabs. Arab mentality is influenced by the Arab culture; and the latter is determined by many factors including Arab history, civilization, religion, geographical location, politics, etc.. This courseware introduces users to different aspects related to all of the above and thus provides them with a full learning experience.
Powerful Toolbox
A powerful toolbox which atempts to meet the needs and preferences of learners is a main feature of this courseware. The toolbox provides users at a click of a button with the following: translation, different fonts, diacritics, as well as word lists.
Keyboard Tutor
A keyboard tutor is added to all packages in order to help learners acquire Arabic typing skills. It is important to encourage learners to use the Arabic keyboard as this is mainly how they will interact with the program especially at more advanced levels.
The Holy Quran
Verses from the Holy Quran are included in each program. This allows learners to be introduced to the Classical language. In addition, it emphasizes the cultural and historical value of Arabic. Finally, Muslim as well as non Muslim learners who are interested in the content of the verses is given a chance to be exposed to them. Islam is the second most widespread religion on earth - after Christianity - with more than 1 billion believers.
