Why Start with Levantine Arabic Instead of Fusha?

One of the most common questions Arabic learners ask is: Should I focus on Fusha (Modern Standard Arabic) or a dialect like Levantine Arabic? The answer depends on your goals.

If you want to understand news broadcasts or formal speeches, Fusha is the way to go. But if you’re looking to chat with locals, enjoy Arabic TV dramas, and connect with the culture, Levantine Arabic is your best starting point.

Let’s explore the differences between Fusha and Levantine Arabic—and why beginning with Levantine can make your learning experience more practical and enjoyable.

1. What is Fusha?

Fusha is the formal, standardized version of Arabic used in:

• News, books, and newspapers.

• Religious texts like the Quran (in its Classical Arabic form).

• Academic and professional settings.

While Fusha is incredibly important, it’s rarely spoken in everyday life. For example, if you visit a bakery in Lebanon or Jordan and ask for bread in Fusha, the baker might smile but find it unusual—it’s simply not how people communicate in daily conversations.

2. What is Levantine Arabic?

Levantine Arabic is the dialect spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It’s the language of:

• Greeting friends.

• Ordering food.

• Telling stories and expressing emotions.

You’ll hear Levantine Arabic in popular TV series, songs, and casual online conversations. It’s vibrant, culturally rich, and the heartbeat of daily life in the Levant.

3. Key Differences Between Fusha and Levantine Arabic

Let's compare the two so you know where to start!

Other than the difference in usage, there is also a difference in complexity. The Levantine grammar is much simpler, the pronunciation is softer and the vocabulary is more culturally specific. In other words, lot's of benefits!

4. So, why start with Levantine?

• Talk like a local: Levantine Arabic is the key to daily conversations. Whether you’re ordering coffee, asking for directions, or chatting with friends, this is the language people will understand and respond to.

• Ease of learning: Levantine Arabic has fewer grammar rules compared to Fusha. For example, you won’t need to worry about case endings (i‘rab)—which can be a huge relief for beginners!

• Cultural connection: Dialects like Levantine are packed with expressions, idioms, and cultural references that bring the language to life. Learning them helps you connect on a deeper level with native speakers.

• Motivation to keep going: It’s rewarding to see your progress in action. Starting with a spoken dialect means you can start having real conversations earlier, which builds your confidence and keeps you motivated.

• A strong foundation: Once you’re comfortable with Levantine Arabic, transitioning to Fusha is much easier. You’ll already understand Arabic sounds, sentence structures, and basic vocabulary, giving you a head start when you’re ready to explore formal Arabic.

5. “Can’t I Learn Both at the Same Time?”

While it’s possible to study Fusha and Levantine simultaneously, beginners often find it overwhelming. Starting with Levantine allows you to focus on speaking and listening first. Once you’re confident, you can add Fusha to expand your reading and writing skills.

Curious about how other learners handled this decision? Check out our podcast, where David shares his process of learning Arabic!

6. Ready to Get Started?

Levantine Arabic opens the door to real conversations and meaningful connections. With it, you can chat with locals, enjoy Arabic entertainment, and truly experience the culture of the Levant.

We’ve got everything you need to get started: vocabulary lists, pronunciation guides, podcasts, and engaging lessons—all designed to make learning Arabic simple and fun.

With Simple & Easy Arabic study material, you have a head start at learning the Levantine dialect. Try a free trial class or join us on Patreon to start practicing. Happy learning!