Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, with over 400 million speakers across the Middle East and North Africa. However, choosing between starting with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) or switching directly to a regional dialect is one of the first difficulties faced by new learners. Each option has its advantages, and choosing the right path depends on your goals, interests, and how you plan to use the language.
So, what’s the difference between Modern Standard Arabic and dialects, and which one should you learn first?
What Is Modern Standard Arabic?
Arabic’s formal and literary form, called Modern Standard Arabic or Fus’ha, is used across written and official domains. Newspapers, literature, official documents, scholarly writing, and formal speeches all employ it. MSA is also the variety taught in most schools and universities across the Arab world.
While MSA is not typically spoken in everyday conversation, it is widely understood by educated Arabic speakers, making it a unifying form of the language across different regions.
What Are Arabic Dialects?
Arabic dialects, or colloquial Arabic, vary significantly depending on the country and even the city.
Egyptian Arabic: Spoken in Egypt, and because of Egyptian media, it is widely understood.
Maghrebi Arabic: This dialect is widely used in the western part of the Arab world, especially in Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia.
These dialects differ in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, and in some cases, they can be so distinct that speakers from different regions may struggle to understand one another.
Pros of Learning Modern Standard Arabic First
1. Foundation for Understanding Written Arabic
You’ll find MSA in classrooms, books, newspapers, and any setting that requires formal communication. If your goal is to read Arabic newspapers, watch news broadcasts like Al Jazeera, or understand the Qur’an, then starting with MSA provides a solid base.
2. Universally Understood in Formal Settings
Even though it’s rarely used in daily speech, MSA is commonly taught and understood by those with formal education across Arabic-speaking regions. If you’re unsure where in the Arab world you’ll travel or work, MSA offers flexibility.
3. Helpful for Academic and Professional Use
A solid grasp of MSA is key for success in areas such as foreign service, scholarly work, and Arabic-language broadcasting. It opens doors to understanding Arabic in its most structured form.
Pros of Learning a Dialect First
1. Useful for Everyday Conversations
Dialects are what people use in daily life. If you’re planning to live, travel, or engage socially in a specific Arabic-speaking country, learning the local dialect can help you connect more quickly and naturally with people.
2. Faster Immersion
Dialect learning often feels more practical for beginners because you hear it spoken everywhere—from cafés to TV dramas. This can make the learning process feel more immersive and engaging.
3. Cultural Insight
Dialects are shaped by and closely connected to the everyday life and heritage of their communities. Learning a dialect allows you to understand local humor, idioms, and expressions that MSA simply doesn’t capture.
So, What Should You Learn First?
It depends on your personal goals:
If your aim is to work in international relations, translation, or academia, or you want to read Arabic literature or news, start with Modern Standard Arabic.
If your goal is to live, travel, or do business in a specific Arabic-speaking country, or you want to chat with locals, starting with the local dialect will be more useful.
A Combined Approach
Many language learners benefit from a combined approach. Starting with an Arabic beginner course that introduces you to MSA alongside a commonly used dialect (like Egyptian or Levantine) can offer the best of both worlds. This way, you build a strong grammatical foundation with MSA while gaining practical communication skills through dialect exposure.
Some modern Arabic courses and apps now take this dual approach, making it easier to switch between the two forms as needed.
Choosing the Right Arabic Beginner Course
When selecting an Arabic beginner course, consider the following:
Does it focus on MSA, a dialect, or both?
Is the dialect taught relevant to your goals or region of interest?
Are there interactive components that focus on spoken Arabic and pronunciation skills?
Does the course explain cultural elements that shape the way dialects are spoken?
Courses that offer clear explanations, audio recordings by native speakers, and opportunities for real-life practice tend to be the most effective.
Final Thoughts
The debate between Modern Standard Arabic and dialects doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. Think about your end use—because that’s what determines your direction. If you’re looking to read, write, or understand Arabic in a formal context, MSA is your best starting point. If you’re more focused on speaking with locals and immersing yourself in culture, then a dialect will serve you better.
For many learners, the ideal path lies somewhere in between. Taking an Arabic beginner course that introduces both MSA and a dialect can give you the versatility to navigate both the formal and informal worlds of Arabic. Whichever route you choose, learning Arabic opens the door to a rich and rewarding linguistic journey.