The Arabic taught in this book is the standard written language of more than 150 million inhabitants of the Arab states, ranging from Morocco in the west to Iraq in the east. The language you will learn is based on the kind of material seen in Arabic newspapers and magazines, or heard on radio and television news broadcasts.In modern everyday life in the Arab countries, so-called vernacular or dialect Arabic has supplanted Standard Arabic for spoken communication, but all these dialects derive from the parent root. If you have a grounding in Standard Arabic it will be easier to learn the modern local dialects which are based on it. Standard Arabic is also the lingua franca of the Arab world and can be understood anywhere in conversation with educated speakers.The course begins with a guide to Arabic script and throughout the book there is an English transliteration (English letters) to help you with reading and pronunciation. The 18 thematically written units are carefully graded and present new language via dialogues, which are also recorded. These are followed by questions and exercises to help you check your progress. The new vocabulary is given in both Arabic script and in transliteration.In addition to clear and full explanations of new grammar, you will find cultural tips which highlight some of the social and cultural aspects of life in the Arab world and which you will find invaluable on any trip.