Perfect for those slowly trying to learn a new language

Perfect for those slowly trying to learn a new language  Read Less

Short of having access to a native Arabic speaker or enrolling in an expensive college course, Living Language's Arabic Platinu...  Read More

Short of having access to a native Arabic speaker or enrolling in an expensive college course, Living Language's Arabic Platinum Edition is the next best thing to learning to speak and write the language.With Living Language's courses, you can learn at your own pace via the books, CDs, and (most conveniently) online. While I find self-paced learning advantageous, this option can also be the kiss of death unless you're driven to complete the course. With no deadline or motivation to complete the course, you may find yourself with an expensive language course taking up space on the shelf. However, if you are driven or have a need to learn the language (i.e., required for work), I have experienced no better language learning system than the Living Language series - especially the Platinum Edition. If you're going to learn a language, you might as well get the most for your money.The Platinum Living Language course offers a separate, comprehensive course book that teaches the basics of the Arabic writing system. Since Arabic uses a different script, students must make a choice as to when they would like to tackle the writing system. You may decide to work your way through this script guide in its entirety before moving on to Essential Arabic. If you do so, you'll pick up some vocabulary as you master the writing system, but the useful spoken language that you'll learn will be rather limited. What's nice about the course is that both Arabic script and a system of transliteration is included, so there's no need to fully master written Arabic before jumping into the course.The real advantage is the online access. Here you'll find vocabulary review lessons, a language forum, and the ability to schedule e-tutoring sessions. Each 30 minute online session, taught by a native speaker, is designed to review what you've learned at key points in your course. The easy-to-use interface allows you to see and hear our language experts teach lessons with images, chats, and video. Each session has a maximum of three participants to ensure you get individualized attention. Students can engage in conversation with the tutor, ask questions, and practice their new language -- students will be able to hear but not see one another. One important thing to keep in mind -- the mobile app does not currently support Arabic yet (12/2/2012); however, apps for Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, and Chinese are available.My motivation for completing the course is expanding my opportunities at work. With the end-goal in mind and the rich resources offered by this Living Language package, the only barrier to learning the language would be lack of commitment on my part.  Read Less