Using a field-tested, non-grammar-based approach, this book teaches a standardized variant of spoken Arabic and introduces beginning students to standard Arabic orthography.

An index of grammatical structures, a glossary, an index and appendices of specialized vocabulary, social expressions, gestures, and Saudi names are included.

"An enlarged and improved version of "Arabisches Wèorterbuch fèur die Schriftsprache der Gegenwart" by Hans Wehr and includes the contents of the "Supplement zum Arabischen Wèorterbuch fèur die Schriftsprache der Gegenwart" and a collection of new additional material (about 13.000 entries) by the same author."

A textbook for learners who have previously studied, or are concurrently studying Modern Standard Arabic and Arabic script and phonology--for example college students who have studied written Arabic but find they are unable to talk informally with their Arab friends. The audio exercises on the disk are keyed to the text, and drill students on listening and speaking. The first edition was published in 1989. Annotation :2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).