I learned Arabic through the Defense Language Institute (DLI), where I completed an intensive Arabic language program and achieved a 3/3 proficiency rating in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). My training included extensive study of reading, listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, translation, and practical communication, along with exposure to multiple Arabic dialects. I later served in the United States Marine Corps in an intelligence role, where my language training, analytical skills,...
I learned Arabic through the Defense Language Institute (DLI), where I completed an intensive Arabic language program and achieved a 3/3 proficiency rating in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). My training included extensive study of reading, listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, translation, and practical communication, along with exposure to multiple Arabic dialects. I later served in the United States Marine Corps in an intelligence role, where my language training, analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate information clearly were important parts of my professional experience. I have also kept many of my original DLI textbooks, exercises, and coursework materials covering both MSA and Arabic dialects, which I can use as additional resources for students.
My approach to tutoring comes from my own experience learning Arabic as an English speaker. Arabic can seem overwhelming at first, so I like to break difficult concepts into smaller, manageable pieces and make sure a student understands why something works instead of simply asking them to memorize it. Lessons can be adapted to a student's individual goals, whether they are starting with the alphabet, studying MSA grammar and vocabulary, improving reading or listening comprehension, or trying to understand the differences between formal Arabic and spoken dialects.
Because I learned Arabic in a structured, intensive environment, I can also help students develop effective study habits and strategies for retaining vocabulary and improving comprehension over time. I want students to feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and working at a pace that challenges them without making the language unnecessarily intimidating. My goal is not only to help students complete an assignment or prepare for an exam, but to give them a strong foundation and the tools to continue improving their Arabic independently.
