Vocabulary: The Cornerstone of Language Proficiency
Vocabulary is the cornerstone of learning any language, enabling students to express themselves, understand, and interact within various contexts. Without a sufficient lexical base, they struggle to read, form correct sentences, or comprehend what is said to them.
The challenge is in how vocabulary is learned. Many rely on translating words directly, resulting in shallow knowledge that fades quickly. True mastery comes from seeing words within a semantic network — their roots, derivatives, related terms, and contexts. For example, understanding istakhraja (“to extract”) requires linking it to its root kharaja (“to go out”) and derivatives like mukhraj and khurūj.
This deeper understanding enhances students’ ability to distinguish between similar words and use vocabulary with greater accuracy.
From my experience teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, I have applied several strategies to foster semantic awareness:
- Root Analysis: Guiding students to identify word roots and their derivatives.
- Semantic Distinction: Helping them notice fine differences between similar words using context.
- Thematic Grouping: Clustering vocabulary by themes (e.g., economy, rights, politics) to aid recall.
- Communicative Contexts: Using new words in real-life tasks, dialogues, and writing to reinforce meaning.
These strategies suit intermediate learners, while beginners need a simpler, more direct approach. Linking new words to familiar ones — like istafāda (“to benefit”) and fā’ida (“benefit”) to mufīd (“useful”) — helps them infer meanings and build gradually.
Developing semantic awareness is a gradual process, starting with simple links and evolving into deeper analytical skills as students see words as part of a connected network and use them independently.

Tasneem Ashour
Arabic language instructor for non-native speakers

Goodbye, Yuri… three shining years at Faseeh.
With all love and pride, we bid farewell this summer to our dear student Yuri, who concluded her beautiful journey of studying Arabic with us in Jordan after three years of dedication and progress. Today, Yuri begins a new chapter in her professional life, and we at Faseeh wish her all the best and continued success. Her pleasant memory and beautiful impact will always remain with us.
Yuri was a true example of commitment and passion for learning Arabic, inspiring those around her with her determination, kind spirit, and constant pursuit of excellence. The doors of Faseeh will always remain open to her, and our hearts are full of prayers that she carries Arabic with her wherever she goes.

Jerash Trip: History, Volunteering, and an Authentic Jordanian Flavor
On 28/6, Faseeh’s students embarked on an enjoyable trip to the ancient city of Jerash, where they marveled at the beauty of the ruins and the rich history. The students joined in picking zucchini to support local farmers, then enjoyed a delicious breakfast in a traditional Jordanian home. They also explored the productive kitchen and learned the secrets of preparing traditional dishes. It was a culturally rich and volunteer-driven experience that left them with beautiful memories and deep human meanings.

The Summer Term at Faseeh Kicks Off with a Fresh Spirit
The summer term at Faseeh began on 15/6 with both group and individual classes, in an enthusiastic atmosphere full of learning and interaction. This was preceded by an orientation day on 12/6, during which students learned about the programs and study plans and prepared for a term full of knowledge and unique experiences. We wish all our students an enjoyable and fruitful semester!
