Use of smartphone applications to teach Arabic to English Language speakers between the tangible reality and the hoped-for future

Abstract

This research examines a scientific phenomenon that has spread in the past few years on teaching Arabic to native English speakers using smartphone applications. Smartphone usage proved to be a stimulating phenomenon that drew the researcher's attention to studying it in great detail. The researcher observed several smartphone applications in teaching Arabic to English speakers. However, this led to the writer's description, clarification, and categorization of these applications based on their features and characteristics, just as he was keen to explain and clarify some demerits of these applications. The main goal was to help students when selecting the rightful applications for them should they resort to learning Arabic through such applications. In his attempt to explain more about these applications, the researcher used a descriptive method where he also defined some of the terminologies used in this research, for example, smartphone and Arabic language applications for English speakers. He also spoke about the most vital characteristics of Arabic language learning through smartphone applications. He then mentioned a range of smartphone applications, such as the famous Duolingo app used to teach Arabic and other languages to English speakers, as well as the Arabic unlocked application. In summation, the researcher concluded his research paper by looking into the future characteristics of such applications and what an ideal application in teaching Arabic to English speakers should be.