Home Courses Languages Arabic Courses Arabic Courses CoursesBeauty and Fashion Courses Culture, Society and Environment Courses Dance Courses Handicrafts Courses Languages Arabic Courses Chinese Courses Danish courses Dutch Courses English Courses Estonian Courses Finnish Courses French Courses German Courses Greek Courses Italian Courses Japanese Courses Korean Courses Latin Courses Persian Courses Polish Courses Portuguese Courses Russian Courses Spanish Courses Swedish Courses Thai courses Ukrainian courses Benefits for Members of the Pro Trade Union Media, Computer skills and Photography Music Courses Sports Courses Theatre and Improvisation Visual arts Well-being Courses Written Expression and Communication Open University Studies Benefits for Union Members Tiivistelmä On our Arabic courses at Helsingin aikuisopisto you can study both Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Arabic, from complete beginner to intermediate level (level 0–B1). In spring 2027 we offer a beginners’ course in colloquial Arabic, and on our continuation courses you develop your reading, writing, grammar and conversation skills in Modern Standard Arabic. Classes are held at our building in Töölö (Runeberginkatu 22–24), and you can join most courses online via Zoom. The courses start in January 2027 and cost €75–134. Please note that our Arabic courses are taught in Finnish and Arabic. On the colloquial Arabic courses the teacher also uses some English as a support language. The language of instruction is always shown in the course details in the registration system. See all our courses taught in English. Courses Frequently asked questions Registration Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial Arabic Arabic is an exceptionally rich and diverse language spoken by around 300 million people in a region stretching from Iraq to Morocco. Across this vast area, the language people actually use as their mother tongue in everyday situations is mostly one of the spoken forms of Arabic. The differences between the spoken varieties of different regions can be so great that speakers from different areas may find it difficult, sometimes even impossible, to communicate with each other in their mother tongue. Our programme also includes courses in colloquial Arabic, which focus on simple communication using vocabulary that is shared by different Arab countries. The Arabic-speaking world is united by Modern Standard Arabic, which is the language studied on our other Arabic courses. It acts as a bridge between the different spoken varieties and is used in all formal situations: in speeches, on radio and television, in the press and in literature. The Arabic-speaking world is therefore diglossic, with two forms of the language existing side by side, each with its own purpose. There is no shortcut to mastering Arabic. At school children learn the written language, not the spoken language they use in everyday life. The written language, Classical Arabic, has never been used for everyday communication; instead it developed early on into a language of poetry and aesthetics, a high style. The written language itself has several layers, from the language of pre-Islamic poetry and the Quran to the language of medieval literature and finally Modern Standard Arabic. In its vocabulary and expression, written Arabic is a true treasure trove that offers endless new things to discover and learn. Which course is right for you? If you want to…Explorestart Arabic from scratch and learn everyday conversationColloquial Arabic for beginnerscontinue colloquial Arabic after about one term of studyColloquial Arabic, continuationread and write Arabic when you already know the alphabetModern Standard Arabic, continuationdeepen your grammar and vocabulary in Modern Standard ArabicArabic 3, Arabic 4improve your conversation and listening skillsEasy conversation and listening in Arabicwork towards level B1Arabic 6join the class from homeTaking part online Courses in spring 2027 This list is based on the published spring 2027 programme. You can always find up-to-date information, course descriptions and available places in the registration system. All courses are held at Runeberginkatu 22–24. The Finnish course name is shown in brackets. Beginner level (level 0–A1.3) On the beginners’ course you start from scratch and practise simple everyday conversations. Colloquial Arabic courses focus on speaking and listening, and Modern Standard Arabic courses on reading, writing and grammar. On the continuation courses at beginner level (A1.1–A1.3) you continue and consolidate your beginner-level skills. Colloquial Arabic for beginners, level 0 (Arabian yleispuhekielen alkeet): Wed 18.40–20.10, 20 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, also on Zoom, Shadi Trad, €123. No previous study needed. Materials are included in the price. Colloquial Arabic, continuation, A1.1 (Arabian yleispuhekielen alkeiden jatko): Wed 17.00–18.30, 20 Jan – 7 Apr 2027, also on Zoom, Shadi Trad, €123. For learners with about one term of Arabic. Materials are included in the price. Modern Standard Arabic, continuation, A1.1 (Arabian kirjakielen alkeiden jatko): Tue 18.35–20.05, 19 Jan – 13 Apr 2027, also on Zoom, Tuija Rinne, €134. For learners with about one term of Arabic who know the alphabet. Arabic 3, A1.3 (Arabian jatko 3): Tue 17.00–18.30, 19 Jan – 13 Apr 2027, also on Zoom, Tuija Rinne, €134. Modern Standard Arabic for learners with about two and a half years of Arabic. Easy conversation and listening in Arabic, A1.3 (Arabian helppo keskustelu ja kuuntelu): Wed 17.00–19.00, 28 Apr – 26 May 2027, also on Zoom, Shadi Trad, €75. Conversation and listening practice with short film and video clips, for learners with about two to three years of Arabic. Materials are included in the price. Intermediate level (A2.1–B1) Arabic 4 (A2.1) is for learners who have studied Arabic for about three and a half years. On the course you read and write sentences and short texts and practise everyday vocabulary, conversation and basic grammar. Arabic 6 (A2.2–B1) builds a bridge towards level B1 and is for learners who have studied Arabic for about four to five years. Arabic 4, A2.1 (Arabian jatko 4): Thu 17.00–18.30, 14 Jan – 8 Apr 2027, also on Zoom, Tuija Rinne, €134. Arabic 6, A2.2–B1 (Arabian jatko 6): Thu 18.40–20.10, 14 Jan – 8 Apr 2027, Tuija Rinne, €134. Textbooks: the Modern Standard Arabic courses use Ahlan wa Sahlan, Functional Modern Standard Arabic for Beginners (3rd edition), and Arabic 6 uses A Textbook for Arabic, Part Two. The chapter you start from is given in the course details. Taking part online via Zoom You can join most of our Arabic courses online via Zoom, which is easy to use. You receive an invitation link and instructions before the course starts, so please register at least three days before the first class if you can. In addition to an internet connection, you need basic skills in using your device, a speaker or headphones and a microphone. Zoom guide for students See also Language courses: all the languages we teach. Persian courses: another Middle Eastern language from beginner level. Courses taught in English: all our courses taught in English. Good to know Location: Runeberginkatu 22–24, Helsinki. How to find us Language of instruction: The courses are taught in Finnish and Arabic. On the colloquial Arabic courses the teacher also uses some English. The teacher of the colloquial Arabic courses is from Syria and also takes other regional varieties into account. Levels: The course levels follow the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (level 0, A1, A2, B1). Read more about language levels Textbooks: Textbooks are not included in the course fee unless the course details say otherwise. We recommend that you buy the textbook right after the first class. You can buy textbooks from bookshops, online bookshops and publishers’ websites. We do not supply textbooks. Payment: Language courses cannot be paid for with Edenred or Epassi culture and sport benefits. If your employer offers a tax-free culture benefit (up to €400 a year) that you would like to use for language studies, we can make a separate agreement with your employer. You choose the course, and we invoice the full fee or the part your employer covers directly to your employer. Please contact our study guidance or office for more information. Certificate: You can request a certificate from our office once the course has ended. Frequently asked questions Are the Arabic courses taught in English? No. The courses are taught in Finnish and Arabic. On the colloquial Arabic courses the teacher also uses some English as a support language. Should I study Modern Standard Arabic or colloquial Arabic? It depends on your goals. On the colloquial Arabic courses you practise everyday conversation with vocabulary that is shared by different Arab countries. Modern Standard Arabic unites the whole Arabic-speaking world and is used in formal situations, the media and literature. Can I start Arabic from scratch in spring? Yes. Colloquial Arabic for beginners (level 0) is for complete beginners, and no previous study is needed. How do I find the right level? Each course lists how much previous study it requires. You can also read about language levels or ask our study guidance for advice. Can I take part online? Yes, you can join most of our Arabic courses online via Zoom. Please register at least three days before the course starts so that you receive the invitation link in time. Can I join a course that has already started? Yes, on most courses. Register for the course but do not pay, and email toimisto@helao.fi to tell us when you will start. We will send you a payment link with an adjusted price. You can still join Colloquial Arabic for beginners during the first three classes and Easy conversation and listening in Arabic during the first two classes. Can I pay with Edenred or Epassi? No. Language courses cannot be paid for with culture and sport benefits. You can, however, use a tax-free culture benefit from your employer through a separate agreement. Please contact our office for more information. Registration Browse all our Arabic courses and register online. Our study guidance can help you choose a course and answer questions about your studies. For more information about our Arabic courses, please contact Niina Kerppola, Head of Foreign Languages, at niina.kerppola@helao.fi.
