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Based on use in the field and classroom, the new, Fifth Edition
of Arabic: Acquisition & Comprehension by Benjamin Hoffiz,
Ph.D., has been extensively revised, updated, and improved.
Specific areas are described below:
Chapter One, Arabic Orthography, has been upgraded and improved.
Chapter Two: Reading, Writing, and Pronunciation Exercises, has
also been extensively upgraded and enhanced. Pp. 65: 1-65: 5, (Positional
Letter Shape: Analytical Disassembly and Reassembly), This
material has been designed and developed to enable the student to
review and reinforce his/her understanding of how one actually
writes Arabic, connecting and pronouncing each word and voweling
each syllable correctly. To accompany this new material, the new,
second DVD provides actual video coverage of how each letter of the
Arabic alphabet is written in each of the four positions (Alone,
First, Medial, Alone).
Many of the Units in Chapter Three have been extensively or
completely rewritten (including UNIT#'s: 17, 20, 21, 27, 28, 30, 32,
34).
In Chapter Four, Grammar, there is a re-organized material on the
IDHaafah construction (pp. 263: a–d).
Many of the examinations in Chapter Seven have also undergone
revision, correction, and addition.
Chapter Eight is titled: “Arabic-English Concise and Abridged
Glossary.” In this modest reference, the entries are listed
alphabetically; according to their roots. Most verbs are conjugated
in the third-person masculine singular, with their verbal nouns.
Derived verb forms are also indicated. Most nouns are shown with the
applicable plural form. Much, although not all, of the vocabulary
and terms shown in this textbook can be found in the glossary. For
further nuance and precision, resort to a dedicated, comprehensive
and exhaustive Arabic-English dictionary is advised.
The topical index, placed at the end of the book, is
alphabetically arranged for quick reference. It can help the
end-user to navigate the textbook on grammatical and structural
subjects quite efficiently. Instructors and advanced users may find
this to be particularly
useful.
B.T. Hoffiz, III, is an Arabic linguist. He has established the Arabic
curriculum at Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, where he presently
teaches Arabic and “Introduction to the Middle East.” He received the Ph.D. in
Near Eastern Studies (Arabic Language & Linguistics), from the University of
Arizona, Tucson, AZ. He has also published a number of scholarly papers in both
Arabic and English, in addition to translating and interpreting. |
Chapter One: Arabic Orthography (Alphabet and Vowel System)
Chapter Two: Reading, Writing & Pronunciation Exercises
Chapter Three: Texts and Dialogues (more than fifty units)
Chapter Four: Grammar, Syntax & Morphology
Chapter Five: Reading Verb Conjugation, and Translation
Activities & Exercises
Chapter Six: Arabic Translation and Reading Activities &
Exercises
Chapter Seven: Assessment and Evaluation: Sample Examinations
Arabic: Acquisition & Comprehension is not written by just
a great professor but is written by a great author. It is what the
title says it is in the means of being comprehensive. I was able to
comprehend and understand Arabic: Acquisition & Comprehension
very well and I don't think many authors would be able to do the job
Dr. Hoffiz did with Arabic: Acquisition & Comprehension. He
wasn't just able to read the book to us in class but was able to
explain detail so that it was very understandable. I truly believe
that Dr.Hoffiz is a great author and Arabic: Acquisition &
Comprehension is written by someone with not just knowledge but
passion.
Thank you,
Michael Abbo
Mgabbo@oakland.edu
248-228-0024
I could not have asked for a better book to study the Arabic
language than the book written by Professor Ben Hoffiz. The book
along with the dictionary in Arabic and English helped me grasp the
language in a tangible way. First, I like the organization of the
book, the direction of the book beginning from right to left as is
the Arabic language helped me direct my thoughts in writing and
reading from right to left. Every section begins with the letter of
the alphabet, provided with examples helped group everything
together for further reference. Second, the book contained all
exams, notes, and study guides so I did not need to go to a
different source for that. The book contained everything required
for success in the class as well as a clearer understanding of the
Arabic language. As a sidenote the CDs and DVD supplemental sources
helped in visualizing and hearing Arabic.
Contributed by Zaid Chabaan: zbchabaa@oakland.edu
I have had no prior Arabic language experience in speaking,
writing, reading, nothing... I only have always thought the writing
style was amazing and I wanted to learn, but as well not only to
learn but to understand and be able to use the language in a
multi-dimensional world. It was with this thought that I enrolled in
Arabic 114. Professor Hoffiz's book provided a good starting point,
it was clear and explained things very well, all the questions
anyone could have on the subject were answered, from the grammar, to
shapes and writing styles, even a good dictionary in the back of the
book using the "root" system that the Arabic is traditionally set
in. It is clear that Professor Hoffiz knows what he is talking
about, and knows how to get the point across with his text; it is
more like integrating the language into your life rather than
forcing you dive into the harship of learning a language. Overall I
would say it has helped me a lot to understand and build a ground
work to improve my knowledge of the Arabic language.
Contributed by: Allen Colombo: ajcolomb@oakland.edu |
