Step 1: Read the Text Carefully

Read the whole text silently first. Then read it aloud slowly and carefully. Pay attention to the Arabic letters and pronunciation.

Step 2: Identify the New Words

As you read, circle or mark any word whose meaning you do not know. These are your new words.

Step 3: Look for Clues

Sometimes you can guess the meaning from the sentence around the new word. The other words in the sentence can give you hints.

Step 4: List the New Words

Write each new word in a list. Next to each word, write its meaning in Arabic or in your own language.

Step 5: Check Your List

Read the text again to make sure your meanings are correct and that the words fit properly in the sentences.

Here is a short text from your textbook about transport in Tanzania. Read it carefully:

النَّصُّ: ذَالَالا هِيَ حَافِلَةٌ صَغِيرَةٌ تَنْقُلُ الرُّكَّابَ دَاخِلَ الْمُدُنِ. وَالدَّالَالا مُزْدَحِمَةٌ جِدًّا فِي الْمُدُنِ الْكَبِيرَةِ. يَسْتَخْدِمُ النَّاسُ الدَّالَالا لِلذَّهَابِ إِلَى الْمَدْرَسَةِ وَالْعَمَلِ.

New Words from This Text

How we found these meanings:

1. We read the text twice to understand the general idea.
2. We looked at each word we did not know.
3. We used the vocabulary table from the textbook to find the meanings.
4. We wrote each new word with its meaning in a clear list.

• Read every day — the more you read Arabic, the more words you will learn.
• Keep a vocabulary notebook — write new words you find in all your reading.
• Use the dictionary — if you have an Arabic dictionary, look up words you do not understand.
• Ask your teacher — if you are not sure about a meaning, ask your teacher or classmates.
• Practice in groups — discuss new words with your classmates to learn from each other.

In Tanzania, you will often read Arabic texts on signboards, in newspapers, or on public transport notices. For example, when you travel on a daladala in Dar es Salaam, you might see Arabic words on the vehicle or hear the driver using them. Being able to read a short Arabic text and understand new words helps you communicate better and learn about important topics like health (like malaria prevention) and daily life in your community.