Arabic Short Stories
Reading Circle
Our reading circle meets every week – sign up anytime!
Description
Take your Arabic from intermediate to advanced with our Arabic Reading Circle!
Every week, we’ll be reading a different short story in Arabic. Stories are chosen from a wide range of writers, from classic authors like Naguib Mahfouz and Ghassan Kanafani down to contemporary authors shaping Arabic literature today.
Membership in this reading circle includes the following:
- Weekly reading of a new short story each week
- Interactive Zoom discussions, where we meet and discuss each story in-depth
- Vocabulary list and reading guide for each story
- Access to our WhatsApp group, where you can get your Arabic grammar questions answered 24/7
- Group members get to suggest and vote on what stories we’ll be reading next
So why short stories?
Extensive reading of literary texts is one of the best ways to expand your vocab, master the finer points of grammar, and get a feel for the language on a deep level. And short stories give you literature in manageable, rewarding, bite-size chunks.
With each new story, you get exposed to a different style and different perspective from across the Arab world.
Who should join?
- Intermediate/advanced students of Arabic: Ready to move beyond textbooks and into authentic texts.
- Arabic literature enthusiasts: Looking to explore the riches of modern Arabic literature and discover new authors.
- Professionals: Seeking to enhance their Arabic proficiency for career or academic growth.
- Lifelong learners: Driven by an enduring curosity for the Middle East and eager to share their journey with fellow learners.
Whether you’re looking for an introduction to Arabic literature or just trying to take your Arabic to the next level, our Arabic Reading Circle has something for you!
Now’s your chance to connect with like-minded people and become part of a growing network of learners who are passionate about Arabic language and literature.
Details
- Cost: $49/month
- Zoom discussions are currently scheduled for Sundays 2 pm EST and Tuesdays 6 pm EST. New sections will be added based on student demand.
- Reading circle is ongoing. Join anytime!
- Recording available for students who can’t attend live.
- Course materials will be provided by instructor
Prerequisites
Two years of Modern Standard Arabic / four semesters at university level
Instructor

Amal Mrissa is a professor in the Department of English Language, Literature, and Civilization at the University of Jendouba, Tunisia, where she teaches English-Arabic translation. She also has many years of experience teaching Arabic as a foreign language to non-natives.
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