Dear Uncle Jassim (Syrian)
The Levantine Arabic Readers series provides learners with much-needed exposure to authentic language in context. The fifteen stories in the series are all written at a similar level (B1–B2) and can be read in any order. They’re a fun and flexible tool for building vocabulary, improving comprehension, and developing overall fluency.
The main Arabic text appears on even-numbered pages, fully vocalized with tashkeel (diacritics) to support reading. Parallel English translations are provided on the facing odd-numbered pages to help you understand new words, expressions, and cultural references.
For those who are up to the challenge, a second version of the text is provided at the back of the book, without the distraction of tashkeel and translations.
Each story includes 20 comprehension questions with sample answers (and English translations) to reinforce your understanding. You’ll also find a sequencing exercise to help review the story by putting ten key events back in the correct order.
What’s New in the Revised Editions?
The Levantine Arabic Readers series has been updated to make it even more useful for learners. The new editions (published May 2025) feature:
- Revised English translations for improved clarity and accuracy
- Audio Track Timestamps above the translations to help you find your place
- 20 comprehension questions for each story, with sample answers and English translations
- A sequencing exercise to help you review the key events of the story in order
If you previously purchased the PDF eBooks from our website, you can download the updated editions from your Account Page.
If you purchased a paperback copy (on Amazon or elsewhere) before May 2025, you can download a free supplement that includes the new comprehension and sequencing activities:
Save 20% by buying a 15-book bundle of Levantine Arabic Readers.
Visit Amazon to get this book in paperback!
This book is available in paperback on your local Amazon website.
(On Lingualism.com, we only sell the PDF eBook version.)
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MP3 Files
Download the full accompanying audio for this product as MP3 files—completely free! The files are provided in a compressed ZIP folder for easy access. Simply download, extract the files, and start listening. No purchase of the PDF eBook is required!
Mauricio (verified owner) –
I purchased this book as part of the Levantine Arabic Readers bundle. After purchasing previous products from Lingualism, I assumed that the readers would be of top quality. I am pleased to write that the readers have been excellent!
This story was quite amusing. I am impressed by the diversity of tones that the different stories in the readers series have. I highly recommend working through this reader and the other readers to improve your Syrian Arabic and Levantine Arabic in general.
Jorge (verified owner) –
I find the story of this book very interesting. However, I think that the language level indicated is more a B2 than a B1. I found it much more difficult to read than another Lingualism title in the same series. The vocabulary is much more complex and the English translation does not, in my opinion, reflect the exact meaning of the Arabic text. That’s why I think it’s totally inadequate that the website lists it as a B1 level reading. This can create a bit of frustration for the reader.
Sindri (verified owner) –
I read the entire Levantine collection, and I think this last story was the best. I laughed when I read that the sea had turned into tahini (you will get it when you read the story – so check it out!).