Fatimah’s Life (MSA)
The Modern Standard Arabic Readers series provides learners with much-needed exposure to authentic language in context. The thirty-five 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.
A second version of the text is given at the back of the book, without the distraction of tashkeel and translations, for those who are up to the challenge.
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 Modern Standard 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 Modern Standard Arabic Readers. Choose from Bundle 1 (adapted from Egyptian Arabic stories) and Bundle 2 (adapted from Levantine Arabic stories).
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!
Cob –
This series is perhaps the most useful tool that I have encountered in my longstanding quest for fluency in the Arabic language. My literacy has improved in leaps and bounds since I started using these readers and the audio recordings have been invaluable in refining my listening skills. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
Dagi (verified owner) –
I really enjoyed this book. It’s the first one I read from this series and the first book I’ve ever read in Arabic. And it was fun! Even though the stories for this kind of learner books need to be fairly simple and limited linguistically, I was surprised how much inspiration and ‘good vibe’ I could draw from it. The English translation and the taskheel are both extremely useful for someone, as myself, who was scared of getting to reading at all. Altogether, a very nice read that inspires you to apply yourself more and persevere through all difficulties involved in language learning, just as the main protagonist of the book did with his dream.
Dagi (verified owner) –
(my previous review can be deleted please, along with this comment. I pasted the wrong text).
I enjoyed it a lot. The story had an unexpected twist that kept me engaged and made it into a page-turner, especially towards the end. You’d be surprised how much you can get into a story, if you’re rewarded with the feeling of satisfaction after ever page you read. Because ‘hey, you’re reading in Arabic’, which makes you proud, but also keen on reading more and more. I especially appreciate the clear and very pleasant audio version of this book. There’re multiple ways and orders you can read the book – whether starting out with listening, or reading and listening along. But the free audio versions provided on this website are extremely helpful.