Tahrir Square (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 appear 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!
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.)
Stream on YouTube
Help
Click the hamburger icon to see other tracks in the playlist.
Click the gear icon to adjust the playback speed.
You may see a ‘sign in’ message from YouTube if you are using a VPN.
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!
Rients (verified owner) –
A touching story about two friends during the beginning of the “Arab spring”. Not the most difficult story in the series and relatively short. The author builds up his story by giving dates for each chapter building up to a climax at the end, a nice change from the format of the other MSA readers.
Jaron –
The audio files are clear and stories are very well written – but be careful as a learner relying on the tashkeel/harakat versions, which have errors. The sample first page of this story, for example, has the wrong tanween under ‘electronia’. I haven’t reviewed thoroughly for other errors as I don’t read the version with tashkeel, but this should have been picked up. I’m enjoying the series though.