The Middle East has become an increasingly important place in the minds and concerns of the English-speaking world. This volume, originally published under the title Jerusalem Arabic, is the gold standard for anyone beginning to learn the Arabic spoken by Palestinians, or those who live in Syria or Lebanon. Written in transcription using the Roman alphabet, the "Levantine" Arabic, or Jerusalem dialect, is a central Middle Eastern dialect and is recognized by Arabs virtually anywhere―in large part due to the Palestinian diaspora―and a good choice for anyone wishing to learn a base Arabic dialect. Enhanced by a CD with MP3 files (replacing the former set of nine audiocassettes), Eastern Arabic provides the best available structured introduction to the essential features and vocabulary of spoken Palestinian Arabic.

"Jerusalem Arabic" appeared first in mimeographed form in 1953 under the auspices of the Georgetown University Institute of Languages and Linguistics. It was later revised and published as "Eastern Arabic" (1960). This volume is a reprint of the 1960 edition. Originally published: Washington, DC : Georgetown University Press, 1979. (The Richard Slade Harrell Arabic series). With MP3 files.