Al-Kitaab Arabic Language Program FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

REVISED 4/6/2009

Second Editions released
In the fall of 2004, Georgetown University Press released new editions of Alif Baa: An Introduction to Letters and Sounds and Al-Kitaab fii Ta callum al-cArabiyya: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic, Part One.

In the spring of 2006, Georgetown University Press released a new edition of Al-Kitaab fii Ta callum al-cArabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Arabic, Part Two.

In the spring of 2007, Georgetown University Press released a repackaged edition of Al-Kitaab fii Ta callum al-cArabiyya with DVD and MP3 CD: A Textbook for Arabic, Part Three.

Second Editions UPDATE
We've heard you! Since the release of the second edition of Alif Baa with DVDs in the fall of 2004, it has come to our attention that some of the DVD-ROMs packaged with the book exhibit poor playability. This new version—Alif Baa with Multimedia—will be released JUNE 1, 2009 and is greatly improved and easier to use.

  1. What is the sequence of the Al-Kitaab Arabic language program? Where do students start and how long will it take them to complete each level?
  2. How is Alif Baa with Multimedia different from Alif Baa with DVDs?
  3. Can I still order Alif Baa with DVDs?
  4. Can I still get older versions of the textbooks in the Al-Kitaab program?
  5. Is there a second edition of Al-Kitaab Part Three?
  6. Are the multimedia components of the program sold separately or are they packaged with the textbook at each level?
  7. I have misplaced one of my DVDs. Can I purchase just the DVD I need?
  8. What is included in the DVDs and are they keyed to the text? Or do they stand alone as supplemental material?
  9. What is Audio on the Go™?
  10. Is the answer key provided free when I purchase an Al-Kitaab textbook?
  11. Where I can purchase the answer key?
  12. Are DVDs and CDs available for purchase in foreign countries?
  13. What equipment do I need to play the DVDs?
  14. One of the DVDs/CDs in my book is defective. How can I get a replacement copy of the individual disc?
  15. Some of the menu items on my 2nd edition DVD are not clickable. Is my DVD defective?
  16. Technical Information and System Requirements
  17. Troubleshooting
  18. Navigation Tips

What is the sequence of the Al-Kitaab Arabic language program? Where do students start and how long will it take them to complete each level?

The program is designed for college-level use over four years. The program begins with Alif Baa with DVDs: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds, which introduces the basic skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and cultural understanding and provides the first 20 to 25 contact hours of instruction.

Students then proceed onto Al-Kitaab fii TacAllum AlcArabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic: Part One. This volume covers approximately 130-150 contact hours of instruction in which students should achieve an intermediate-mid to intermediate-high level of proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The book provides vocabulary activities, introduces students to grammar using spiraling and inference, and exposes students to Egyptian Colloquial Arabic through a number of short video clips. The accompanying three DVDs present dialogs, vocabulary, and cultural situations for learning.

Al-Kitaab fii TacAllum AlcArabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Arabic: Part Two is the next volume in the series. Covering 150 contact hours of instruction, Part Two brings students to the advanced level of proficiency. Part Two stresses the various skills and introduces learners to various facets of Arab culture and Arab societies.

The final volume in the program, Al-Kitaab fii TacAllum AlcArabiyya: A Textbook for Arabic: Part Three continues the same approach used in Part Two and aims to take students to the advanced-high level of proficiency. Part Three covers 125-150 contact hours of instruction. The original text and audio are now bound together in one volume along with new video material on DVD.

The DVDs in the second editions are designed to fully integrate with the content of the book. As an extension of the book, the DVD content includes the audio and video needed to work on exercises in the book. See the end of this FAQ for system requirements for playing the multimedia formats.

How is Alif Baa with Multimedia different from Alif Baa with DVDs?

Since the release of the second edition of Alif Baa with DVDs in the fall of 2004, it has come to our attention that some of the DVD-ROMs packaged with the book exhibit poor playability. This new version—Alif Baa with Multimedia—is greatly improved and easier to use.

The content of Alif Baa with Multimedia, Second Edition, including the text and all of the audio and video on the disk, is exactly the same as that of Alif Baa with DVDs, Second Edition. We changed only the format of the disk. All units are included on one disk instead of two disks. Teachers and students may use both versions of the textbook side-by-side in the classroom and notice no difference in content or appearance. It should not affect the learning experience or require teachers do any additional preparation.

The DVD that accompanies Alif Baa with Multimedia plays in any computer's DVD drive In order to view the files, you will need to download and install the free Flash Player from Adobe's website: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/. You will notice immediately the greatly improved quality of the video, audio, and graphics.

NOTE FOR MAC USERS: It has come to our attention that a very small number of audio files in Alif Baa with Multimedia (in the Dialogue section in Unit One and Listening Exercise 10 in Unit Five) do not play. However, if you are a MAC user and you experience this problem, you have several options:

  1. Play the same DVD on a PC to review those particular exercises.
  2. Visit http://alifbaa.drivingcreative.com to access the exercises online.
  3. Request a replacement DVD by calling 800-537-5487. We’ve reprinted our stock of replacement DVDs so that these exercises are no longer problematic.

Can I still order Alif Baa with DVDs?

When Alif Baa with Multimedia, Second Edition (ISBN 978-1-58901-506-7) is released on JUNE 1, 2009, Alif Baa with DVDs, Second Edition (ISBN 978-1-58901-102-1) will go OUT OF PRINT and will no longer be available from Georgetown University Press.

Please note that if a student or teacher is still using Alif Baa with DVDs in the same class where others are using Alif Baa with Multimedia, they will notice no difference in content or appearance. It should not affect the learning experience or require teachers to do any additional preparation.

Can I still get older versions of the textbooks in the Al-Kitaab program?

First editions of all Al-Kitaab textbooks and components are out of print. Please consult this list of active ISBNs to see what is currently available:

  • Alif Baa with Multimedia: Introduction to Arabic Letters and Sounds, Second Edition (paperback with 1 DVD bound in, ISBN 978-158901-507-7)
  • Answer Key to Alif Baa, Second Edition (paperback, ISBN 978-1-58901-036-9)
  • Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Beginning Arabic: Part One, Second Edition (paperback with 3 DVDs bound in, ISBN 978-158901-104-5)
  • Answer Key to Al-Kitaab Part One, Second Edition (paperback, ISBN 978-158901-037-6)
  • Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya with DVDs: A Textbook for Arabic: Part Two, Second Edition (paperback with 3 DVDs bound in, ISBN 978-158901-096-3)
  • Answer Key to Al-Kitaab Part Two, Second Edition (paperback, ISBN 978-158901-097-0)
  • Al-Kitaab fii Tacallum al-cArabiyya with DVD and MP3 CD: A Textbook for Arabic: Part Three (paperback with DVD & CD bound in, ISBN 978-158901-149-6)
  • Alif Baa Audio on the Go™ (CD, ISBN 978-1-58901-152-6)
  • Al-Kitaab Part One Audio on the Go™ (CD, ISBN 978-1-58901-150-3)
  • Al-Kitaab Part Two Audio on the Go™ (CD, ISBN 978-1-58901-151-9)

Is there a second edition of Al-Kitaab Part Three?

No, there is not a second (revised) edition of Part Three. However, a newly packaged Part Three was released in April 2007. While the textbook material remains the same, audio files have been remastered as MP3 files on one CD and all new video material, which finishes the story of Maha and Khalid, is included on DVD. The DVD contains only this video material and no additional exercises or audio material. Both the audio CD and the DVD are bound in to the textbook.

Are the multimedia components of the program sold separately or are they packaged with the textbook at each level?

With the 2nd editions of Alif Baa, Al-Kitaab Textbook Part One, and Al-Kitaab Textbook Part Two and the newly repackaged Al-Kitaab Textbook Part Three audio and video materials have been combined into DVDs or CDs that are bound into each book and sold as single volumes.

Our Audio on the Go™ CDs contain all of the audio featured in the second edition DVDs for the individual volumes of Alif Baa, Al-Kitaab Part One, and Al-Kitaab Part Two, including the audio from the video dialogues. See below for more details on these CDs.

I have misplaced one of my DVDs. Can I purchase just the DVD I need?

For those people who have misplaced, lost, or damaged their second edition disks, replacements are available for sale on our website. The material on these DVDs is the same material that appears on the DVDs that come with the second edition textbooks of Alif Baa, Al-Kitaab Part One, and Al-Kitaab Part Two and the newly repackaged Al-Kitaab Part Three. There is no new material included on these DVDs.

What is included in the DVDs and are they keyed to the text? Or do they stand alone as supplemental material?

The DVDs form an integral part of the textbooks and cannot be used separately. The DVDs cannot be used as supplemental materials. Likewise, the books cannot be used without the DVDs. The books and the DVDs form a unified whole that cannot be separated without affecting the quality of the overall program. All parts of the audio and video are keyed to the text.

What is Audio on the Go™?

Now available in MP3 format, each Audio on the Go™ CDs contain all of the audio featured in the second edition DVDs for the individual volumes of Alif Baa, Al-Kitaab Part One, and Al-Kitaab Part Two, including the audio from the video dialogues.

While the audio on these CDs is not new or different from the audio featured on the DVDs bound in to each book, the MP3 format allows for easy portability. Files can be transferred to an MP3 device, played on a computer, or played on some home or portable CD players. The CDs may not play on some automobile sound systems.

These easy-to-use audio files are ideal for students who want extra practice, teachers who want to play the audio in class, and language labs. Language labs that purchase a copy of any Audio on the Go™ CD will automatically receive the rights to (a) post an electronic copy of the MP3 files on a secure, password-protected network for use by current students and faculty at their institution; and (b) loan the number of purchased copies to students. For other permissions, please contact the press.

Is the answer key provided free when I purchase an Al-Kitaab textbook?

No. We do not provide free answer keys with any program components.

Where I can purchase the answer key?

Most bookstores do not carry answer keys. Answer keys can be ordered online for a nominal fee from Georgetown University Press at www.press.georgetown.edu/arabic.html or by contacting one of our distributors..

Are DVDs and CDs available for purchase in foreign countries?

If you are ordering from outside of the U.S. please visit our website to learn more about contacting our foreign distributors for ordering information.

What equipment do I need to play the DVDs?

Georgetown University Press recommends that the DVDs that are provided with this series be played on a computer, rather than a home DVD player.

For Alif Baa with Multimedia, Second Edition:
The DVD that accompanies Alif Baa with Multimedia plays in any computer's DVD drive (it will not play on a home DVD player). In order to view the files, you will need to download and install the free Flash Player from Adobe's website: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/. You will notice immediately the greatly improved quality of the video, audio, and graphics.

System Requirements:

Windows

  • 450 MHz Intel Pentium II (or compatible) processor
  • MS Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista
  • 128MB of RAM and 128MB of VRAM
  • Computer with DVD drive
  • Headphones or speakers
  • Flash Player (free download from http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/)

Mac

  • 500 MHz PowerPC G3 or 1.33 GHz Intel Core Duo processor
  • Mac OS X v10.4 or 10.5
  • 128MB of RAM and 128MB of VRAM
  • Computer with DVD drive
  • Headphones or speakers
  • Flash Player (free download from http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/)
Attention Mac Users: To access the Alif Baa materials on a Mac, insert the disk into your drive. The disk will appear on your desktop and it will automatically open in a new window. From here, double click the "G" icon labeled "AlifBaa." The program will begin.

For Al-Kitaab Part One, Second Edition; Al-Kitaab Part Two, Second Edition; and the repackaged Al-Kitaab Part Three:
For optimum performance, the recommended programs for playing these DVDs is Windows Media Player version 10 or higher (available for free at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads), or the latest version of RealPlayer (available for free at http://www.realplayer.com). For more information, see the Technical Information section below.

The DVDs are not region-code specific, meaning that they are playable in any region worldwide. They are recommended for use on NTSC-format and computer DVD players. The DVDs may also play on PAL-format DVD players that are equipped to convert NTSC DVDs; however, a specific PAL-format DVD is not available. Because the DVDs for the second editions have a large amount of video and audio content, it is strongly advised to play them on newer computers with more memory and a higher speed processor.

Please note that Georgetown University Press does not provide technical support for the CDs or DVDs that are part of the Al-Kitaab program.

One of the DVDs/CDs in my book is defective. How can I get a replacement copy of the individual disc?

Please check the system requirements below for troubleshooting tips. If these tips do not result in your ability to play the DVDs, please ask your bookstore to contact Hopkins Fulfillment Services at 1-800-537-5487 for information on how to acquire replacement DVDs.

Please note that Georgetown University Press does not provide person-to-person technical support for the CDs or DVDs that are part of the Al-Kitaab program.

Some of the menu items on my 2nd edition DVD are not clickable. Is my DVD defective?

No, the DVD is not defective. The sidebar items on the DVD are meant to outline the possible functions of the DVD. However, each unit is different. For example, some units may use “Signs” and the link to those exercises will be active; other units may not use “Signs” and the link will be inactive.

Technical Information and System Requirements for the Al-Kitaab, 2nd edition series

Georgetown University Press does not provide person-to-person technical support for the DVDs that come with these books. Below is a list of system requirements and tips to guide you in using the DVDs.

For Alif Baa with Multimedia, Second Edition: To play the DVD that accompanies Alif Baa with Multimedia, you will need to download and install the free Flash Player from Adobe's website: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/.

System Requirements for Alif Baa with Multimedia, Second Edition:

Windows

  • 450 MHz Intel Pentium II (or compatible) processor
  • MS Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Vista
  • 128MB of RAM and 128MB of VRAM
  • Computer with DVD drive
  • Headphones or speakers
  • Flash Player (free download from http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/)

Mac

  • 500 MHz PowerPC G3 or 1.33 GHz Intel Core Duo processor
  • Mac OS X v10.4 or 10.5
  • 128MB of RAM and 128MB of VRAM
  • Computer with DVD drive
  • Headphones or speakers
  • Flash Player (free download from http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/)
Attention Mac Users: To access the Alif Baa materials on a Mac, insert the disk into your drive. The disk will appear on your desktop and it will automatically open in a new window. From here, double click the "G" icon labeled "AlifBaa." The program will begin.

NOTE FOR MAC USERS: It has come to our attention that a very small number of audio files in Alif Baa with Multimedia (in the Dialogue section in Unit One and Listening Exercise 10 in Unit Five) do not play. However, if you are a MAC user and you experience this problem, you have several options:

  1. Play the same DVD on a PC to review those particular exercises.
  2. Visit http://alifbaa.drivingcreative.com to access the exercises online.
  3. Request a replacement DVD by calling 800-537-5487. We’ve reprinted our stock of replacement DVDs so that these exercises are no longer problematic.

For Al-Kitaab Part One, Second Edition; Al-Kitaab Part Two, Second Edition; and the repackaged Al-Kitaab Part Three:
For optimum performance, use Windows XP (for PC) or OS X (for Mac) with Windows Media Player version 10 or higher or the newest version of RealPlayer to play the DVDs. If you are using an earlier version of Windows, you may experience difficulties in playing these DVDs.

Windows Media Player is available as a free download in formats for both Macs and PCs at http://www.microsoft.com/downloads. RealPlayer is available for free at http://www.real.com/player.

Georgetown University Press recommends that the DVDs that are provided with this series be played on a computer, rather than a home DVD player, and that the computer has at least the following capabilities:

System Requirements

  • Operating Systems: Windows 9x/NT4/ME/2000/XP; Mac OS 9 and higher
  • Processors: Pentium II and higher; Mac G3 and higher
  • RAM: 128 MB
  • Monitor Resolution: 800x600 and higher
  • DVD-ROM drive with 2x speed
  • Peripherals: Sound card, video card, speakers, DVD player software

Troubleshooting

NOTE FOR MAC USERS: It has come to our attention that a very small number of audio files in Alif Baa with Multimedia (in the Dialogue section in Unit One and Listening Exercise 10 in Unit Five) do not play. However, if you are a MAC user and you experience this problem, you have several options:

  1. Play the same DVD on a PC to review those particular exercises.
  2. Visit http://alifbaa.drivingcreative.com to access the exercises online.
  3. Request a replacement DVD by calling 800-537-5487. We’ve reprinted our stock of replacement DVDs so that these exercises are no longer problematic.

The DVDs that accompany Parts One, Two, and Three are playable as MPEG-2 files, therefore, you must have an MPEG-2 decoder, which is included in the recommended versions of Windows Media Player and RealPlayer. If you experience any trouble playing the DVDs:

  • It is possible that the computer is not equipped to play it. Please try to play it on a different computer that has MPEG-2 decoding capability. You may want to allot more memory to virtual memory, or you may restart your computer to refresh the virtual memory. Consult your computer's manual on how to do this.
  •   Please play all the DVDs to check their playability.
  •   If these tips do not result in your ability to play the DVDs, please ask your bookstore to contact Hopkins Fulfillment Services at
  •   1-800-537-5487 for information on how to acquire replacement DVDs.
 

Navigation Tips

  • To move through the DVD, single click on the highlighted buttons. Click the Menu button on the screen or the Menu button on your remote to end audios or videos and return to the main menu. Click the Return button to return to the top menu.
  • Though each screen contains a menu on the side, not all sections apply to each lesson. If the section is not clickable, for example the Signs section in early lessons of Alif Baa, then this section is not available in this lesson. This does not mean your DVD is defective.
  • To fast forward to a particular part of a video or audio passage, use the slider bar on the bottom of the player's window to scroll to it.
  • If you encounter difficulties when trying to play the DVD on your computer, you may want to allot more memory to virtual memory, or you may restart your computer to refresh the virtual memory. Consult your computer's manual on how to do this.
  • If you experience any trouble playing the DVD, it is possible that the computer is not equipped to play it. Please try to play it on a different computer.