Syrian Dialect vs MSA | What Should You Learn First?

Introduction

If you’re planning to learn Arabic, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: Syrian dialect vs Modern Standard Arabic—what’s the difference, and which one should I start with?

At LangPage, we specialize in both forms of Arabic: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and the Syrian (Shami) dialect, and this guide will help you understand the key differences, use cases, and how to choose what’s best for your goals.

What Is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)?

Modern Standard Arabic (الفصحى) is the formal version of the Arabic language used in:

• Books and newspapers

• News broadcasts

• Academic settings

• Quranic and classical texts

It is the version of Arabic that is taught in schools across the Arab world and understood by all educated Arabs.

Advantages of Learning MSA:

• Universally understood in the Arab world

• Foundation for reading and writing Arabic

• Essential for religious, academic, and formal communication

What Is the Syrian Dialect?

The Syrian dialect is part of the Levantine Arabic group and is spoken in Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan. It’s a natural, everyday language that people use at home, on the streets, in songs, and in TV shows.

Why It’s Popular:

• Widely understood thanks to Syrian drama and media

• Softer pronunciation and rhythm, making it easier to follow

• Very close to MSA in structure and vocabulary

Syrian Arabic is also one of the most beloved dialects because of its cultural richness, musicality, and emotional depth.

Syrian Dialect vs Modern Standard Arabic: Key Differences

Which Should You Learn First?

It depends on your goal. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Learn MSA First If You Want To:

• Read the Quran or Islamic books

• Pursue academic studies or Arabic exams

• Build a strong foundation for all Arabic types

Learn the Syrian Dialect First If You Want To:

• Speak with native Arabs in daily life

• Watch Arabic shows and movies with ease

• Learn Arabic in a relaxed, conversational way

At LangPage, many students start with Syrian dialect for speaking and gradually add MSA for reading and writing.

Why LangPage Teaches Both

We don’t believe in choosing one over the other. That’s why LangPage offers structured lessons in both Syrian dialect and MSA, taught by native Syrian educator Ustazah Alaa Jalloul.

You’ll Learn:

• Real-life conversational Arabic from day one

• The formal Arabic needed for reading and writing

• How both forms connect and complement each other

This dual approach makes Arabic feel less intimidating and more natural to learn.