Use 8 key Arabic greetings and farewells correctly in context
F2Lesson 1 of 12◇ Core language
Greetings — Hello, Goodbye and How Are You?
التحيات — مرحبا وإلى اللقاء وكيف حالك؟
Greetings & Personal Information · Everyday communication
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Learning Objectives
Focus on these outcomes rather than trying to memorise everything at once.
Respond to the question كيف حالك؟ with at least 3 different answers
Understand the cultural significance of greetings in Arabic-speaking contexts
Revision plan
- 8 minWarm-upGreetings from around the world
- 15 minStep 1Core greetings — presentation and drill
- 15 minStep 2Mingling greetings activity
- 12 minStep 3Dialogue gap-fill and gender distinction
- 10 minPlenaryGreetings performance
Exam connection: Paper 3 Speaking: role play (transactional — meet and greet) and two topic conversations (one covering personal information). Paper 4 Writing Q1: form-filling. Paper 2 Reading: personal profiles. Paper 1 Listening: introductions.
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Vocabulary
Tap each card to reveal the meaning, category and example.
Three-step recall
- Say the Arabic aloud.
- Cover the meaning and recall it.
- Use six items in your own spoken or written sentences.
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Quizzes
Use the two short checks. Errors show you what to revise next.
Quiz 1 — Meaning check
0 / 61. What does مَرْحَبًا mean?
2. What does مَساءُ الخَيْر mean?
3. What does مَعَ السَّلامَة mean?
4. What does السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم mean?
5. What does صَباحُ الخَيْر mean?
6. What does مَساءُ النُّور mean?
Quiz 2 — Match Arabic and English
العربية
English
Matched: 0 / 6
Stretch challenge
Choose three matched items and combine them into one accurate sentence or short exchange.
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Grammar
Read the rule, notice the pattern and then produce your own examples.
Core rule / strategy
Introduction to masculine/feminine distinction in address (كَ vs كِ in كيف حالك). The definite article ال revisited in greeting phrases. Intonation patterns in questions vs statements.
Notice the pattern
- السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم
- وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلام
- مَرْحَبًا
- أَهْلًا وَسَهْلًا
Accuracy checklist
- Check the subject and verb or noun/adjective agreement.
- Check gender, number and tense or time frame.
- Use the lesson structure in a complete, meaningful sentence.
- Read the sentence aloud and correct anything that sounds incomplete.
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Check a model pattern after you try
Compare your sentences with these lesson patterns. Check the same agreement, tense or word order.
- كيف حالك
- السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم
- وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلام
Now correct one of your own sentences if needed.
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Skills Practice
Practise listening, reading, speaking and writing with the same lesson language.
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Listening
Listen for key details. Listen twice: first for the overall meaning, then for evidence.
🎧 Recorded audio coming soon — use the device voice for listening practice now. Keep the transcript hidden for your first two listens.
السَّلامُ عَلَيْكُم. وَعَلَيْكُمُ السَّلام. مَرْحَبًا. أَهْلًا وَسَهْلًا. كَيْفَ حالُكَ؟
- What is the main topic or situation?
- Write two key details you hear.
- Which word or phrase helped you decide?
Check your listening
A successful answer identifies the main topic, at least three accurate words and one relevant detail. Replay once, then reveal the transcript only if you still need support.
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Reading
Underline known words before answering.
السلام عليكم. السلام عليكم. وعليكم السلام. صباح الخير.
- What is the main idea or situation?
- Choose one phrase and explain what it means in this context.
- Find one example that shows the lesson language or grammar in use.
- What extra detail could you add to make the text more complete?
Reading support
Start with names, numbers, repeated words, connectors and familiar verb patterns. You do not need to translate every word.
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Speaking
Build your answer, then ask a follow-up question.
- Introduce yourself or describe another person using the lesson focus. Include at least three lesson words and one accurate detail.
- Use at least three useful items from this lesson and one complete sentence with the target grammar.
- Add one reason, detail or example instead of giving only a short answer.
Useful frame:في رَأيي.. لِأَنَّ.. أَيضاً.. وَمِن جِهَةٍ أُخرى..
Working alone? Record yourself for 30–60 seconds, listen back once, and improve one pronunciation, grammar or fluency point.
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Writing
Plan, write, check and improve.
Task: Write a short personal message or profile using the lesson focus and vocabulary. Target: 40–60 words.
Need help? Build your answer in small steps
- Opening: one clear sentence that answers the task.
- Detail: add two relevant pieces of information.
- Extend: add a reason, opinion, time phrase or example.
- Check: compare agreement, spelling and tense with the lesson rule.
Patterns from this lesson you can adapt:
- السلام عليكم
- السلام عليكم
- وعليكم السلام
Try first without opening this support. Adapt the patterns; do not copy them as a complete answer.
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Activities
Complete the activities in order, or choose the one that addresses your weakest area.
Independent revision: if an activity mentions a partner, cards, a picture or classroom equipment, use paper/notes on your device and complete both sides yourself. For speaking, record your answer and listen back once.
Warm-up8 min
Greetings from around the world
Your partner greets the class in 5 different languages (Bonjour, Hola, Salaam, Shalom, Nǐ hǎo). Identify the language. Then ask: "What do all greetings have in common?" Establish: greetings open conversations, show respect, set the tone. In Arabic, greetings are particularly important — they often include blessings and have prescribed responses. Today we learn the Arabic greeting system.
Step 115 min
Core greetings — presentation and drill
Study the 8 greetings on flashcards with audio. Copy the pronunciation carefully — especially السلام عليكم (the lam-alif, the ayn). Drill: your partner says greeting, you respond with the correct response (السلام عليكم → وعليكم السلام; صباح الخير → صباح النور; كيف حالك → بخير الحمد لله). Drill 5 times each pair. Then your partner says the response, you say the greeting (reversing the drill to check both sides).
Step 215 min
Mingling greetings activity
You stand up. For 5 minutes they move around the room greeting each other in Arabic — they must use at least 4 different greetings (tracked on a personal tally card). your partner joins in and models natural speed. After 5 minutes, you sit and report: "I used.. I found.. difficult because.." This speaking activity builds confidence and naturalness. Note: ensure السلام عليكم is introduced respectfully — explain its religious significance and that it is appropriate for everyone to use as a language learners' greeting.
Step 312 min
Dialogue gap-fill and gender distinction
Use the gap-fill worksheet — a short dialogue between Ahmad and Sara. You fill in the missing greetings. Then focus: on paper write كيف حالكَ vs كيف حالكِ. Explain: Arabic distinguishes masculine and feminine in the "you" form. The كَ (fatha) is for males, كِ (kasra) is for females. You practise: "If I am speaking to a boy I say.. if speaking to a girl I say.." Pairs practise with correct forms.
Plenary10 min
Greetings performance
Perform a short greeting exchange (minimum 4 lines each) for a partner, who gives feedback using two stars and a wish (2 things done well, 1 suggestion). Remember: today's greetings will appear in IGCSE Paper 3 Speaking role plays and topic conversations. Write all 8 greetings + responses in their vocabulary section with translation.
Useful to have
Things you can make or find to help you revise this lesson:
- Greeting flashcards (phrase + translation)
- Audio clips of authentic Arabic greetings (recorded voice or an appropriate audio source)
- Role-play scenario cards
- Greeting dialogue gap-fill worksheet
Stretch challenge
If you already speak some Arabic at home: write the full greeting السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته and its response, and explain the meaning of each word. Then prepare a longer greeting dialogue (6–8 lines) for next lesson's speaking practice.
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Plenary
Finish with a quick check and one clear next step.
Key takeaways
- Use 8 key Arabic greetings and farewells correctly in context
- Respond to the question كيف حالك؟ with at least 3 different answers
- Understand the cultural significance of greetings in Arabic-speaking contexts
- Grammar focus: Introduction to masculine/feminine distinction in address (كَ vs كِ in كيف حالك). The definite article ال revisited in greeting phrases. Intonation patterns in questions vs statements.
Final check
Mingling activity observation (your partner tracks use of 4+ greetings). Gap-fill worksheet. Plenary performance.
Optional follow-up
Learn all 8 greetings and their responses by heart. Practise with a family member or friend. Write a short imaginary dialogue (6 lines) between two people meeting for the first time — use at least 4 greetings from today.
Confidence check
How secure do you feel after this lesson?
Remember: quick revision works best when you revisit weak vocabulary and correct errors, not when you try to complete everything in one sitting.