arabic language educational programs?

[trguitar]

I've been learning Arabic for the last few years, and just recently hooked up to Telstar 5 in order to watch the Arabic programming. My understanding of the language is at the point where I can basically understand what is being talked about, although my vocabulary has big gaps.

I really enjoy watching the news programs on Abu Dhabi TV.

My question is, are there any language educational programs on any of these channels? It doesn't matter for what age group. I'm totally content watching a kid's program, because to a native speaker I probably speak like a kid anyways.

Kuwait TV has good programing for kids and ecucational programs, but somthing wrong with their feed! Oman Tv has kid stuff too. I think every summer Dubai channel has a program called (summmer's surprises) where they ask kids basic questions in Arabic. I'll pay attention for you and inform you more!

[razinboy]

When I was a kid the popular shows were:

- Iftah ya simsim ("Open Sesame") - This is the Arabic version of Sesame Street. I know I've seen it on some of the land-based TV station recently in the Middle East. I'm sure at least one of the Satellite stations carries it.

- Al-Manahil - This was a similar educational program for the same age group. It was produced in Jordan.

- dubbed Japanese cartoons (eg Captain Majid). I used to really like these serials. Although, like the other two shows, these typically use Modern Standard Arabic as opposed to any regional dialect, you're probably more likely to pick up more vocabulary from the cartoons IMHO. The other two shows are targeted towards preschoolers and early grade schoolers.

Unfortunately I don't know when any of these programs air, if at all, on any of the satellite stations. I haven't installed mine yet but will be doing so soon. A rule of thumb is that most stations, particularly ones that don't have round the clock broadcasts, start their mornings (local time for the particular station - 9 or 10am) with children's shows. Possibly after some Quranic readings. They usually have another children's block in the afternoon (3 or 4 pm local time).

You might want to take a look at any quiz show also. They should be easier to follow than, say, Egyptian soaps.