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This Free Video Game Teaches You Lebanese Arabic While Exploring Beirut!
It’s hard to pick up the Arabic language because it depends on which Arab country you live in. Since each country has its own dialect, it’s not enough to just learn standard Arabic. If you’ve been wanting to perfect your Lebanese Arabic, we found a fun new way to pick it up (and it’s completely free).
Lebanon Chronicles is an interactive browser game that lets you explore Beirut, meet locals, and pick up everyday Lebanese Arabic through conversations instead of memorizing flashcards.
Who’s behind the game?
The project was created by Louis, a software developer who grew up in France but fell in love with Lebanon after visiting a few years ago. While trying to learn the local dialect himself, he realized that most language apps focused on Modern Standard Arabic rather than the Lebanese Arabic people actually speak every day. So, he decided to build the kind of learning tool he wished existed.
Described as a “love letter to Lebanon,” the game follows characters like your cousin Jamila and your Teta as you wander through the city. Along the way, you’ll order mana2ish, shop for clothes, chat with neighbors, and even answer questions from strangers on the Corniche, learning vocabulary naturally as you go.
How it works
Each conversation includes Arabic script, Latin transliteration, and audio pronunciation, making it easier to read, understand, and speak the dialect with confidence.
Rather than memorizing word lists, Lebanon Chronicles teaches Lebanese Arabic through everyday situations, giving players a glimpse into the country’s culture and daily life. The game is completely free, with no ads or paywalls, and is supported through community donations that help cover hosting costs and fund new chapters and voice recordings.
The best part is that the game completely free to play in your browser, making it a great option whether you’re reconnecting with your Lebanese roots, planning a visit, or simply curious to learn the dialect in a more engaging way.
While Louis does not plan on monetizing the game, it’s supported by optional community donations that help cover roughly $90 in monthly hosting and development costs.
If you’d like to support his project, play the game here or follow Lebanon Chronicles on Instagram.
