Millions of people of Lebanese and Arabic ancestry who live outside Lebanon have no firsthand knowledge of the Arabic Lebanese dialect which is understood in Syria, Jordan, Palestine, and other Arab countries. When people of Lebanese ancestry visit their families and loved ones in Lebanon, they often find themselves unable to communicate effectively because of their limited command and understanding of the Lebanese dialect. The results are embarrassments, failed communications, disappointments, and unsatisfactory visits. Professor Maksoud Feghali put 25 years of his experience in teaching foreign languages to correct that situation. He designed a handy language guide based on a phonetic system he has developed. His phonetic system allows people to learn the Arabic Lebanese dialect with ease and speed. Spoken Lebanese, Feghali's book, teaches the Arabic Lebanese dialect through topics such as food, clothing, transportation, and leisure activities. This book, in addition to teaching the language, will be of great help to any one connected or traveling to the Arab World because it provides a better understanding of the Arabic culture and traditions. Spoken Lebanese includes a comprehensive lexicon. It presents realistic scenarios, dialogs, and situations that allow the visitors to communicate quite well with their hosts and families.

Originally from Bsous, Lebanon, Dr. Maksoud Feghali was born and raised in the town of Hazmieh, a suburb of Beirut. In 1974, Dr. Feghali emigrated to pursue higher education in the United States. He earned his PhD from Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. In 1982, Dr. Feghali joined the Defense Language Institute, Monterrey, California, where he taught Arabic, co-authored the Arabic Basic Course, and co-developed the Defense Language Proficiency Test. In 1989, Dr. Feghali joined Appalachian State University, a member institution of the University of North Carolina, where he is currently professor of French, and director of the French Exchange Program. Dr. Feghali has lectured extensively on Lebanon, France, the Middle East, French culture and literature, English as a second language, and foreign language acquisition. He has published several related books and articles.