Caleb Dewey

Caleb Dewey began his Arabic learning journey through BYU's high school summer immersive camp, where he completed the 100-level Arabic classes. This initial exposure to the language laid a strong foundation for his future studies. Encouraged by his early experiences, Caleb decided to major in Arabic at BYU. One of the most pivotal moments in his language development was his study abroad program in Jordan. During this time, he engaged in two-hour daily conversations with native Jordanian Arabic speakers, significantly improving his spoken language skills. This immersive experience contributed to his success on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI).

A key figure in Caleb's journey was Ahmed Karout, a native Syrian professor whom Caleb regarded as the most effective language teacher he had ever had. Professor Karout’s unique teaching approach emphasized the importance of pushing students to learn new phrases and fully grasp the Arabic root system. This rigorous training proved especially beneficial in Caleb’s preparation for the OPI. Additionally, Caleb refined his Arabic proficiency through advanced courses such as 411 and 495, which focused on reading, writing, and speaking.

Caleb’s passion for Arabic was fueled by cultural experiences, particularly the moment he successfully held a full conversation with a native Jordanian teacher. He also found that engaging with topics of personal interest, such as the religious aspects of Arabic and the Quran, deepened his motivation to learn. A key aspect of his learning approach was embracing mistakes as a necessary part of the process. Over time, he adapted his mindset to align with the Arab cultural approach to feedback, which allowed him to improve more effectively.

Drawing from his experiences, Caleb offers valuable advice for students preparing for the OPI. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the OPI rating system and familiarizing oneself with the different proficiency levels. Self-assessment is crucial, and online tools can help evaluate one’s current language ability. Setting goals based on "I can" statements and striving for the next level ensures steady progress. Regular speaking practice, including recording oneself to identify areas for improvement, is an essential part of preparation. Caleb also recommends using AI tools to generate sample OPI questions and practice responses.

A strong grasp of challenging grammar is another key component of success. If certain tenses or grammatical structures are difficult, it’s important to dedicate focused study and practice to those concepts. Additionally, learning and using connector phrases helps build arguments and demonstrate advanced language skills. Practicing OPI-style interviews, reviewing feedback, and preparing for everyday conversation topics are also beneficial strategies. Expanding vocabulary by memorizing word lists and actively incorporating new words into speech can make a significant difference. Pronunciation is another critical aspect, and Caleb suggests using companion websites for textbooks to improve clarity and articulation.

Caleb highlights the importance of mental preparation before the interview. Reviewing key connector words and cultural phrases ensures they are fresh in one’s mind. His journey underscores the value of immersive experiences, dedicated teachers, a positive attitude towards mistakes, and targeted preparation. By following his advice, learners can enhance their Arabic proficiency and approach the OPI with confidence.