In conjunction with learning how to read and write the alphabet, Alif Baa introduces about 150 basic vocabulary words, including conventional forms of politeness and social greetings. Standard Arabic vocabulary is more evenly distributed throughout the book, introduced through color pictures on DVD and activated through book and classroom exercises. Social greetings are introduced through new versions of dialogue that take place in an Egyptian context. Finally, it includes capsules on Arab culture as well as an English-Arabic glossary. Alif Baa provides the essential first twenty to twenty-five contact hours of instruction that lay the groundwork for the rest of the Al-Kitaab language program.