The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters. At first, they might look like intricate drawings, but each one is a distinct character, just like the letters you already know. The most important difference is the direction. Arabic is written and read from right to left.

Think of English letters as individual blocks. We place them next to each other, but they don't touch. Arabic is different. It’s a cursive script, meaning the letters in a word flow together and connect to one another. This creates a graceful, unbroken line.

Because letters connect, they need to change shape slightly depending on where they are in a word. It’s like shaking hands; you extend your hand to connect with someone. Arabic letters do the same thing.

Each letter has four possible forms:

• Isolated: How the letter looks when it’s by itself.
• Initial: How it looks at the beginning of a word (connecting to the left).
• Medial: How it looks in the middle of a word (connecting on both sides).
• Final: How it looks at the end of a word (connecting from the right).

Don't worry, the changes are logical. Most letters keep their core shape, just adding small connectors to link to their neighbors.

Notice how Baa (ب) is a simple connector. It extends a line to join the next letter. Ayn (ع) changes more dramatically to ensure a smooth flow.

Some letters, like Alif (ا), are one-way connectors. They will connect to a letter on their right but will not connect to a letter on their left. This causes a break in the middle of a word. These are sometimes called the "non-connecting" letters.

The key to mastering the script is to practice writing each letter in its four forms. Start by tracing them. Then, try writing them on your own. Focus on the flow and the connections, not on making them perfect.

Here are the six letters that only connect from the right. It's a good idea to memorize them, as they create the natural breaks within words.

Getting comfortable with these shapes is the first and most important step to reading and writing Arabic. Take your time with each letter, and soon you'll recognize them everywhere.