[nabs-l] learning arabic or chinese

[Eliza Cooper]

Hi list,
	My name is Eliza, and I've subscribed because I'm looking for  
information on learning languages that use non-standard alphabets.   
I'm planning to learn either arabic or chinese, but I'd love to get  
any advice on how to handle written homework assignments and textbooks  
that use different characters.  Has anyone taken such a language?  Any  
help would be great.
	Thanks,
	Eliza