Are you curious about learning Arabic but worried that it might be too hard? Of course, the difficulty that comes with learning a new skill is somewhat subjective. The challenges of learning Arabic depend on factors like if you have fluency in other Semitic languages, how much time you can commit to studying, and how motivated and passionate you are about the language.
No matter your current schedule or comfort level with Arabic, there are plenty of tools available to help make learning easier than you might think.
What is Arabic?
Part of the family of Semitic languages that also includes Hebrew and Aramaic, Arabic is an ancient language that dates back to the 8th century BCE. There are three main versions of Arabic – Quranic or Classical, Modern Standard, and Colloquial or Daily – with roughly 25 dialects in total.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the sixth most spoken language in the world with more than 360 million people speaking various Arabic dialects. While commonly spoken throughout the world, Arabic is drastically different from English and the romance languages of Europe, which can make it challenging to learn. Known as an “impure abjad, ” Arabic uses a phonetic alphabet made up of 28 consonants and three vowels. It’s also written and read right to left with no upper or lower case, creating another hurdle for those wishing to learn.
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Deeply rooted in calligraphy, Arabic is as visual as it is verbal, making it equal parts language and art. Steeped in rich history and imbued with the ability to adapt, Arabic is a language built to withstand the tests of time.
Benefits of Learning Arabic?
There are many benefits to studying a foreign language, especially Arabic. Learning a foreign language can improve brain function, memory, mental flexibility, and creativity, and can even help protect against dementia and mental decline. Practicing Arabic is like conditioning for your brain and can help you learn other things more efficiently, too.
If you’re wanting to expand your community, look for Arabic language conversational groups in your area, or volunteer at local refugee support organizations to practice your vocabulary while connecting with others. You could also join a neighborhood ESL program and help new Arabic neighbors practice their English in exchange for tips and tricks on their native language.
Do you love to travel? Arabic is the official language of 22 countries, so having even a basic understanding of the language means you can confidently explore many more destinations across the globe. You’ll be able to interact with locals, ask them questions, and understand their culture better. Being able to speak such a popular language also helps with safety when you travel, as you’ll be able to navigate public transit, read street signs and menus, and ask for help when you need it.
Interested in a new career? You can become a translator and support native Arabic speakers while they navigate spaces like hospitals, schools, or local social services. Being multilingual is highly desirable in today’s job market so knowing Arabic can give you an advantage when looking for careers in government, foreign relations, or academic areas. Becoming fluent in Arabic would also allow you to support refugee and immigrant populations as a case coordinator or program manager.
What Are the Hardest Parts of Learning Arabic?
Arabic and English are two very different languages, so learning Arabic can be substantially challenging. Some of the most common challenges you’ll encounter are listed below but keep in mind that with the right amount of dedication and passion, anyone can master Arabic.
Different Alphabet
English and Arabic use entirely different alphabets, with the Arabic alphabet containing only three vowels to English’s six. As previously stated, Arabic is also written and read from right to left, which can take some time to adjust to, and contains no distinction between upper and lower case letters. Additionally, the rules of pronunciation differ drastically from English. Learning an entirely new alphabet and how to read and write in the opposite direction will take time to master.
Time Commitment
According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI), it can take up to 88 weeks, or 2200 class hours, to become fluent in Arabic. The FSI also estimates that it takes around 720 hours to master basic fluency, as opposed to the estimated 480 hours for romance languages, which is why daily practice is recommended when learning Arabic. Committing to the amount of time needed (a minimum of 20 minutes per day) can be a challenge for some. You can try listening to vocabulary while you drive, practice your conversational skills when ordering lunch at an Arabic restaurant, or hone your writing skills in the evening while you watch tv. You can also block time in your calendar to guarantee you’re able to practice each day.
Staying Motivated
All of these factors may seem intimidating, but it’s important to remember that learning a new language is both accessible and fun! Studying a language requires minimal supplies and can be more affordable than other hobbies. Determination and an open mind will help motivate you as you learn, opening an entirely new world consisting of exciting cultures, practices, and ways of life.
Key Takeaways
- Arabic is an ancient language that is designed to be read, making it equal parts written language and art.
- Spoken by over 360 million people, Arabic is the sixth most spoken language in the world.
- There are many benefits to learning Arabic like improving your mental dexterity, making new friends, opening up new travel destinations and experiences, and creating new career opportunities.
- There are many challenges to mastering Arabic like learning an entirely new alphabet in the Semitic language family, how much time you need to commit to studying, and how motivated and passionate you are about the language.