According to the U.S. Foreign Service Institute, it can take up to 88 weeks, or 2200 class hours, to become fluent in Arabic. While this amount of time may seem daunting, it's important to remember that several factors can impact how quickly you learn. Plus, mastering the basics of Arabic can take substantially less time with some research showing you can learn quite a lot with only 20 minutes each day. Keep reading to learn about how you can learn Arabic and some resources to help speed the process along.
What is Arabic?
Part of the family of Semitic languages that also includes Hebrew and Aramaic, Arabic is an ancient language. Early versions date back to the 8th century BCE but it has evolved over the course of several centuries into what it is today.
Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the sixth most spoken language in the world with more than 360 million people speaking various Arabic dialects. While common across the globe, Arabic is drastically different from English and the romance languages of Europe, which makes it challenging to learn. Known as an “impure abjad, ” Arabic uses an entirely different alphabet made up of 28 consonants and three vowels. Arabic is also written and read right to left with no upper or lower case, creating another hurdle for those wishing to learn.
Deeply rooted in calligraphy, Arabic is a language designed to be written, 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.
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Benefits of Learning Arabic?
There are many benefits to learning a foreign language, especially Arabic. Studying a foreign language can improve brain function, memory, mental flexibility, and creativity, and can even help protect against dementia and mental decline. Learning Arabic is like conditioning for your brain and can help you learn other things more efficiently, too.
Wanting to make new friends? 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 residents practice their English in exchange for tips and tricks on their native language.
Arabic is the official language of 22 countries, so having even a basic understanding of the language can open up many new travel 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 ask for help when needed.
Interested in a new career? Those who are fluent can become translators 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 could give you an advantage when looking for careers in government, foreign relations, or academic areas. Learning Arabic would also allow you to support refugee and immigrant populations as a case coordinator or program manager.
Average Time It Takes to Learn Arabic
It’s no secret that Arabic is considered a difficult language to learn. The FSI estimates that it takes around 720 hours to master basic fluency, as opposed to the estimated 480 hours for romance languages. As mentioned above, complete fluency takes about 2200 hours (88 weeks) of study. The complexities of Arabic require daily practice so that you can fully immerse yourself in the grammar, sentence structure, and culture of the language.
Other Factors
Of course, other factors can affect your speed of learning. Below are some things to help you set realistic goals for your studies so that you can master this language in an amount of time that works for you.
Semitic Language Experience
Having fluency in another Semitic language can help speed along the process, as you’ll already be familiar with how these languages work. The common origin of these languages can be seen within individual words like “peace.” It is salām– in Arabic, šlām-āʼ in Aramaic, šālôm in Hebrew and sliem in Maltese. “House” is another good example, as it’s bayt– in Arabic, bayt-āʼ in Aramaic, báyiṯ in Hebrew, and bejt in Maltese. While you won’t be able to communicate in all these languages by learning one of them, you will have your mind conditioned to better adapt to them.
Scheduling Time
One of the biggest factors in learning Arabic is how much time you can commit to learning. How many minutes or hours each day can you dedicate to studying? As mentioned previously, a minimum of 20 minutes each day is recommended, so scheduling this time into your calendar can be extremely helpful. You can listen to vocabulary while you drive to work, practice your conversational skills at lunch by visiting a local Arabic restaurant, or hone your penmanship in the evenings while you watch tv.
Motivation and Passion
Sticking to your time commitment will rely heavily on your “why.” What motivates you to learn Arabic? Perhaps you’d like to be able to make your recently emigrated neighbor feel more at home or your company is expanding into global markets where speaking Arabic will be required. Remind yourself of your why as a way to stoke your passion for learning so that, even when it gets difficult, you’re still focused on your goal.
What to Know Before Learning Arabic
There are no prerequisites for learning Arabic but having experience with other Semitic languages can be greatly beneficial. If you’ve studied Hebrew or Aramaic, you will be familiar with how vastly different the alphabet is from that of English. Because Arabic can be challenging for English speakers, finding ways to practice your skills will be very important. Conversational partners or groups or local Arabic meet-ups can be a great way to implement what you’re learning.
Arabic will also require patience and passion to help you stay motivated but, with the right attitude and determination, anyone can become fluent in Arabic.
Can I Learn Arabic for Free / on My Own?
Free online tutorials and videos, like those found on Youtube, can be a great way to get a taste of Arabic before committing to a full course. Language apps on your phone are also another convenient and (often) free way to practice your skills. While all of these options are easily accessible, a formal Arabic language course is your best bet for becoming conversationally fluent and culturally competent.
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.
- It is estimated that mastering Arabic can take up to 2200 hours, with basic fluency requiring 720 hours.
- Several factors can affect your learning speed, like having previous experience with Semitic languages, how much time you’re willing to commit to learning, and how motivated and passionate you are about the language.
- While there are free resources available online for studying Arabic, an in-person or online class is the best way to guarantee an in-depth and efficient education.
- If you’d prefer other learning options, CourseHorse also offers private lessons and private group classes that can be tailored to fit your needs. You can reach out on the website to learn more about all available options, including in-person and online classes.