With so many languages to choose from, you may be wondering why you should learn Arabic. Here, you’ll learn more about the ways that you can benefit from Arabic and how it can enhance your life. Regardless of your overall goals, learning Arabic can be a valuable and impressive skill to learn
What is Arabic?
An ancient language, Arabic is a part of the family of Semitic languages that also includes Hebrew and Aramaic. Early versions of the language date back to the 8th century BCE but it has been refined and evolved over several centuries.
There are currently more than 360 million speakers of various Arabic dialects with Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) listed as the sixth most spoken language in the world. While common across the globe, Arabic is vastly different from English and the languages of Europe, Which can make it challenging to learn. It has an entirely different alphabet made up of 28 consonants and three vowels. Known as an “impure abjad, ” Arabic is also written and read right to left with no upper or lower case, creating another hurdle for those wishing to learn.
Arabic is a language designed to be written and is deeply rooted in calligraphy, making it equal parts language and art. Steeped in rich history and imbued with the ability to adapt, Arabic is a language designed to withstand the tests of time.
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Benefits of Learning Arabic?
There are endless reasons to learn Arabic. Listed below are some of the top perks that show how learning Arabic can positively impact many facets of your life from your mental health to your social life and long-term goals.
Brain Health
Learning a foreign language has been proven to improve brain function, memory, mental flexibility, and creativity, and can even help ward off dementia. Challenging your brain by earning Arabic can help you learn other things more efficiently, too, as your brain has been conditioned to handle challenges better.
The Discovery Center in Chicago offers you an opportunity to experience these mental benefits with Arabic Language—Beginner. Located in Irving Park, this class explores Arabic cultures while helping you get practical language experience. Students will have plenty of chances to engage in discussions with each other as this course emphasizes conversational Arabic.
If you’re in the northeast, the Boston Language Institute in Fenway hosts Arabic Language and Culture Level 1 which focuses on conversational proficiency. By studying the phonology and fundamentals of Arabic syntax, students will learn to read and write the Arabic alphabet and simple texts. By the end of the course, students will be able to greet others, master at least 100 vocabulary words, and have an understanding of cultural issues and differences.
The Boston Language Institute also offers Arabic Language and Culture Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5. Students who complete all five levels will be able to read and understand multi-paragraph texts and converse with confidence.
Make New Friends
The official language of 22 countries, learning Arabic can be a great way to connect with other cultures and make new friends. You can find Arabic language conversational groups in your area, which are helpful for both making friends and honing your new skills. Or you can become a volunteer at local refugee support organizations to practice your vocabulary while helping 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.
If you’re in the Houston area, several classes can help you meet new people while learning Arabic. Beginning Arabic: Level 1 teaches practical vocabulary and the basic language patterns of spoken Arabic. Students will also gain experience with reading and writing. Beginning Arabic: Level II and Beginning Arabic: Level III will continue to build upon these foundational skills while preparing students to move on to intermediate classes. All of these courses are held at the Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies at Rice University in the Museum District.
For those located in sunny San Diego, the IQraa Academy of San Diego offers several in-person classes. Arabic 100: Beginner will focus on reading and writing the letters of the alphabet, forming words, and memorizing vocabulary. Arabic 201: Intermediate will study nominal sentences, prepositional phrases, noun-adjective phrases, masculine/feminine nouns, possessive phrases, and demonstrative pronouns. Both classes use the Madinah Arabic books and you will need to purchase yours before class.
Traveling with Ease
Do you dream of exploring the world? Learning a foreign language helps eliminate barriers when you travel. It is helpful to know the native language of the countries you visit, so knowing Arabic can open up numerous new destinations for your choosing. You can interact with locals, ask them questions, and understand their culture better. Being able to speak such a popular language also creates an additional layer of safety when you travel, as you’ll be able to navigate public transit, read street signs, and ask for help when needed.
The Middle East Institute is located in the heart of Washington D.C. and has a variety of Arabic language courses for all levels. Offerings include 131 Levantine Arabic Level I, 121 Egyptian Arabic Level I, and 501 Intermediate Arabic Media, providing an expansive education in various dialects and applications of the language.
The San Jose Learning Center hosts Arabic Level 1 where students will learn the Arabic alphabet and special additional letters like the Hamza, Laam-Alef, and Taa Marboota. This class will cover the Egyptian, and Levantine dialects, as well as Modern Standard Arabic which is used in modern literature, government, media, educational institutions, and business throughout the Arabic-speaking world. Once you’ve completed this course, you can move on to Arabic Level 2 which will focus on the rules of grammar, conjugation of verbs, pronouns, and sentence structure.
Career Opportunities
Fluency in Arabic can also open up new professional avenues. You could become a translator and help native Arabic speakers communicate in hospitals, schools, or with local social services. Being multilingual is highly desirable in today’s job market and knowing Arabic could lead to successful 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.
You can explore how Arabic is beneficial to your career in Introduction to Arabic for Business and Commerce at New York City College of Technology in downtown Brooklyn. Created for students with no previous experience, this class utilizes audio and visual tools to quickly teach you to speak, understand, read, and write Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). You’ll practice your conversation skills through skits and discussions and participate in grammar exercises to help you master Arabic in record time.
If you reside in Denver, check out Bridge Languages in Capitol Hill. With over 30 years of experience, they offer the highest quality translation, interpretation, and language training services. You can attend a variety of classes, like Arabic Beginner (Intensive), Arabic Beginner (Semi-Intensive), and many others. They believe that effective and accessible foreign language classes can promote cultural competency and create global citizens. New classes begin every four weeks, so there are plenty of opportunities for you to attend.
How to Start Learning Arabic
While there are many ways to learn Arabic, the two most efficient ways are formal in-person and online classes. In-person classes are often considered the fastest and best way to study a new language. These classes provide a traditional setting and the beneficial structure that comes with it. Students also benefit from having face-to-face interaction with both an expert instructor and other students, allowing them to practice their conversational, written, and vocabulary skills.
Located in the greater D.C. area? Adult and Community Education offers an introduction to Arabic course that’s intended for those with no prior exposure to Arabic. Students will learn the basics like the alphabet, colors, days of the week, greetings, and genders. Establishing these fundamental skills will allow you to begin connecting thoughts and forming sentences.
If you’re located in the Pacific Northwest, Arabic 1 at the Washington Academy of Languages in Seattle is a great option for beginners. Students will be introduced to the Arabic writing system and basic grammar, creating a strong foundation for developing their conversational skills. (Get ready to practice subject pronouns, noun-adjective agreement, forming questions, and the present tense verb!) There is a required textbook for this course that students will want to purchase in advance.
Also located on the west coast, Advanced Arabic 1 is hosted by Pacific Arabic in San Francisco. Not designed for beginners, this class requires completion of Intermediate Arabic 6 or a similar intermediate class at another language school. Pacific Arabic is a secular apolitical language school that believes Arabic should be taught as a vibrant, living language. They offer a wide variety of classes, including beginner, and all are welcome to attend.
ABC Languages offers private Arabic classes in New York City that can be either one-on-one or composed of a group of friends, family, or colleagues. Their team of language experts will match you with a professional instructor who will craft a curriculum designed to meet your needs and goals. In-person lessons are located in Manhattan, but students can also attend online if they choose.
Live online classes offer several of the same benefits of in-person (interactions with both an instructor and students with a traditional approach) but with the bonus of learning from wherever you choose. Gone are the days of sitting in traffic or paying for parking. Your virtual Arabic class can be done from your living room, the library, or a coffee house.
Fluent City offers an introductory course called Arabic—Level 1. This class will cover all the basics like the alphabet, pronunciation, and both formal and informal language. By the end of the class, students will have basic conversational skills to introduce themselves to others, ask for directions, and engage in simple discussions.
ABC Languages offers a full range of courses in Arabic, from beginner to advanced. Arabic—Total Beginner is a six-week course that will teach students conversational Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) in 90-minute sessions. Textbooks are not included but students will be provided with intro material for the class and can purchase the book after starting the class.
Looking to dip your toes into Arabic before fully committing? All About Arabic: An Intro Workshop, also with ABC Languages, is your chance to do just that. This 90-minute class is taught by native speakers and teaches students a bit about greetings, Arabic script, and pronunciation. It’s a great way to find out if Arabic is for you without signing on for a multi-week course.
The International Center for Language Studies (ICLS) also offers a wide range of virtual classes. Founded in 1996, ICLS is a woman-owned independent language school based in Washington, DC. They offer everything from Arabic Beginner I to Arabic Advanced Contemporary Topics. All classes are held via Zoom and you’ll need a computer with a mic for your live online instruction.
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 a variety of ways you can study Arabic, but attending an in-person class offers you the quickest way to in-depth learning. You’ll interact with your highly-trained instructor and other students and can have your questions answered in real-time.
- Online classes are ideal for those who live in areas with limited in-person options or have a difficult schedule. You’ll still have an expert instructor and you’ll also get to learn from the comfort of your own home (or wherever you choose).
- Desiring a more intimate learning environment? CourseHorse offers private lessons and private group classes that can be designed to fit your exact needs. You can reach out via the website to learn more about all the available offerings, including in-person and online.