Introduction:
Arabic is a Semitic language that first emerged in the 1st to 4th centuries CE. It is now the lingua franca of the Arab world. It is named after the Arabs, a term initially used to describe peoples living in the Arabian Peninsula bounded by eastern Egypt in the west, Mesopotamia in the east, and the Anti-Lebanon mountains and Northern Syria in the north, as perceived by ancient Greek geographers The ISO assigns language codes to thirty varieties of Arabic, including its standard form, Modern Standard Arabic, also referred to as Literary Arabic, which is modernized Classical Arabic. This distinction exists primarily among Western linguists; Arabic speakers themselves generally do not distinguish between Modern Standard Arabic and Classical Arabic, but rather refer to both as al-ʿarabiyyatu l-fuṣḥā (اَلعَرَبِيَّةُ ٱلْفُصْحَىٰ[7] “the eloquent Arabic”) or simply al-fuṣḥā (اَلْفُصْحَىٰ). Modern Standard Arabic is an official language of 26 states and 1 disputed territory, the third most after English and French.
- Arabic boasts around 313 million speakers worldwide, and is the communication gateway to the Middle East where many have made a fortune in energy, construction and real estate. A number of countries who recognize Arabic as their official language are economic powerhouses who make billions annually doing business with countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Learning Arabic may present more challenges to the average native English speaker compared to those more closely related Indo-European languages, but having a level of competency in this language will distinguish your CV from many others in the pile.
- The Middle East is where some of the highest growth in internet use is occurring lately, so for those who market online (and who doesn’t these days?), being able to translate and deliver digital services to the Arabic-speaking world means tapping into profitable markets where there is a significantly high concentration of consumer spending power.
- Arabic is becoming an important language when it comes to operating an international business that’s trying to break into foreign markets.
- Learning Arabic opens up many employment possibilities in a number of different industries:
- Oil
- Energy
- Travel
- Finance
- Translation
Whether you’re a retiree looking to learn, a working professional looking to get ahead, a college student looking for a language elective or a parent looking for a way to enrich their child’s education, a new language is typically the answer. When people choose a language to study, often, it isn’t Arabic. Arabic, however, is a great language to learn now. If you’re still on the fence about learning Arabic, here are 10 reasons to learn it:
10 reasons to learn it:
1. Arabic is in high demand.
U.S. government agencies are seeking proficient Arabic speakers now more than ever. Learning Arabic won’t only get you ahead in a government career, but it will also give you a leg up in any industry in business, engineering, medical, nonprofit and international relations. Knowing Arabic can help you build valuable business relationships with business people in wealthy Middle Eastern countries like Qatar and United Arab Emirates. Currently, the demand in the U.S. for Arab speakers far exceeds supply. If you’re a college student, learning Arabic will easily let you stand out from other job applicants. In fact, less than 1 percent of college students study Arabic.
Arabic is the native language of the region that shaped many world events and international policies. Arabic is also spoken by 300 million people spread all over the world. It is one of the top 5 most spoken languages.
2. Gain valuable language skills in a variety of Middle East countries.
Some languages are widespread such as Spanish and French that allow you to travel and work in numerous countries around the world. Other languages, like Chinese, force you to concentrate and work in only a handful of countries. Arabic is a blend of the these. There are 20 countries in the Middle East where Arabic is the national language. It gives you travel and work opportunities to different countries, yet it is still specific to not be widely spoken by your peers.
3. Get international experience in important countries.
Traveling and study abroad is an option available to students studying a language. While many go to Europe or Latin America, few go to countries such as Morocco, Egypt, Jordan or Lebanon. These countries, among other Middle Eastern countries are of great importance and interest to US businesses and government. With few Americans in the Middle East in a language program, the local context, culture, business practices and the formation of key relationships are struggling to be realized.
4. Learn about the world’s second largest religion.
Islam is the second largest religion in the world, and the first largest religion in the Arab world. Islam is not only a religion to many Arabs, but also a lifestyle. When studying Arabic, you are not only learning a language but you also gain insight about Islamic beliefs and traditions.
5. Help create a better understanding of Arab culture in the United States
Learning Arabic can help you better communicate with both Arabs and other Americans. In studying Arabic, you’ll have a better grasp of the Arab culture, including its religion: Islam. The more you know about these, the better equipped you’re apt to educate people about Arabs.
6. Allows you to act as an ambassador.
Just as there are negative sentiments among Americans towards Arabs, Arabs tend to have a negative view of Americans. Knowing both English and the Arabic language will help you spread awareness and more accurate view of both Arabs and Americans toward each other.
7. Offers greater travel opportunities.
No matter if it is through school in the form of a study abroad or language immersion program or simply business travel, knowing Arab will expand your travel horizons to include the Middle East and Africa.
8. Choose the dialect that most interests you.
Arabic has many different dialects, each with its own unique flavor and style. Instead of learning the basic Modern Standard Arabic which is the formal Arabic spoken all over the world, choose the dialect most frequently spoken in the country you’re most interested in. Learning a specific dialect will make learning Arabic even funner.
9. Exciting and unique language immersion opportunities.
Language immersion is fun and exciting. In the Middle East, there is no such thing as a boring day. Arabs are very hospitable and are eager to be your friend. Being immersed in the culture and traditions of an Arab country will give you a bigger picture of viewing the world, others and yourself.
10. The Arab language can help you earn money.
The economy in the Middle East is growing. There are also many job opportunities. Knowing Arabic will help you learn the Middle Eastern business culture and equip you to make strong, key personal business relationships.
Arabic is truly an amazing language to learn. I hope you find this article helpful in narrowing and strengthening your reasons to learn Arabic. Don’t think too much. Learning other language is always beneficial in many aspects.
So why are you waiting? Grab the best career opportunities by knowing Arabic. Start learning Arabic now only.
All the best!!!
