Arabic

This page contains resources for learning and studying the Arabic language. Arabic is considered a macrolanguage with 27 different sub-languages. It is spoke widely throughout the Arab world and is the liturgical language of Islam.

Fast Facts

1. Language Family: Afro-Asiatic, Semitic
2. Number of Speakers: Between 186 and 207 million native speakers
3. Official Language: 25 countries including Libya, Syria, Sudan
4. Major Dialects: Egyptian Arabic, Maghrebi Arabic, Levantine Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, East Arabian Arabic, Gulf Arabic
5. Systems of Arabic:
   • Classical written Arabic
   • Modern standard written Arabic
   • Spoken Arabic (varies across countries and regions)
6. Read from right to left
7. Liturgical language of Islam
8. Classified as a macrolanguage with 27 sub-languages

Common Words and Phrases

• Hello: Salam - Marhaba
• My name is: Ismi
• I don't speak Arabic: Ana ma ba'aref ahkee Arabee
• I speak Arabic a little: Baa'ref Arabee Showayya
• Goodbye: Ma'assalama - Bye
• Thank you: Shukran

History

Arabic has been the liturgical language of Islam since the 7th century. It is classified as a member of the Semitic language family. It is closely related to Hebrew and Aramaic and shares a Proto-Semitic ancestor. During the Middle Ages, it was a major vehicle for scientific and philosophical culture. As a result, many European languages have been borrowed words from Arabic. The influence of the Arabic language is especially strong in Spanish and Portuguese.

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