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.
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.
References
Fast Facts
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Language Family
Afro-Asiatic, Semitic
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Number of Speakers
Between 186 and 207 million native speakers
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Official Language
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Major Dialects
Egyptian Arabic, Maghrebi Arabic, Levantine Arabic, Iraqi Arabic, East Arabian Arabic, Gulf Arabic
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Systems of Arabic
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Fact:
- Classical written Arabic
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Fact:
- Modern standard written Arabic
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Fact:
- Spoken Arabic (varies across countries and regions)
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Fact:
Read from right to left
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Fact:
Liturgical language of Islam
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Fact:
Classified as a macrolanguage with 27 sub-languages
