On World Arabic Language Day, it’s time to start learning the most ancient language of the Middle East. If you have been putting off your dream, now is the time to join people from all over the world in celebrating this day. Surprisingly, it’s easier than you think!
History
The Arabic language is commonly referred to as the treasure of world civilization. It’s estimated that there are approximately 350 million speakers on the planet, and its influence on European culture is undeniable. Furthermore, the Holy Quran and the works of ancient scientists are written in Arabic. It is the official language in 24 countries and one of the six United Nations languages.
The Arabic writing system originated with the development of the Nabataean script, which was created by the people living on the Sinai Peninsula in 500 BC. The Nabataeans studied and adapted the Aramaic script, eventually using it to create the Arabic script. In the 7th century, during the writing of the Quran, the language gained particular importance.
Experts assure that learning the language is very easy, and the most important thing is to learn how to hear and pronounce the sounds correctly. This is made easier by the fact that the writing is fully consistent with the sound. Even unfamiliar words are easier to write if you listen to them well.
Interesting facts
Here are some interesting facts about the Arabic language:
- It is written from right to left, with the exception of numbers which are written in the standard way.
- There are five groups of dialects, the most famous of which is Egyptian.
- It includes a minimal number of borrowed English words.
- It prohibits wrapping words to the next line – as a rule, they are stretched to the end of the sentence.
How to take part
Start a new hobby on World Arabic Language Day! You can contact a specialist or start studying on your own. Tell your friends about your intentions, and you may find some like-minded people. If you don’t want to dive too deep into the language, why not learn a few words in Arabic to celebrate the day?
When is Arabic Language Day in 2024?
Arabic Language Day is observed on December 18 each year.
Observations
Weekday | Month | Day | Year |
Wednesday | December | 18 | 2024 |
Thursday | December | 18 | 2025 |
Friday | December | 18 | 2026 |
Saturday | December | 18 | 2027 |
Monday | December | 18 | 2028 |
Tuesday | December | 18 | 2029 |