Arabic Courses
Historically the language of mathematics, science, and engineering, Arabic is now spoken by around 422 million people across the 22 countries in Western Asia, the Horn of Africa, and northern Africa which together constitute the Arab League. Today, this Semitic language is the tongue of one of the largest religions in the world and, as such, is considered sacred. The countries where it is spoken have strong and distinct cultural identities, though they are united by their common language.
There are many regional dialects of Arabic, but all Arabic speakers can understand and use Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). Derived from Classical Arabic, the language of the Qur’an, MSA is used in national and international media, politics, and the arts. It serves as a common language, or lingua franca, connecting the diverse peoples of the Arab world.
Wherever you learn Arabic, you’ll cover MSA in your lessons unless you select otherwise, allowing you to communicate with Arabic speakers all around the globe. In Amman you can study MSA and Colloquial Spoken Arabic. In Rabat you can also study Moroccan Arabic (also called ‘Darija’) if preferred. Our Cairo school offers Egyptian Colloquial Arabic (ECA) or (Aameya) alongside MSA. In Dubai, since our Arabic courses will take place in the teacher’s home, you can cover what you want at your own pace!
Don’t hesitate to contact us for further details of our language schools and the packages available.
The region we now refer to as the Arab world is the birthplace of numerous ancient civilisations, making it a place of long-standing cultural significance. Arabic civilisation itself has had a profound global influence for over 1,400 years, with tenuous roots extending back more than five millennia!
Although the Sumerians and Mesopotamians were not Arabic, many aspects of their culture were inherited by the Arab world, particularly through later civilisations like the Babylonians and Assyrians. Key concepts such as the 24-hour day, the 60-minute hour, and the seven-day week originated from Mesopotamian civilisation. During the Islamic Golden Age (8th to 13th centuries), scholars in the Arab world expanded upon ancient Mesopotamian knowledge, translating texts from Greek, Persian, and Mesopotamian sources into Arabic, which helped preserve the knowledge of these ancient civilisations.
Ancient Egyptians made significant advancements in medicine and agriculture, later Islamic civilisations played a crucial role in developing early scientific, mathematical, and philosophical concepts, particularly during the Middle Ages as the Caliphates spread through Europe and Western Asia. Many languages around the world have been shaped by Arabic, and our modern numeral system originates from a Western Arabic dialect. Due to its wide use, Arabic has been one of the United Nations' official working languages since 1973, playing a key role in the organisation’s operations.
When you learn Arabic with Apple Language Courses, you won’t just study this fascinating and impactful language, you’ll also explore the rich, diverse nature of modern Arabic culture. For instance, Morocco is home to traditional Islamic architecture, with its colourful, intricate styles reflecting the vibrant creativity of its people. Egypt, a powerhouse of Arabic-language media and music, has a culture deeply influenced by its iconic history. Jordan sits at the cultural and linguistic crossroads of the Arab world. Meanwhile, the UAE offers a blend of traditional Arabic society alongside the modernity and opulence of its capital. No matter where you choose to study, your Arabic course will be an unforgettable, deeply immersive journey.