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Arabic is written from right to left, which is the opposite of many other major world languages. It uses a script that consists of 28 letters.
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Arabic has two primary forms: Classical Arabic (used in ancient texts, including the Qur’an) and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is used in media, literature, and formal communication.
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Arabic has a root-based structure, where most words are derived from a three-letter root. For instance, the root “k-t-b” can generate words related to writing, like “kātib” (writer), “maktaba” (library), and “kitāb” (book).
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Many words in languages such as Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Urdu, and even English are borrowed from Arabic. Words like “algebra,” “alcohol,” and “zero” all have Arabic origins.
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Arabic is deeply connected to poetry and literature. For centuries, Arabic poets were highly regarded, and classical Arabic poetry was central to the culture.
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Arabic is a language of religious significance for Muslims, as it is the language of the Qur’an and Islamic prayer and central element of identity for over 400 million.
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In the Middle Ages, Arabic-speaking scholars were at the forefront of advancements in mathematics, astronomy, chemistry, and medicine. This period, known as the Islamic Golden Age. Terms like “chemistry” and “alchemy” stem from Arabic.
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While Modern Standard Arabic is used for formal communication, the dialects spoken across different Arabic-speaking countries can be so varied. For example, the dialects in Morocco, Egypt, and the Gulf region all sound distinct, despite sharing the same base language.
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Arabic has some unique sounds that are challenging for non-native speakers, such as the ‘ع’ (Ayn), a voiced pharyngeal fricative that doesn’t have a direct equivalent in many languages.
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Beyond the Arab world, Arabic is widely spoken in diaspora communities in Europe, North America, and other parts of the globe.
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