Happy World Arabic Language Day to you all!
This time two years ago, we took a moment to appreciate the Arabic language and its many contributions to humanity. Again, as a way to celebrate this language, last year we decided to put together some of the reasons why the market is in huge demand for Arabic translations.
Today, as every 18 December since 2012, it’s World Arabic Day and since it was to be expected, at YOKO we continue today our tradition by debunking some of the most common facts about the language, aiming to discover and appreciate even more this vibrant language and the culture behind it.
MYTH #1: All Arabs speak the same
FACT: Similar to other languages, there are different dialects of Arabic that are spoken in different regions and countries throughout the Arabic world. While there are multiple differences in these spoken dialects of Arabic, most of the writing and reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation come from Modern Standard Arabic.
MYTH #2: Arabic has too many exotic sounds, which makes it impossible for foreigners to learn
FACT: There are only two or three sounds in the Arabic language which are not found in English. It has been proven that these sounds can be easily learned through imitation, similar to any new language. In fact, Arabic is written phonetically. This means that every word is spelled exactly as it sounds, rendering it easier to learn through visual aids and repetition. Besides, the Arabic alphabet is simple with 28 letters that are similar in shape (only 5 basic shapes). Writing is clockwise from right to left.
MYTH #3: All Arabs are muslims
FACT: This is definitely one of the most popular ones. “Arab” and “Muslim” are not synonymous terms. Muslims are followers of the religion of Islam. Arabs are an ethno-linguistic group of people, most of whom are Muslim in religion but many of whom are not. While Muslims do make up most of the Arab world around 10 to 12 million individuals are Christian. A small population of Jews and Druze and other minorities also call the Middle East their home.