The Arabic Language: Fast Facts

The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters and is written from right to the left.

The Arabic language has a vast abundance of words, which enables the language to reach a level of precision, which not many other Latin languages can match.

Arabic is a Semitic language, originating around modern Syria, making its way down the Arabian peninsula.

Arabic, is spoken by more than 200 million people worldwide.

Arabic is the 6th major language of the world and one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

Arabic is the official language of Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Western Sahara and Yemen.

Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, the holy writings of Muslims throughout the world. Muslims believe this to be Arabic in its purest form, described as “ the Clear Arabic Book".

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the official language throughout the Arab world, used for official purposes, education and communication.

Written Arabic is generally standard within the Arab world, but spoken Arabic varies widely as each Arab country speaks their own dialects.

Arabic script is highly decorative and has been used for this purpose throughout the Islamic world in mosques and other buildings.

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