07 Aug
Table of Contents
Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, ranking as the 4th most spoken language globally as of 2021. As the language of the Quran, many non-Arabic speakers seek to learn to read Arabic as it provides access to Islamic teachings and scholarship. If you are curious to find out how long does it take to read Arabic, then you have come to the right place.
In this blog, we will dive deeply to understand the history of the arabic language in addition to its unique features. We will also provide some useful tips for improving different skills. Finally, we will introduce one of the best Islamic communities as a reference for learners.
History of the Arabic language
The Arabic language has a rich and extensive history dating back over a millennium. It is of Arabian origin, with its first speakers the nomadic tribes who occupied the northwestern portions of present-day Saudi Arabia. As a Semitic language, it shares linguistic ancestry with Hebrew and Aramaic.
Initially, Arabic was written without dots and diacritical marks. This unmarked script was used until the mid-7th century CE. As the Islamic empire expanded through conquests, Arabs encountered people from various cultures and languages. This significant cultural exchange raised concerns about potential misinterpretations and distortions of the Quran.
The purpose behind dotting Arabic letters
In an initiative to preserve the accuracy and integrity of this holy text, scholars began introducing dots and diacritical marks into the script. On the one hand, these changes gave place to the correct pronunciation and meaning of Quranic verses; on the other hand, they provided for a more accurate and uniform written form of Arabic.
The introduction of diacritical marks to the Arabic script lent it a standardized character and hence presented a turning point in the history of the development of the Arabic language. This ensured that different regions of Muslims could correctly read the Quran, thus safeguarding the linguistic and spiritual tradition of Arabic. Over many centuries, Arabic has further grown and become the lingua franca of the Islamic world and a considerable medium for science, literature, and philosophy. Today, it is spoken by millions around the world, and it forms a cultural and religious base in the Arab world.
The unique features of the Arabic language
- Arabic is the language of the Quran and Hadith.
- Since it is the only language in the world that includes the letter Dad (ض), It is called the language of the letter Dad.
- It is known for strength, solidity, and rich vocabulary that you can hardly find in any other language. The letters are pronounced distinctively, forming melodies that don’t exist in other languages
- It consists of twenty-eight letters, which is fewer than the number of letters in many other languages.
- Arabic is characterized by being written from right to left. There is no other language in the world except Persian which has this unique feature.
- The Arabic language is rich, it has many grammar rules that govern how each word is pronounced.
How long does it take to learn to read Arabic?
The duration needed to learn the Arabic language is unknown, it depends on many factors. These elements factors include:
- Your current level of proficiency: This makes a huge difference. Whether you are starting from scratch, having limited knowledge, or even having studied Arabic a little before will make a huge difference in how far along the path you can get.
- Study time and practicing plan: This is the most important factor of them all. It means the quantity of time one can dedicate to studying and practicing a target language. If you can continuously practice with focus, that will definitely speed up your learning process.
- learning environment: The environment you surround yourself with may affect the way you learn a language.
The process may be broadly categorized into three phases, each with its difficulties and milestones.
Beginner Phase
At the foundation phase of learning Arabic, you learn the 28 alphabets and their different forms according to the position of the word.
Intermediate Phase
After learning the Arabic alphabet, you would then move on to the next step of forming words and basic sentences. Through this phase, comprehension and most vocabularies are enhanced further by learning word patterns and roots. This stage usually takes a few months depending on your practice and dedication.
Advanced Stage
At this level, you are going to read complex texts such as novels and academic articles, where you will encounter difficult words, grammatical structures, and idioms. Proficiency can last from one to several years of study.
How long does it take to read the Arabic alphabet?
In most cases, it requires several weeks or months of serious study to get familiar with the letters, sounds, and diacritics. Each letter has a unique shape and pronunciation. Making yourself familiar with these basics is critical for reading and understanding. The duration of learning can vary depending on your background, prior experience with similar scripts, and the intensity of study.
Provided that you practice regularly and proceed in an orderly fashion, then within this time frame, you will be able to attain at least a basic proficiency in reading the Arabic alphabet.
It is important to mention that learning the alphabet is not enough to learn reading, Arabic letters look different in words than they do in their isolated forms. The sounds, that the letters make in words, differ from the names of the letters.
How to improve the 4 skills of learning Arabic?
Improving the four essential skills of learning Arabic requires a balanced approach and consistent practice. Here are some strategies for each skill:
1- Reading
- Try to start with simple text then move to more complex pieces.
- Note down all new vocabulary to expand your word count
- Regular and daily practice is the key.
2- Writing
- Start writing, this is important. You need to start using the words you just learned. Try writing short paragraphs or writing your diaries.
- Be sure to pay close attention to sentence structure, conjugations of verbs, and other details of grammar.
- Ask for feedback and support. Share your writings with a teacher to provide positive criticism.
3- Listening
- Get exposed to native speakers by watching TV shows or listening to Arabic podcasts.
- Try to listen and understand without the support of subtitles.
- Repeat and Imitate, repetition helps you to gain a better understanding through listening and the articulation of phrases.
4- Speaking
- Listen as well. listening helps you to develop speaking skills.
- Record yourself to identify areas of improvement and evaluate and track the progress.
- Join an Arabic conversation course with a reputable platform that teaches you the sounds and intonation specific to Arabic.
- Speak regularly with a native speaker or another learner.
Noor Institute: your destination for Arabic learning
Noor Institute stands out as a premier destination for Arabic learning, offering a unique and inspiring approach to education. Being committed to making Qur’an, Arabic language, and Islamic Studies education available, Noor Institute is proud to offer the best Arabic classes online designed to accommodate various levels of skills and different styles of learning.
Noor Institute seeks to provide a personalized learning experience where the ideal matching of educational needs is provided for every student. The classes are interactive and can help develop a community of learners where everybody can attach their thoughts to the materials discussed. These innovative teaching methodologies of Noor Institute, along with a supportive environment can boost students’ confidence in their learning journey.
Conclusion
There is no one answer to how long does it take to read Arabic because the learning journey is unique for each one, there is one single approach that works well with everyone. For some, it may take months, while for others, it may extend to years, the most important thing is to set your own plan and find partners who can help you achieve it.
Noor Institute can be your perfect partner offering personalized guidance, resources, and support to help you reach your Arabic language learning goals effectively and efficiently.
Book your free trial now and move to the next phase!
Frequently asked questions
- Is 2 years enough to learn Arabic?
Yes, with regular practice and a consistent studying plan.
- How long does it take to learn Arabic for English speakers?
On average, it takes around 2 to 3 years of constant study to develop an accepted fluency level.
