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The disciplines of arabic literature.

  • Roger Allen Roger Allen University of Pennsylvania Department of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations
  • https://doi.org/10.1093/acrefore/9780190201098.013.1202
  • Published online: 30 July 2020

The Arabic literary tradition is a long one, stretching back to undocumented beginnings in the Arabian Peninsula in the pre-Islamic (pre-7th century) era. The study of that heritage in Western academe began as a subset of the philological traditions of biblical and ancient Near Eastern scholarship, with their primary focus on the preparation of textual editions, compendia, dictionaries, and translations into European languages. In the specific context of studies devoted to the Arabic literary tradition, the study of the Qurʾān set the stage for the emergence of similar philological approaches to the variety of literary generic categories created within the increasingly widespread Arabic-speaking Islamic communities. The shift from the more philological approach to that of a more theoretically founded discipline of Arabic literature studies is a gradual one. Terry Eagleton notes ( Literary Theory , 1983) that the discipline of literature studies—involving the interpretation of literary materials and their theorization—traces its beginnings to the early decades of the 20th century. In the case of the Arabic literary tradition, the shift can be traced to the second half of the same century, and as the result of a number of factors. In the Arabic-speaking regions themselves (in President Jamāl ʿAbd al-Nāṣir [Gamal Abdel Nasser] of Egypt’s terms, “from the [Atlantic] Ocean to the [Persian / Arabian] Gulf), changes in regimes led to the emergence of new political and social configurations, duly reflected in literary production. In the anglophone Western academic context, a consideration of the consequences of World War II led the governments of both the United States and Britain to establish commissions that led to the fostering of new approaches to the study of the regions of West Asia and North Africa and to the provision of funding for the creation of new centers and programs devoted to the modern period (however that was to be defined). Among the consequences of these new emphases was the need to offer instruction in the modern Arabic language and its dialects, thus providing students with skills that enabled them to avail themselves of opportunities to study at institutions in the Arabic-speaking world and to engage with Arab littérateurs and critics. The results of these various trends in Arabic literature studies during the second half of the 20th century and into the 21st, including the development of increasingly close affiliations with comparative literature studies, have shown themselves in a number of ways. As new centers of literary activity have emerged in different parts of the Arabic-speaking region (with the Gulf States as a primary example) and as Arab littérateurs have explored fresh genres and modes of expression (including media of a wide variety often expressed in colloquial dialect), so has literature scholarship set itself to apply new theoretical and critical approaches to the rapidly expanding publication sector. With the theorization of the discipline has come the need for a greater focus on individual genres, regions, and critical approaches and a concomitant move away from attempts to subsume “Arabic literature” under a single rubric. Such studies are not only opening up new avenues of inquiry, but are also demanding a re-examination of some of the principles and parameters governing the composition of Arabic literary history, both modern and premodern.

  • Arabic literature
  • periodization
  • translation
  • 1001 Nights
  • colonialism
  • nahḍah (revival)

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Why Study Arabic?

A Critical Language .   Arabic speakers are in great demand. The U.S. State Department has named Arabic a “critical language,” creating scholarships for language study in the U.S. and overseas.   Practical and curious about the world, BU students feel that knowing Arabic will give them a career edge in such fields as diplomacy, intelligence, business, engineering, international development, and academia.

A Solid Program. The Arabic program at BU covers four-plus years of modern standard Arabic . The program is structured to get you speaking in Arabic as quickly as possible (this is called the communicative method ); by the end of the first year, classes are conducted primarily in Arabic. We use the most widely taught textbook series, Al-Kitaab , supplemented with a variety of authentic materials (newspapers and magazines, songs, advertisements, menus, YouTube videos, etc.) to make the cultural context come alive.

A Lively Approach. Our program emphasizes all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing). As a beginner, you’ll start by learning to write the letters and distinguish the sounds of the Arabic alphabet. Many sessions zoom in on practical vocabulary and commonly discussed topics. As you advance, you’ll learn the grammar and vocabulary you need to maintain an interesting college-level conversation in Arabic. Our upper-level language courses use a huge array of authentic sources from the Arab world (Arabic online media, novels and poems, films, blogs, etc.). We offer advanced Arabic in topic-based courses such as Translation, Media Arabic, Arab Cultures, and Arabic Literature. We also teach Levantine Colloquial Arabic and offer a special introductory track for “heritage” learners from Arab backgrounds.

Check out the full menu of BU Arabic language and culture courses here.

What Our Students Say

“ Amazing program with teachers that really care about helping the students; I feel like I’m learning the language at a rapid pace and want to continue.” –Jessica Hotaling ’16

“I enjoyed all my Arabic classes and have great respect for the professors, and I have many friends in the class. The professors are outstanding and do a great job attending to each student’s individual needs .” – Karan Varindani ’16

“I studied abroad with BU’s Morocco program and I think that it really was integral to studying the language as a minor. Without studying abroad somewhere in the Arab world, whether it be in North Africa or the Levant region or the Gulf etc. you just wont get the same kind of experience or understanding of the language or culture in class unless you experience it first hand on your own.  My experience with regards to [extracurricular Arabic at BU] was [also] really fulfilling and I liked how much effort the faculty put in always letting students know about the events etc. in the Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/131982590181105/ . There was always something to attend .” –Justin Ford ’15

“Arabic is a beautiful language that has not been fully discovered yet.  It is a widely spoken language in the Arabic world spoken by many people.  If you have the opportunity to take an Arabic class, take advantage of it.” – Nida Shuttari

“It’s a tough language, but so rewarding.  Job offers really do pour in as you advance in the language.  Cultural activities are plentiful.  The department is small but developing wonderfully, and they REALLY value students’ feedback in terms of changing and adding new programs.” –Matthew Knight

“Arabic seemed like such a daunting task at first, but quickly turned into a fun yet challenging experience.  It is definitely worth the time put in.  Some of my closest friends are actually classmates from my Arabic class.” –Stephen Allen

“Arabic is awesome because it’s a great, small, loving community of students who love learning a challenging language.  Learning Arabic is challenging at times, but coming from a Romance language background, it is refreshing to study a completely new alphabet and culture.” –Janet Calcaterra

“Arabic blows your mind.  It’s completely different than any language spoken in Europe.  It is also very useful in today’s job market.” – Seth Mandelkern

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I major or minor in Arabic at BU?

Yes! You can minor in Arabic – see http://www.bu.edu/academics/cas/programs/modern-languages-comparative-literature/minor-arabic/ .   You can major in Middle East and North Africa Studies, which works as a de facto Arabic major – see www.bu.edu/mena/academics for details. If you are majoring in International Relations and minoring in Arabic, talk to your Pardee School advisor about a double major in IR&MENA instead.

 Q: Are there scholarships?

Yes! And our program frequently wins them. In recent years several of our students have won Foreign Language and Area Studies awards through BU’s African Studies Center http://www.bu.edu/africa/forstudents/financial-aid/ , covering their tuition on campus. Our students have also won national awards such as Critical Language Scholarships and Boren Scholarships, a SALAM scholarship for summer study in Oman, a Gilman scholarship covering a semester’s study in Rabat, and an all-expenses-paid scholarship to the prestigious Center for Arabic Study Abroad post-BA program in Cairo. The MA students in our Master of Arts in Teaching–Arabic program, run jointly with the school of education, have won fellowships from Qatar Foundation International to cover their graduate studies.

Q: Can you describe the kids who take Arabic at BU?

Between 100 and 200 students per year take Arabic at BU. The program is known for its camaraderie: the work is tough, and committed students develop a real sense that “we’re all in it together.” Our students do homework in pairs or groups and contribute to a warm, non-judgmental atmosphere in class. There are student blogs in Arabic, skits, presentations, and lots of extracurricular opportunities. There’s usually a final party and talent show. It’s inspiring to see how quickly our students progress – and how much fun they have.

Q: How fast will I progress?

Amazingly fast. By the end of first semester, you will be able to conduct a simple interview with a native speaker.

Q: Will I become fluent in Arabic?

We can’t guarantee fluency – that depends on how hard you study!  But we can tell you that our four-year program, combined with a summer or semester in the Arab world or in an intense summer program, can bring you to advanced proficiency by graduation if you are committed and work hard.

 Q: Where can I study abroad?

BU has a study abroad site in Rabat, Morocco http://www.bu.edu/abroad/find-programs/by-destination/rabat-morocco/ , open to all language levels (summer and fall); there is a homestay and an internship option. You can also study Arabic on the BU Abroad program in Haifa, Israel http://www.bu.edu/abroad/find-programs/by-destination/haifa-israel/ . And many of our students get transfer credits for programs run through other universities and language schools in Jordan or Oman.

The Language Centre

Why study arabic, arabic is the 5th most commonly spoken native language in the world.

Arabic is the official language of over 20 countries and there are well over 375 million native speakers of the language. These speakers are largely concentrated in the Middle East, but there are minority groups of native speakers throughout the world. It is also an official language of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Conference, and the African Union.

There is a high demand and low supply of Arabic-speakers in the Western world

Relatively few Westerners ever venture to learn Arabic. With the growing importance of the Middle East in international affairs, there is thus an extreme shortage of workers in the West who are versed in Arabic language and culture. Those who study Arabic can find careers in a variety of fields: journalism, business and industry, education, finance and banking, translation and interpretation, consulting, foreign service and intelligence, and many others.

Arabic-speaking peoples have made significant contributions to world civilization

While Europe was experiencing the relative intellectual stagnation of the Middle Ages, the Arab-Islamic civilization was at its zenith. Arabs contributed a great deal to the advancement of science, medicine, and philosophy. Much learning from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine cultures was preserved for the world through the Arab libraries. Arabs have also made significant contributions in such areas as literature, mathematics, navigation, astrology, and architecture. A knowledge of Arabic enables the exploration of this vast body of knowledge in their original language.

Jonathon Escalante-Phillips

LL131 Arabic 1, 2012/13, LL233A Arabic 2, 2013/14

The Arab-speaking world has a rich cultural heritage

The Arab world has its own unique art, music, literature, cuisine, and way of life. Westerners know about belly dance, perhaps have read 1001 Nights, and may have tried some popular Middle Eastern dishes such as humous or falafel, but Western exposure to the Arab way of life is generally limited. In exploring the Arabic world, you will learn to appreciate its distinct cultural products and practices and you will come to understand some of the values important to the Arabic people, such as honour, dignity, and hospitality.

Arabic is the liturgical language of Islam

In addition to the millions of native speakers, many more millions know Arabic as a foreign language, since as the language of the Qur’an, it is understood by Muslims throughout the world.

Muhammad Jaafar

Read why arabic is not as hard as you think here, sin ying chua, studying arabic at warwick.

The course aims at developing students’ basic skills in reading, writing, listening, speaking and grammatical structures. It will enable the learners to enhance their knowledge on basic sentence patterns and structures, adding to the development of their competence in a variety of practical contexts that touch on everyday situations. Students will learn various techniques of approaching reading and writing and will be able to enhance their awareness of the various parts of speech through patterns and structures and their functionality. This approach will be supported by aural, written and visual material, most important of which is the use of technological advances in this field. The course is based on Modern Standard Arabic which is a key variety that is understood across the Arab world despite the variations in dialects. An appreciation of the deviation between MSA and the dialects will be explained and some processes of the main differences will be introduced. Based on a step-by-step approach, the course is divided into learning blocks each of which focuses on practical, useful and manageable language. In addition, the learner will develop cultural awareness of the Arabic speaking world and will have access to online resources for more independent learning. In the final year module colloquial spoken varieties of Arabic will be introduced, where students can establish an appreciation of the main differences between them and Modern Standard Arabic.

students walking across campus

Why Study Arabic?

More Employment Opportunities

With knowledge of the Arabic language and culture comes many opportunities for your future. It is especially beneficial for those studying Political Science, Criminal Justice, Business, Education, Journalism, Law, Linguistics, Social Work, Religious Studies, African Studies, Comparative Literature and many more.

Those who study Arabic can find careers in a variety of fields, including Journalism, Business, Education, Finance and Banking, Translation and Interpretation, Consulting, Foreign Service and Intelligence and many more. Arabic would provide an advantage if one decided to work for the FBI, as only 1% know any Arabic.

Get hired by international organizations

Many international organizations and NGOs such as the United Nations, World Bank and USAID are in need of Arabic speakers and those with an understanding of the Arab Culture.

Business opportunities

When it comes to trade, Arabic-speaking nations are a fast-growing market, and, because of this, initiatives to integrate the Arab world into the global economy are opening up many potential new business opportunities. Along with its rapidly growing population, the Arab region provides a large export market for goods and services.

Scholarships and grants

Since the U.S. has designated Arabic as a language of strategic importance, the financial incentives for learning Arabic are much greater than you would think. Many scholarships and learning opportunities are promoted by the National Strategic Language Initiative, for learning Arabic and other languages deemed critical. These can cover your expenses and support you for a range of courses from beginning to advanced, as well as study abroad programs, intensive instruction opportunities, teacher exchanges and professional development. Some of these scholarships and grants are:

  • Qatar University
  • Critical Language Scholarship
  • Arabic Overseas Flagship Programs
  • Boren Awards
  • Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

Intercultural understanding

Not only can knowing Arabic help you financially, but it can also help you achieve intercultural understanding. Many people in the Western world may have heard about belly dancing, read 1,001 Nights , and eaten Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus and falafel, but this limited exposure does not tell you everything there is to know about the Arabic way of life. When exploring the Arab world, you learn to appreciate the distinct culture and the values that are important to its people, including honor, dignity, and hospitality. This can help you better understand your Arab-Americans fellow citizens who constitute ~ 3.5 million of the residents in the United States.

Cultural awareness

Arabic is the main language of Islam, a religion that has around 1.5 billion followers. It is the language of the Quran that is read and studied by all Muslims. Muslims also need Arabic to perform prayers and other forms of worship.

Gain insights into the cultural, political, and religious values of other cultures

Due to recent political events, Arabic culture has been represented by the media, Hollywood and other sources as a one-dimensional negative culture, which can lead to mistrust and miscommunication, an inability to cooperate, to negotiate, and compromise, and perhaps even military confrontation. Learning Arabic can help you gain insights into the cultural, political and religious values of the people in those cultures. With the knowledge you gain, you will also be able to shrink the cultural and linguistic gap between nations, as well as assist in solving and avoiding intercultural conflict, and help businesses on an international stage. With a basic knowledge of the Arabic language, you will be able to better promote a more accurate and positive perception of Arabic culture.

Explore the influence of Arabs and Arabic on world civilizations The beauty of Arabic is that it is not limited to just the Arab world. You can often see the influence that Arabic has had in your everyday life: Algebra, for instance, is something everyone has had to take at one point in their life, but did you know that it was invented by Arab mathematicians during medieval times? Moreover, everyday products like coffee, cotton, lemon and jasmine originate from the Arab world. We can even see its influence in our vocabulary, with words like henna, macramé, lute, mattress, gerbil, sorbet, safari and Muslim. Additionally, languages that have been influenced by Arabic include Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, Spanish, Swahili, Urdu, Tigrinya and others.

Welcome to our program, the first of its kind in the state on New Jersey!

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The Global Significance of Arabic Language and Literature

Profile image of Carl Ernst

2013, Religion Compass

called upon its audience to repent and rely only upon God. Despite the dramatic differences between the perspectives of pre-Islamic poetry and the Qur'an, there is a sense in which the qasidas function as a kind of classical literature for Arabic, in which the Qur'an abrogates the poetry of paganism while it also fulfills and continues the aesthetic space that the qasida had defined. The subsequent development of Arabic literature during the Islamic era looks back both to the creations of the poets and to the Qur'an as literary models, although the Qur'an obviously has a much wider impact through the daily religious practice of Muslims.

Related Papers

It is a history of Arabic language in context of world languages and literature. It focuses on that which is unique about Arabic when it is compared to other languages: Hebrew, Greek, Latin, English, or Spanish and the types of historical experience that cultivated its distinctive characteristics. In comparison to other world languages this work illustrates how Arabic emerged from a hub of interaction and mutation of ancient oral traditions of the Middle East that finally distilled into an exceptionally well developed poetic. It demonstrates how Arabic prose expanded and regulated its poetic vision and created clear, penetrating, and comprehensive worldviews. It illustrates that Arabic literature contained as well as elevated ancient poetic by embracing various non-Arabic expressions (Greek, Persian, Hebrew, and Spanish) and this constantly enriched and reinvented literature further nurtured a variety of regional traditions around world.

why do we need to study arabic literature

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Routledge Companion to World Literature (2nd Edition), Eds. David Damrosch, Theo D’haen, and Djelal Kadir

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why do we need to study arabic literature

A Brief, Wondrous History of Arabic Literature

Truth, beauty, and the poetry of islam.

There is perhaps no other literature so closely allied to the history of its people as is that of the Arabs. The monotony of nomadic life, the rise of Islam, the Arab conquests, the imperial luxury of early Abbasids, the interaction and cross fertilization with other civilizations (notably in Spain), the decline and overthrow of the Caliphate, the period of cultural stagnation, the reactions and inspirations owing to the colonial encounter, and the eventual reawakening of the Arab world to form the vibrant independent states of today—these are all faithfully reflected in Arabic literature, the ups and downs of which parallel the fortunes of the Arabs themselves.

In al-Nadim’s Fihrist , written in 988 AD, the author catalogues all known books in Arabic on the subjects of philology, history, poetry, theology, law, philosophy, science, magic, foreign religions, fables and alchemy. This remarkable work, in the words of H.A.R. Gibb:

…reveals to us how enormous was the output of Arabic literature in the first three centuries of Islam, and how very little has come down to us. Of many authors we possess only small fragments, and the great majority would otherwise have been completely unknown to us even by name.

Comparison could be made here with the corpus of Old English literature dating from the same time as the greatest period of Arab culture and also incomplete. But, as suggested above, the West was culturally inferior to the Muslim world during these centuries and the loss of a part of its literature is not as significant. We would need to turn to the 16th and 17th centuries of Western literature and contemplate the effect of being without the majority of works produced in the Renaissance in order to appreciate how posterity’s careless abandon can result in a more random selection than any anthologist’s.

A purist would rightly insist that Arab literature per se—that is, in Arabic and by pure-blooded Arabs—is confined to those centuries immediately before and after the Islamic dispensation. From the so-called “Golden Age” onwards, following the astonishingly far-reaching Arab conquests, there were increasing exchanges of influence and intermingling with other cultures. Literary Arabic became obsolescent after the rise of the Ottoman Empire and it was largely owing to the determination of the small core who kept the language alive (especially in Egypt) that Arabic literature enjoyed a powerful renaissance in the late 19th century.

The Holy Book of Islam has of course held—and continues to hold—primacy of place in Arabic literature. The Qur’an contains several verses referring to the “Arabic Qur’an” and several branches of Arabic writing stemmed from the need to elucidate it. Even the pre-Islamic qasidas gain their pre-eminence in part due to the philological value they bring to this process, particularly since some Qur’anic suras (chapters), notably the early Meccan ones, are phrased in a similar way to them. Nowhere else, perhaps, is the symbiosis between religion and literature so clear-cut as in the culture of the Arabs. For Westerners accustomed to reading the Bible in a variety of translations, this has proven hard to appreciate, even though the influence of the Jewish and Christian scriptures upon the literatures of Europe is challenged only by Classical models. Hellenic, as well as Persian and Indian influences are also discerned in Arabic works, but these cannot be compared to the Qur’an’s role as both exemplar and inspiration.

The most essential point about Arabic literature is that it stems directly from the Holy Qur’an—pre-Islamic poetry notwithstanding. Apart from some 1st century AD graffiti (which hardly counts as literature), we have no evidence of writings in Arabic before the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Illiteracy was widespread and the select few who could read or write learned these arts from teachers outside Arabia. This was, however, no bar to a fundamental appreciation of poetry among the Bedouin nomads. Many individual tribes preserved an oral tradition by the use of rawis, who earned a living purely by memorizing and reciting poetry:

Among the pre-Islamic Arabs, words in themselves seem to have retained something of their ancient and magical power; the man who, by skilful ordering of vivid imagery in taut, rightly nuanced phrases could play upon the emotions of his hearers, was not merely lauded as an artist but venerated as the protector and guarantor of the honour of the tribe and a potent weapon against its enemies.

The predominant, indeed almost the sole form of poem, was the qasida, a complex type of ode which made constant use of rhyme, the purpose of which was to convey in rich imagery the evocative experience of tribal life. These qasidas were written down in the 8th and 9th centuries AD; scholars of the time realized the importance of preserving the old poetry both for its own merit as the begetter of the developing poetic tradition and for its inestimable value in shedding light on the language of the Holy Qur’an. Some of the suras—particularly the early Meccan ones—are phrased in a manner not unlike the pre-Islamic qasidas rather than the standard form of high-minded expression in Arabic.

As the earliest examples we have of Arabic poetry—the authenticity of the majority having been conclusively established—these odes are especially remarkable for their refinement, one might almost say “perfection.” The themes themselves are simple, desert ones portraying the purely observable. There are no devices such as simile but frequent use of personification and direct association. It is the manner in which these themes are treated and the form in which they appear that reveal a long-established prior tradition:

The technical complexities of the earliest known poems are so highly developed that one can assume poets had been composing and reciting their verses for several centuries previously. Form and style do not spring forth fully armed without generations or even centuries of growth.

The finest poems of this period appear in collections made after the rise of Islam. Especially worthy of mention are the Mufaddaliyat (compiled by the philologist, al-Mufaddal), the Hamasa of Abu Tammam (emulated, if not matched, by the Hamasa of his pupil, al-Buhturi), the Kitab al-Aghani of ‘Abu’l Faraj al-Isfahani, and, above all, the Mu’allaqat . The last-named collection is made up of seven exquisite odes by as many poets (though another three are sometimes added to make ten in all). These odes, which constitute the most precious literary heritage of pre-Islamic Arabia, were composed by Imru al-Qais, Tarafa, ‘Amr ibn Khultum, Harith, ‘Antara, Zuhair and Labid. These poems and others by their contemporaries form the authentic voice of pre-Islamic life or the Jahiliyya (Days of Ignorance).

In the poetry of the sixth century we hear the Arabic language as it was spoken throughout the length and breadth of Arabia.

In addition to the abundance of poetry, some prose-tales were also passed on through the rawis, but whereas all the poets’ names are known, the prose belongs in its entirety to the realm of folk tradition. As such, it is of little interest as literature although as early as the 8th century AD folktales from elsewhere were translated into Arabic and given literary form which greatly enhanced their value in the eyes of the scholars (see below, Kalila wa Dimna ).

The period immediately preceding the coming of the Prophet Muhammad saw increasing dissatisfaction – particularly among thinking men—with the Bedouin way of life and its attendant superstitions. Small wonder, therefore, that poetry went entirely out of favour when new religious ideals supplanted the inherited values. The practice of writing poetry came virtually to a standstill as converts flocked to the Prophet in their thousands to hear the divine revelation. After his death in 632 AD it became necessary to preserve in written form what had been divinely revealed to the Prophet and which was regarded by believers as the Word of Almighty God. The result was the Holy Qur’an.

The first suras of the Qur’an were collected in 633 AD and these were written down with immense care to ensure that the Divine Word would be reproduced undiluted and unadulterated. Many of them—and more especially the later chapters—must have seemed highly obscure and esoteric to early scholars. Even today, much of the intricate imagery needs detailed explanatory annotation. Several branches of Arabic literature stemmed from the need to elucidate the Qur’an including grammar and lexicography. The Arabic language itself became the sacred language of Islam. The significance of this is hard to appreciate in the predominantly Christian Western world since the Bible is read almost exclusively in modern translation – most impressively in the English rendering known as the King James Version.

Arabic thus became the widespread language it remains to this day (despite the intervening age of depression), its influence moving hand in hand with that of the new religion during the first three centuries of Islam.

Abu’l Hasan Ali ibn Hisn

A bough is weeping in the stream. Green island, green. . . And I dream. A pigeon moans, disquiets me …

Her breast is lapis lazuli, Her throat a pale pistachio-green, Hazel the wing she turns to preen. Her throbbing throat disquiets me.

Over the ruby of her eyes She flickers lids of pearl With an edge of gold … But when she cries Her note disquiets me …

She sits the branch as if a throne, Hiding her throat within a fold Of her bright wing … And still her moan Is in the air, disquieting me.

But when my tears are my reply, Above the branch she spreads her wings Bearing my heart away, to fly Above despair and mortal things Where I can never go … Ah where? a weeping bough, I do not know.

Translated by Harold Morland

Gibran Khalil Gibran

A link between this world and the next; a sweet fountain from which all thirsty souls drink; a tree planted on the river bank of beauty covered with ripened fruits desired by hungry hearts; a nightingale flitting among branches of words and singing melodies that fill the heart with gentleness and peace; a white cloud appearing in the twilight and rising and growing and filling the face of heaven and then pouring rain upon the flowers in the field of life; an angel sent by the gods to teach men divine knowledge; a bright lamp that no darkness can overcome, nor any bushel hide, filled with oil by Astarte, the goddess of love, and lit by Apollo, the god of music.

Clad in simplicity and fed upon gentility, he sits alone in nature’s lap to learn the miracle of creation and remains awake in the stillness of the night awaiting the descent of the spirit. He is the husbandman sowing the seeds of his heart in the fields of [feelings] so that mankind may feed upon the plentiful yield. This is the poet whom men ignore in this life and only recognize when he forsakes this world for his sublime abode. It is he who asks naught of men but a mere smile and whose breath rises and fills the horizon with beautiful living images; yet he is refused both bread and refuge by his fellow-men.

How long, O man, how long, O universe, will you erect mansions in honour of those who cover the face of the earth with blood, and ignore those who give you peace and joy and the beauty of themselves? How long will you glorify murderers and tyrants who have bent necks with the yoke of slavery, and forget the men who spend the light of their eyes in the darkness of the night to teach you the glory of daylight, those that spend their life a prey to misery so that no pleasure may pass you by? And you, O poets, who are the very essence of life, you have conquered the ages despite the cruelty of the ages; and you have won the laurels of glory plucked out from the thorns of vanity; you have built your kingdom in the hearts, and your kingdom has no end.

Translated by S. B. Bushrui

Iram the Many-Columned

Our city fled So I ran to see its roads I looked—I saw nothing but the horizon I saw that the fugitives tomorrow And those returning tomorrow Were a body that I tore on my paper.

And I saw—the clouds were a throat The water was walls of flame I saw a yellow sticky thread A thread of history hanging on to me With which a hand that inherited The race of puppets and the dynasty of rags Was pulling at my days, knotting them and undoing them.

I entered the ritual of creation In the womb of water and the virginity of trees I saw trees trying to seduce me Among their branches I saw rooms Beds and windows resisting me, I saw children to whom I read My sand; I read to them The chapters of “The Clouds” and the verse of “The Stone”; I saw how they traveled with me I saw how behind them shone The ponds of tears and the corpse of rain.

Our city fled What am I? An ear of corn Weeping for a skylark That died behind the snow and the hail And did not reveal its letters About me and did not write to anybody I asked it as I saw its corpse Lying at the edge of Time And I shouted, “O icy silence I am a homeland to its estrangement I am a stranger and its tomb is my homeland.”

Our city fled So, I saw how my foot changed into a river roaming in blood And boats going far and growing larger I saw that my banks were a drowning Which tempted, and that my waves were wind and swans.

Our city fled Rejection is a broken pearl Whose remains settle on my ships Rejection is a woodcutter living On my face—gathering me and kindling me Rejection is distances that distract me So that I see my blood and beyond my blood. My death talking to me and following me.

Our city fled So I saw how my shroud shone on me And saw—I wish death would grant me a respite.

Translated by Issa J. Boullata

From DESERT SONGS OF THE NIGHT : 1500 Years of Arabic Literature. Edited by Suheil Bushrui & James M. Malarkey Used with permission of Saqi Books. Introduction Copyright 2015 by the authors.

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Suheil Bushrui and James M. Malarkey

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Why study arabic, why study arabic (from the american association of teachers of arabic).

Arabic, a Semitic language with ancient roots, has been functioning as a vital written and spoken language throughout the centuries in different parts of the world. In addition to a rich literary tradition, during the Middle Ages Arabic was the main language of literature, sciences, philosophy, and theology in a large region that stretched from Spain in the West to India in the East. Thus, Arabic has had considerable influence on other languages in terms of alphabet, vocabulary, and grammar. Among the languages influenced by Arabic are Farsi, Turkish, Urdu, and others. Today Arabic is spoken by 300 million persons in over 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa. As the language of the Qur’an, Arabic is used for religious rituals by over 1.5 billion Muslims all over the world. Arabic is grammatically and structurally different from English, but it is not difficult. Arabic is a very important language to learn because:

  • Proficiency in Arabic presents a wide range of professional opportunity in various fields, such as economics and politics, in the United States and the Middle East. Arabic speakers are currently in great demand.
  • Learning Arabic will increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of “the other”; i.e., Arab culture and people. Knowing the Arabic language will be of great relevance to CSU students especially since the Cleveland area is considered one of the largest concentrations of Arabs or people of Middle Eastern ancestry in the United States.
  • As the main language in the Middle East, Arabic is the primary source of media in that region. In this regard, one ought to mention the role of al-Jazeera , al-Arabiyya, and other media channels in presenting current events and burning issues that affect the Middle East as well as the Arab World.
  • Arabic is the one of the six main languages used in the United Nations.
  • The US Department of State offers many fellowships to learn Arabic in the United States and the Arab World.
  • Arabic courses can be counted toward the CLASS language requirement and other minors and majors, such as Middle Eastern Studies, Classical and Medieval Studies, International Relations, and International Business.

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Seven Reasons Why Now is the Time to Learn Arabic

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The demand for Arabic speakers in the United States has continued to soar in the past decade, while knowledge of Arabic language and culture presents unparalleled opportunities to make a difference in the world. 

As high school graduates across the US begin to piece together their freshman-year college schedules, very few will pencil in Arabic 101. Meanwhile, the need for Arabic-speaking professionals only continues to grow.

I'm not seeking to dissuade you from pursuing your top major of choice, but rather to convince you to add Arabic training to your course of study. For those interested in fields as diverse as international affairs to business, or from public health to science and engineering, learning Arabic will enable you to improve your career, your community, and your world. The time to get started is now.

If you're an educator, now is the time to push for more young Americans learning Arabic .

1.) Distinguish yourself in the professional world with a high demand language

Given that less than 1 percent of US college students study Arabic just 32,000 out of 21 million total students Arabic language skills will separate you from the crowd, no matter your professional field.

In the last 15 years, US government agencies have expressed a much greater need for Arabic speakers to address the complex political, military, and economic questions surrounding US engagement in the Middle East and North Africa.

The government is not the only employer seeking Arabic skills, however. The same trend can be seen in the private and nonprofit sectors as businesses seek to better understand developing markets and organizations work across borders to develop institutions, improve economies, and educate young people. Yet the demand for Arabic-speaking professionals in the US exceeds the supply.

Whether conducting research, negotiating an international agreement, or coordinating with an overseas partner, speaking the language of your counterpart gives you an invaluable advantage.

why do we need to study arabic literature

2.) Gain critical language skills useful in over 20 countries Languages like Spanish and French allow you to work and travel in dozens of countries around the world, but they are also widely spoken among your peers. Other languages, like Chinese, are in high demand but require spending your entire career focused on one or two countries.

Arabic offers a blend of critical language skills and applicability in over 20 countries with roughly 300 million native speakers. You will develop the skills to live, work, and interact with a more diverse set of countries, allowing you room to shift focus as you progress in your career.

3.) Develop on-the-ground expertise in critically important countries Few of your peers will gain international experience during their education. Even fewer will experience countries like Jordan, Lebanon, or Morocco countries where many US organizations have critical interests but lack an understanding of the local context, whether that be infrastructure challenges, different business practices, or complex political relationships.

Knowledge of Arabic paired with an understanding of cultural nuances is more important than ever to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities of the Middle East and North Africa. Relationship-building is a key skill in the Arab world. Speaking the language without speaking the culture will put you at a disadvantage.

why do we need to study arabic literature

4.) Gain insights into the second-largest religion in the world Islam is the most widespread religion in the Arab world, and it serves as a framework through which many Arabs see the world. Through your study of Arabic, you will pick up knowledge of Islamic traditions and beliefs that will allow you to become a more effective intercultural communicator and develop stronger relationships.

5.) Encourage a greater understanding of Arab culture in the US In a 2010 Gallup poll, 52 percent of Arab Americans reported that they "personally experienced racial or religious discrimination in the past year," the highest percentage of any religious or ethnic category surveyed. According to a 2014 poll , only 32 percent of Americans hold favorable views of Arabs.

By studying Arabic and learning about the culture, you will gain a deeper and more nuanced perspective of the Arabic-speaking world than the typical themes found in US mass media. As you share a more balanced perspective with your family, friends, and peers, you will encourage a greater understanding of Arab culture in US society and more trusting attitudes towards Arab Americans and Arabs living in the US

6.) Act as an ambassador for your country abroad Although the opinions that Arab countries have of the US are slightly more favorable than in recent years, their opinions often still lean towards the negative.

If you study Arabic abroad or work in the region, you will have daily opportunities to dispel negative misconceptions and promote a positive view of the US and American people.

why do we need to study arabic literature

7.) Study abroad through scholarship opportunities Students benefit from scholarship opportunities to study Arabic abroad at little or no cost.

The Critical Language Scholarship Program, Arabic Overseas Language Flagship Program, and the National Security Education Program's Boren Awards each provide focused, immersive experiences that enable you to reach much higher levels of linguistic and cultural proficiency than is achievable through US-based study alone.

About the Author Cameron Bean is an Arabic speaker with extensive experience studying the language in Egypt, Tunisia, and Jordan. He was a recipient of a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) and a Boren Scholarship and is currently studying the Iraqi dialect of Arabic. Cameron facilitates higher education opportunities in the US for foreign students and scholars from the Middle East and North Africa at American Councils.

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Lit Lists , Resources for Publishers Eman Alyousuf , Emirati

Why Do We Know So Little About Emirati Literature?

By Eman AlYousuf 

In 2018, I received a call from the US consulate in Dubai, informing me that Ihad been chosen to participate in the International Writers’ Program at the University of Iowa. 

 IWP is one of the most prestigious creative-writing fellowship in the world. And while it started in 1967—and selects 30 writers from 30 countries every year—more than fifty years passed before an Emirati author was chosen to join.

When I was in Iowa that fall, I would start my speeches to other authors or students in panel discussions and the classroom environment by saying, “Hi, my name is Eman AlYousuf. I’ve come all the way from the United Arab Emirates. A country that is younger than my father!”

why do we need to study arabic literature

I would then point out its location on a map and sketch an introduction to Emirati literature. 

Yet this isn’t just about the US. Although, the UAE and especially Dubai might not seem strange, there is very little most can say about Emirati literature or Emirati authors. This is true not just of readers in far-flung countries, but in other Arab and even neighboring GCC nations. 

If you doubt me, go ahead and list the names of three Emirati authors you know—and moreover have read a work of their fiction or poetry. See, I told you. It’s not so easy.

So, what is that about? Why do we know so little about Emirati literature? 

Well, there are several reasons. Among them are the environment and demographics, and also the publishing movement that started about thirty years ago. 

The United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven different emirates that united into one country in December 1971. Although it is a very new and young country, it is also one of the fastest-growing. In only two generations, citizens as well as residents of the UAE witnessed enormous changes in all aspects of their lives: from the streets they used, to the food they ate, to the schools their kids attended. Policies shifted, e-government was introduced, and the Arab tribes that lived a solitary life by the sea, surviving on pearl diving and fishing, now live alongside more than two hundred and twenty different nationalities. This change alone is a strong influence on literature.

The literature of double lives

The effect of these sudden changes left its marks on the Emirati spirit and influenced psychological and sociological developments, which then were reflected in the nation’s literary work, as what can be seen in many Emirati authors’ works, such as Salha Obaid Ghabish’a رائحة الزنجبيل ( The Smell of Ginger ), which was published in 2008. Ghabish talks about Aliya, an Emirati entrepreneur who lives in two different realities, one with her ancestors’ values and traditions and another life in which things are more materialistic than spiritual and morals shift along with people’s interests and benefits. The two worlds that she is living in clash, resulting in a schizophrenic situation. 

Ghabish not only highlights dualities in all aspects of Aliya’s life, but also creates another character named Othaibawho still lives out side the city where she preserves her beliefs and values far from the daily struggle that Aliya has to face and fight. 

This duality and duplicity that divides everything into two sharp, warring sides is evident in many Emirati authors’ fictional works, such as طروس إلى مولاي السلطان (Letters to the Sultan) by Hessa Al Kaabi, آخر نساء لنجة (The Last of Lengeh’s Women) by Lolowa AlMansouri, عودة ميرة (Mira’s Return) by Aisha Al Aijel, and many of the fictional works of acclaimed author Ali Abu al-Reesh.

Yet the novel has been sidelined because Emiratis celebrate and prioritize poetry, which has been part of the landscape of the Arabian peninsula for thousands of years. Emirati Arabs, and especially Bedouins, define poetry as the best and highest form for translating human linguistic and creative intelligence, as well as to best express one’s heritage, story, and values.

Short fictions

On the other side, short stories have also appeared, supporting novels in their struggle. They, too, showcase duality and a divided society between older generation’s traditions, values, spirituality and modern, materialistic, fast-paced world.

This is also reflected in the surrounding environment, as we see the struggle between different strands in Emirati literature. There is a strand that cherishes the Emirati identity and celebrates desert, sand dunes, and a simpler lifestyle, and uses words from the local environment such as ghafa (the UAE’s national tree) and kharoufa (traditional oral tales). And there is a strand that supports globalization, celebrates diversity, and is very open to change—one that has accepted that these values are now part of the past. 

Among the best collections of contemporary Emirati short stories are: إشارة لا تلفت انتباه أحد (“A Traffic Sign that Attracts No One) by Sultan Al Ameemi, ,زهايمر  (“Zheimer’s”) by Salha Obeaid, لعبة البازل (“Puzzle”) by Nadia Al Najjar, and سرير أبيض (White Bed) by Afra Al Banna. Motifs that runs through these collections is the changing forms and shapes of families and marital relationships within Emirati society; digitalization, globalization, and a fear of losing a shared cultural identity; as well as a reflection of the wars and political conflicts in the region, such as the war in Yemen and the revolutions of the Arab Spring.

Born in the ‘70s

As a national literature, Emirati literature started in 1971, the year the country was established, which makes it a very young literature to study or write about. 

The first Emirati novel published in 1971 was titled  شاهندة (Shahinda) and was written by Rashid Abdullah Al Nuaimi. The first collection of short stories was published in 1974: الخشبة  ( Al Khashaba), by Abdullah Saqr. 

It is interesting to note that Lebanese and Egyptian novels had begun to appear in the mid to late nineteenth century. The book recognized as the first Emirati novel was published around a century later. 

Yet  Shahinda  and  Al Khashaba  don’t read like young books, and readers will notice a high level of maturity as well as developed writing skill and technique. However, during the seventies, eighties, and nineties, Emirati authors faced many challenges, as it wasn’t easy for them to find publishers for their works. 

The Emirati publishing movement

In addition to the huge and rapid changes in Emirati demographics and lifestyles, and the embrace of urban life, the second thing that has most strongly affected Emirati literature is the recent publishing movement. The first Emirati publishing house was launched in 2003. Soon, many more local publishing houses were started up, which today has resulted in a wildly increased number of publications, compromising the quality of those works. 

Until just twenty years ago, Emirati authors had to either publish their literary works in regional literary hubs such as Cairo, Damascus, Beirut, or Baghdad which wasn’t always easy or possible, especially for financial and logistic reasons. For shorter works, they could publish in one of many literary magazines and newspapers in the region. These magazines helped the Arab literary scene get to know some good Emirati authors, such as Mohamed Al Murr, Sheikha Al Nakhi, and Mariam Jumaa Farag, to name a few. 

However, there was still only a slow spread of published Emirati works, and serious challenges that prevented many strong writers from publishing. Now, on the other hand, Emirati writers can choose to publish in the Emirates or to reach out to publishers abroad.

Another important factor is the centrality of several large Emirati literary prizes and book fairs, including the International Prize for Arabic Fiction (IPAF), known as the “Arabic Booker,” and two big annual book fairs: the Sharjah book fair held every November and the Abu Dhabi book fair every May. This has created many new opportunities for Emirati writers to meet and hear writers from around the world. The first Emirati novel to be longlisted for the IPAF was Sultan Al-Ameemi’s  One Room Is Not Enough  in 2017, and the first to be shortlisted was  Rose’s Diary,  by Reem Alkamali, in 2022.  

Today, social media has also helped introduce Emirati writers and publishers to a wider readership. Also, virtual sessions, panels, and exhibitions have supported the spread of Emirati literature, especially during Covid, when the entire world went online.

And yet, despite all this, Emirati literature remains relatively unknown. We need to investigate the publishing movement further and to examine other reasons that have hindered the spread of knowledge about—and interest in—Emirati literature. 

Eman AlYousuf  is an award-winning Emirati author with a degree in cultural diplomacy and a Master’s in knowledge management.  She is the first Emirati to be chosen for the University of Iowa’s International Writing Program in 2018 and won a Fulbright scholarship to teach Arabic to university students in 2020-21. She has published seven books: three novels, three collections of short stories, and a book on Emirati women writers. She started a podcast about cultural diplomacy called “Seven” and wrote the script of a feminist Emirati short film, “Ghafa,” which was screened in Dubai Film Festival in 2017. She is now the head of Arabic program for the Emirates Airlines Festival of Literature.

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  • 8 Reasons Why You Should Learn Arabic - And How To Get Started!

8 Reasons Why You Should Learn Arabic – And How To Get Started!

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Arabic is one of the oldest languages to ever exist in this world. Spoken by millions of people worldwide, the Arabic language holds a great position among the most spoken languages today. People strive to learn simple Arabic for various reasons, are you one of them?

It doesn’t matter whether you started learning basic Arabic or are still thinking about taking the step, Studio Arabiya has the easiest way to learn simple Arabic online. Read on to know how!

why do we need to study arabic literature

Is Learning Arabic Really Worth It?

People who think about learning a new language may hesitate to learn Arabic and they tend to choose another language instead. However, lots of people know the worth of learning Arabic and that it’s not a “dead language,” one not worth their efforts.

Here’s a list of reasons why learning Arabic is totally worth it:

1. Many Countries Speak Arabic

Arabic is the official language of over 20 countries and is spoken by over 300 million people from different cultures. As a result, studying Arabic will enable you to travel, work, and communicate with people from these Arabic-speaking countries.

2. Arabic Introduces You To A Vast Civilization

Students of the Arabic language will definitely get access to a whole other universe, with a rich history and foundations in another culture and era.

Even the history of the Arabic alphabet ( Abjad ), which has 18 forms that represent 28 phonetic sounds with diacritical markings, can transfer you through place and time to “the writing of the semi-nomadic Nabataean tribes” who inhabited the Sinai Peninsula, Jordan, southern Syria, and Northern Arabia.

3. The Arabic Vocabulary Is Broad and Variant

Every term in Arabic has an equivalent that correctly communicates the difference. Some nouns, like camel, have over 100 variations. Each of these variations refers to a distinct condition.

It is the only language with such a large and exact lexicon. It will be incredible to be able to communicate your thoughts and emotions so clearly and accurately.

4. You Will Be Able To Observe Arabic Culture Independently

What can we do to counteract prejudices? Learning a language is a powerful tool for combating ignorance about nations and people. Studying Arabic can help you understand the nuances and complexity of Arab culture, which is usually misconstrued and misrepresented via Western cultural filters.

5. You Will Be Able To Access The Arabic Classic Literature

Arabic literature is among the most widely published in the world. Learning Arabic will allow you to read and enjoy some of the world’s most famous classic literature in its original language.

If you admire the Arabic tales, reading them in their native tongue will give you a different perspective on them. Consider reading “The Thousand and One Nights” ( Alf Layla wa Layla ) or the original versions of Hafez and Ahmad Shawqi’s poetry.

6. Your Chances Of Landing A Good Job Are Better.

In a fast-changing employment market, speaking, writing, and reading Arabic may help you obtain a position in a respectable business or organization. Arabic is a United Nations language in high demand these days.

7. Other Languages Will Be Easier to Learn

Not unexpectedly, Arabic is linked to other world languages, and knowing Arabic may help you learn other languages such as Farsi or Persian, Turkish, Urdu, and Hebrew.

The vast majority of terms in these lexicons are related to or derived from the same root as Arabic terminology. These languages’ grammatical structures and semantics are similarly comparable as well.

8. Arabic Will Open The Doors Of Islam For You

If you are Muslim or interested in Islam for any reason, learning the Arabic language is definitely a must. This knowledge will enable you to grasp Islamic concepts, understand Islamic principles, practice your religion better and even gain in cultural awareness as Arabic-speaking countries are also Muslim countries. Last but not least, it will even benefit you if you are interested in countries where Arabic might not be an official language but is spoken by many because of their Islamic affiliations such as Indonesia and Malaysia.

Convinced? Keep reading to find out how to learn Arabic online easily!

Enroll in Online Arabic, Quran & Islamic Studies Classes Today.

How To Learn Simple Arabic Online Easily?

Despite the different methods you can employ to learn simple Arabic online, one of the most effective methods of learning Arabic is taking online Arabic courses. It’s never been easier to learn online. All you need is some spare time on your calendar and a reliable Internet connection and device.

Even though you may learn Arabic online using many ways such as listening to podcasts or reading Arabic articles, when you study Arabic online with a reputable institution, you receive the greatest elements of each approach as well as many additional benefits.

Where Can I Learn Simple Arabic Online?

You can learn Arabic online with Studio Arabiya! Studio Arabiya, founded in 2011, has swiftly grown to become one of the premier online Arabic and Quran schools , teaching all elements of the Arabic language and the Quran.

Studio Arabiya provides high-quality Arabic education to people all over the world through a diverse selection of Arabic courses taught by experienced native speakers with extensive experience teaching students of all ages.

All of these sessions may be taught online through Zoom to anyone who is unable to attend in person or who lives on the other side of the world where there is no trustworthy nearby institution that teaches Arabic.

The courses vary from basic Arabic lessons to the most complicated ones. The fundamentals of the language, such as the Arabic alphabet and verb conjugation, are covered, as well as more advanced topics like Arabic phonetics , conversation , dialectal Arabic , and even fiqh and tafseer .

With online learning at Studio Arabiya, you get:

  • Activities like reading, writing, listening, and speaking are used to teach Arabic vocabulary, grammar, and culture to ensure that you acquire what you need to know.
  • During group courses, you will have the opportunity to interact with both native Arabic speakers and other non-native Arabic language learners.
  • Schedules and learning techniques that are adaptable.
  • Testing your abilities on a regular basis will allow you to track your development.
  • The ability to study with audio resources that have been uploaded to the course material or that have been recommended by the course teacher. This will help you enhance your Arabic listening skills.
  • A daily Arabic immersion session that will help you improve.
  • Frequent Arabic-to-native-language translation exercises that can assist you in expressing yourself in both Arabic and your mother tongue.
  • To learn from an Arabic native speaker who has been appropriately qualified and prepared to teach you.
  • The opportunity to work at your own speed while studying.
  • One single online Institute for you and your entire family to learn Arabic, Quran and Islam!

All you have to do is go to Studio Arabiya’s website , choose the course you wish to start with, and sign up in a matter of minutes. If you’re not sure where to begin, you can contact Customer Support to get some help and start your learning journey.

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Why learn Arabic?

Why Learn Arabic? 14 Incredible Reasons To Learn Arabic

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Why learn Arabic ? I asked myself the same thing before thinking about learning Arabic. 

Let’s cut to the chase then. A few years ago when I was thinking about learning a new language, I found out that Arabic is one of the most important languages in the world.

That said, I quickly realized that it’s a challenging language, in fact it’s one of the hardest languages in the world. But don’t feel discouraged!

Over time, learning Arabic helped me expand my linguistic abilities, and taught me a lot of new things that are useful for my personal and professional life. And that’s even before getting to the fact that it’s a joy to learn! 

So let’s find out then – why learn Arabic? 

By the way, if you’re thinking about learning Arabic, then I have some great news for you!  I have beginner course called Arabic Uncovered . It’s a course where you can rely on the power of story and the unique StoryLearning® approach to learn Arabic!

It’s fun, easy, and effective! Make sure to sign up here for the course if you’re interested! 

If you prefer watching videos to reading, hit play on the video version of this post below. Otherwise, keep scrolling to discover the answer to the question: why learn Arabic?

1. Arabic Is Spoken All Over The World

why do we need to study arabic literature

Guess what? Arabic is spoken by millions of people all over the world. There are somewhere between 350-450 million Arabic speakers globally across more than 50 Arabic-speaking countries.

If you do the math (and if you don’t want to do the math, then let me do it for you!), then that means that it’s the 5th most spoken language in the world!

Of course, not everyone speaks the same kind of Arabic, because there are lots of Arabic dialects . One time, I was hanging out with a group of Arabic-speaking friends from different countries: Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco. They could barely understand each other!

Still, Arabic is the main official language in all of these and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. 

I also have tons of friends who are part of the Arab diaspora who live in countries in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, who all speak Arabic as well. 

Arabic is such an important language that it’s even one of the UN working languages. 

At the same time, Arabic is also the official language for many other countries because of its role in Islam, which brings me to the next reason why you should learn Arabic.

2. Understand The History And Traditions Of Islam

why do we need to study arabic literature

Did you know that Islam is one of the most important religions in the world? With close to 2 billion followers, more than a quarter of the world’s population identify as Muslim! 

When I visited the Middle East for the first time, I went to Cairo in Egypt. There, I was constantly reminded of the major role Arabic plays in Islam when I heard verses in classical Arabic straight from the Qur’an being blared on loudspeakers, five times a day.  

Many Muslims across the world, even if they are not from an Arabic-speaking country, have a strong foundation in Arabic to better understand and connect with the teachings of Islam. 

If you’re Muslim, then learning Arabic can be a great way to connect with your religion. And even if you aren’t Muslim, then learning Arabic can help you better understand the religion and promote cross-cultural understanding. 

3. Travelling In The Middle East And North Africa 

why do we need to study arabic literature

It took some time for me to get around to visiting the Middle East and North Africa, but I wasn’t disappointed once I started.

After starting to learn Arabic, I visited Egypt to experience the city of Cairo and explore the amazing historical sites like the pyramids and the city of Luxor. 

Later, I had the chance to visit other countries in the Middle East. In Jordan, I had a chance to trek through Petra and Wadi Rum. In Tunisia, I visited the ancient city of Carthage outside Tunis. 

It was clear that there’s something to see or experience in the region for every type of traveller. 

But the best part of travelling there, I found, was the hospitality. Everybody I encountered was more than welcoming. 

One of my friends started travelling only after studying Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) and had no knowledge of any of the dialects (I learned Egyptian Arabic first).

But she found that even knowing some MSA went a long way for communicating with locals, reading signs, and deciphering menus. 

If you do decide to travel to the Middle East, then knowing some Arabic beforehand can help you make your travel experience unforgettable. 

4. Arabic Can Help In Learning The History Of The Middle East

why do we need to study arabic literature

As mentioned already, Arabic is most commonly spoken in the Middle East and North Africa region. But it’s also the main language for many other civilisations in the past. 

All the history buffs I’ve spoken with have been quick to note Arabic’s hand in shaping history.

Since Arabic plays an important role in Islam, it’s no wonder that there are tons of historical records from civilisations like the Umayyad caliphate and the Ottoman empire in Arabic. 

Because the region is one of the most historically consequential places on earth, learning Arabic will help you better connect with these histories and understand its hand in shaping the world we live in today. 

5. Become A Better Mathematician And Scientist

why do we need to study arabic literature

This reason is for all of the math and science geeks out there! A mate of mine who studied maths at uni told me that words like “algebra” and “algorithm” originally come from Arabic. 

That’s because the Arabic language has played a vital role in the development of mathematics and various scientific fields that shape the way our world works today. 

This friend also explained that the number system we use today are called Arabic numerals because of the role medieval Islamic civilisations have had in spreading their use around the world. 

Learning Arabic and its connection with the history of mathematics and science might help you become a better mathematician or scientist. And even if it doesn’t, it’s sure to help you in becoming a better conversation starter at the dinner table! 

6. Expose Yourself To Rich Arabic Literature And Arts

why do we need to study arabic literature

Learning Arabic can help you unlock the keys to a rich and diverse culture directly, without having to rely on translations. 

With a better knowledge of Arabic, you can learn to better appreciate Arabic songs by legendary singers like Fairuz and Oum Kulsum.

Or you can expose yourself to the literature and poetry of influential writers and poets like Naguib Mahfouz, Mahmoud Darwish and Halil Cibran. 

Perhaps over time, you can also attempt learning Arabic by reading short stories from compilations like “One Thousand and One Nights” ( Alf Layla wa-Layla / أبف ليلة و ليلة). After all, learning languages through stories is one of the best methods for becoming fluent!

7. Arabic Cuisine Is Delicious! 

why do we need to study arabic literature

If you’re a foodie then you’ll be pleased to know that the food from the Arabic-speaking world is nothing short of delicious. Full stop. 

Obviously, there’s the Arabic foods that have become popular household names over the years like hummus (حمص), falafel (فلافل), and baklava (بقلاوة). 

But every time I’ve gone to a new restaurant that features food from the region, I’ve always been delightfully surprised by the foods I sampled, like tajine (تجين), maqluba (مقلوبة), kebbeh (كبّة), and kushari (كشري). 

And if you’re even more adventurous, then perhaps you can even try making these foods by following YouTube cooking channels in Arabic. Plus, it’ll help with the listening comprehension practice!

8. Arabic Is Linked To Many Other Languages

why do we need to study arabic literature

Because Arabic has had a large role in history, its traces are in many other languages, making it the perfect gateway for learning Turkish and more. 

Languages like Persian, Kurdish, Urdu, and even Hindi also use lots of words that are originally from Arabic, while other languages like Hebrew share lots of the same grammar as Arabic. 

For example, the word for “book” in Arabic is the same in Turkish and Persian: kitaab (كتاب), with just a few differences in pronunciation. 

A lot of the vocabulary used in daily life in countries like Turkey and Iran come from Arabic roots. So you may find that it’s easy to transition into learning other languages in the Middle East and North Africa region. 

9. Arabic Film And Television Are Fun To Watch

why do we need to study arabic literature

Who would have thought that being a couch potato and binge-watching TV series or a movie could be a great way of learning a new language! 

I got lucky with Arabic when I started learning it because I stumbled on lots of great Arabic TV series and movies that I could watch for listening comprehension practice. 

The best part of learning Arabic through TV series or movies is that there is constantly new material you can watch so you’ll never be bored.

You can always count on a new series in Arabic that you can watch during the month of Ramadan. Last Ramadan, I ended up binge-watching Seroh Al Bateaa (سره الباتع).

There are also lots of award-winning Arabic films that provide great social commentary about ongoing trends and topics in the Middle East. 

So next weekend, sit back, relax, and enjoy the musalsal (series)/مسلسل!

10. Great Economic And Business Opportunities

why do we need to study arabic literature

Oil. Textiles. Olives. Tech services. Cotton. Guess what they all have in common? Well, they’re all produced in significant quantities across many Arabic-speaking countries!

Many Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa are major economic powerhouses, and some cities like Dubai, Doha, Riyadh, and Cairo are huge hubs for business. 

In addition, with a wealth of natural resources, many Arabic-speaking countries have been attracting tons of foreign investment and have amazing economic prospects in the future for growth.

Knowing Arabic can help you get ahead in today’s economy and help you grow your business, which brings me to another related reason to learn Arabic. 

11. Arabic Can Help You Get Ahead In Your Career

why do we need to study arabic literature

You’ve probably met tons of people who have been interested in learning more classic languages like French or Spanish, and rarely met people who’ve been interested in learning Arabic.  

It’s precisely because Arabic is not a typical go-to language to learn that when you get to the point of applying for jobs, you’ll probably stand out from a crowd of job applicants and get ahead in your career! 

Learning Arabic can help you advance your career in directions that might not otherwise be available.

There’s plenty of opportunities to use Arabic whether you land a job in a multinational corporation, pursue a career in research, decide to become an archaeologist, or more! 

12. Boost Your Memory And Keep Your Brain In Shape

why do we need to study arabic literature

Beyond the benefits of learning Arabic itself, learning languages on its own can help you boost your memory and brain functions. 

The brain is just another muscle in your body, which means that like other muscles you use for running on a treadmill or swimming laps, you need to use it regularly to keep it in tip-top shape. 

That’s why learning a language can be a great way to keep your brain active, especially as you get older. 

By learning a new language like Arabic, you’ll be helping your brain get better at learning and remembering new things. Just think of learning Arabic as the same as doing push-ups, only that they’re for your brain! 

So every time you sift through some Arabic flash cards or do some grammar exercises, you’re boosting your brain’s memory and functions. 

13. Learning A New Language Broadens Your Perspective Of The World

why do we need to study arabic literature

Learning Arabic doesn’t just take place in the classroom. Once I started learning Arabic, there were so many more things I was able to learn about life and the world we live in, and it shifted my worldview in many ways. 

For instance, once I started practicing Arabic by watching news on channels like Al Jazeera and Al Arabiya, I realised that one news event might be understood in completely different ways. 

Considering that the Middle East and North Africa is a region that has often been misunderstood by other parts of the world, learning Arabic can help you be a part of the solution to overcome misunderstandings and become a bridge between cultures. 

14. Learning Arabic Is A Lot Of Fun 

why do we need to study arabic literature

Last, but not least, learning Arabic is enjoyable and rewarding, even if it's challenging!

You could say that the difference between learning Arabic and learning a language like Spanish or French is comparable to the difference between doing a 5,000-piece and a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle.

While one might take a lot more time to finish than the other, they’re both still a lot of fun! 

Here’s a quick preview of one of the fun things about learning Arabic.

One of the main features of Arabic is its root system, where every word can be traced to three or four root consonant letters that are all associated with one idea.

Over time, you learn to recognize patterns to words which embed meaning to these root consonants.

For example, the root d-r-s /د-ر-س carries the meaning “to study” or “learn”. You can form words using this root by inserting them into different patterns that embed different but related meanings.

So for instance, madrasa / مدرسة means “school”, while darrasa / درّس means “to teach”. 

Pretty cool, right? Features like the root system makes Arabic a very logical language, and a lot of fun for people with a passion and interest in learning languages. 

Why Learn Arabic? For Its Many Advantages! 

why do we need to study arabic literature

So in summary, why learn Arabic? Perhaps the reason is simple – that it’s a fun and great way to expand your brainpower and your understanding of the world! 

While there are tons of reasons why you should learn Arabic, including perhaps some of the reasons I’ve shared in this blog, you know yourself better than me.

So at the end of the day it’s up to you to find your own personal answer the question: why learn Arabic?

Of course, Arabic is no piece of cake and you’ll likely experience some hurdles while learning it. But don’t let that demotivate you!

You can learn Arabic and have fun while doing it by following the rules of Storylearning and reading short stories in Arabic .

And if you need some more support and want to learn Arabic through story, then you can join my beginner course, Arabic Uncovered .

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10 Reasons Why You Should Learn Arabic

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By OptiLingo • 7 minute read

There are a lot of reasons to learn Arabic.

What Are the Benefits of Reaching Fluency in Arabic?

Arabic is an old and beautiful language. But, it’s not just interesting to learn. Speaking Arabic fluently can significantly improve your life . So, what are the reasons to learn Arabic? Is Arabic even worth learning? Why should you give Arabic a go? If you’re on the fence or you’re unsure about Arabic, these 10 reasons will definitely motivate you to start learning today.

1. Learn Arabic to Talk to 420 Million People

With around 422 million speakers worldwide, Arabic is the 6th most spoken language in the world. So, the language has a huge significance and relevance today. And you can definitely find a lot of native Arabic speakers to practice with.

Arabic is the official language of 25 countries . These are most commonly in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Egypt, Algeria, UAE, and Saudi Arabia are just a few examples of the Arab speaking world. While there are over 30 different dialects of Arabic between these countries, Egyptian or Modern Standard Arabic is understood everywhere, so it’s worth learning it.

why do we need to study arabic literature

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2. Don’t Worry, Arabic is Easy to Learn

Arabic is not hard to learn. It’s just as easy to master as any other modern language. Although it does have a different writing system than English, once you master the Arabic alphabet, you can learn it quickly. A lot of language learners are worried about the sounds of Arabic. Arabic pronunciation isn’t impossible to master either. In fact, the majority of Arabic sounds are also found in English.

Arabic is easy to learn because a lot of people speak it. With today’s significance, this language has a lot of great resources learners can use. Take advantage of the opportunity Arabic offers you as a language learner.

Arabic is easy to learn

3. Arabic is an Official UN Langauge

Thanks to its widespread use, Arabic is one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations . This means, that speaking Arabic very important in international relations and diplomacy.

4. Read the Qur’an in Arabic

By speaking Arabic, you can gain access to the second-largest religion in the world: Islam. Founded in the Middle East by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century, it’s still one of the most important religions today. There are 1.7 billion Muslim believers worldwide . And most Arabic speaking countries are a Muslim majority.

The official scripture of Islam is called Qur’an. It’s written in Arabic, which is a huge reason why Muslim believers learn Arabic. Reading the Qur’an is necessary to understand the complexity of the religion. And the best way to do that is to speak the Arabic language. Although the Qur’an was written in Classical Arabic, which is a little different than Modern Standard Arabic, it’s still worth knowing the language.

Why not learn Arabic to read the Quran?

5. Boost Your Career by Learning Arabic

Millions of speakers, an official diplomatic language, it’s natural that speaking Arabic can benefit you in the business world. Whether your company plans to or already has business partners in Arab speaking countries, your Arabic fluency could be a very impressive and important asset .

The economy is booming in Arab speaking countries. Saudi Arabia has a GDP of $18 billion, which mostly comes from oil trade. There are a lot of opportunities for your career, which you can unlock by speaking Arabic. It’s one of the best reasons to learn Arabic as soon as possible.

6. Travel Easily

Speaking a foreign language fluently is invaluable when you’re traveling. You can understand the locals, navigate easily, and discover opportunities normal tourists couldn’t even dream of. But, if that foreign language is Arabic, it’s even better.

With 25 countries with native Arabic speaking populations, you have your pick of countries to visit. You can shop in the markets of Marrakesh, or admire the Pyramids in Cairo. With Arabic, you can travel to a lot of countries easily, which is one of the greatest reasons to learn it. There are a lot of amazing holiday destinations, such as Dubai or the Tunisian coastline. You can have a well-earned vacation and practice your Arabic fluency at the same time.

Traveling is a great reason to learn Arabic.

7. Get to Know Arab Cultures

Although a lot of countries have Arabic as their official language, each one of them has distinct cultural lives. The art, history, and traditions vary between Arabic speaking cultures, but the language still connects them. Whether you’re interested in learning about Egyptian dances or Lebanese cooking, speaking Arabic will get you one step closer.

Speaking a foreign language also makes you more open and understanding of different cultures. By speaking Arabic, you can understand the mindset and world view of millions of people. And you can become a global citizen with an accepting and sympathetic spirit. It’s one of the most underrated reasons to learning Arabic.

8. Enjoy History in Arabic

Arabic is a very old language. The first written evidence of Arabic dates back to 512 AD , making it over 1500 years old. In its history, Arabic touched many cultures and nationalities. This language connected their poetry, science, and politics.

Before the European Renaissance, the Islamic Empire was the center point of mathematics and science in the world. That’s why our number system for example is based on Arabic numbers. Whether you want to learn about astronomy or the great Ottoman Empire, speaking Arabic can help you enjoy history more. Gain access to research and a part of human history through the Arabic language.

9. Be Unique with Arabic

The global importance of Arabic is a great reason to learn it. But, despite the 270 million native speakers in the Middle East and Africa, Arabic is a rare second language in the West. You can become a unique asset in the United States and Europe by speaking this beautiful language.

It’s kind of like a superpower. How you use it is completely up to you. You can become an ambassador, or join politics from a diplomatic angle. You can read and learn about Arabic, and tell your community about the beauty of the culture. Or, you can also get very rich by going into business with the Arabic oil trade. Arabic unlocks unique opportunities that can benefit you exponentially.

Arabic culture is very unique

10. Improve Your Brain by Learning Arabic

Did you know that speaking a foreign language improves your brain health? It’s true, the memory exercises physically help your mind. Bilingual people have a better fighting chance against dementia and Alzheimer’s .

Speaking a foreign language is also a huge confidence boost. The value and worth of having another language to express your thoughts are unmeasurable. You can easily enhance your mental health , and give yourself confidence. And mastering a language like Arabic will certainly have a positive effect on your life.

Is Arabic Worth Learning?

Absolutely. There are plenty of other reasons to learn Arabic. This language will make your life better. Improved communication, higher intelligence, and better self-image are just a few more reasons why learning Arabic is amazing. And if you’re ready to start learning this beautiful language fast, all you need to do is download OptiLingo.

OptiLingo is the best app to learn Arabic. Why? Because it gives you exactly what you need to speak Arabic fluently: the most common words and phrases . This vocabulary is the same that native Arabic speakers use every day. So, by learning only the essentials, you can reach Arabic fluency faster. Start learning Arabic successfully today by downloading OptiLingo !

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Why Study Literature?

05.15.2023 • 5 min read

Learn about the value and benefits of studying literature: how it develops our skills as well as shapes our understanding of the society we live in.

What Is Literature?

The benefits of studying literature.

Literature & Outlier.org

Many libraries in the U.S. are under attack.

From small towns to big cities, it’s more common to see protests outside of libraries. Libraries are under the microscope and being scrutinized for what content they have on their shelves.

Some people see certain books as a threat to society. While others believe everyone has a right to access any information they wish. The fact is literature is so powerful some people see it as dangerous and want to choose what the public has a right to read.

This is not the first time in history that people have tried to censor literature for what it says. So what really is literature and why is it so powerful?

In this article, we’ll define literature, talk about the history of literature, and the benefits of studying literature in college.

Literature is an art form that uses language to create imaginative experiences. It includes poetry, drama, fiction, and nonfiction.

Literature communicates ideas and emotions.It entertains, educates, and inspires readers. Literature explores complex themes and is an important part of human culture.

From its original Latin derivative, "writing formed with letters," to its current definition, a "body of written works," our understanding of literature has evolved.

Literature explains society and culture. It both criticizes and affirms cultural values based on the writer’s perceptions. It expresses and explores the human condition. It looks back to the past and onward toward the future.

As literature represents the culture and history of a language or people, the study of literature has great value. To study literature means looking deeply into a large body of written work and examining it as an art form.

Of course, there are many different literary genres, or types of literature. At a liberal arts school , a literature program, a student would study these genres extensively and understand the historical and cultural context they represent.

Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction

Students in a college literature program examine many forms of literature, including:

Some definitions of literature separate fiction into 2 categories: literary fiction and genre fiction. Genre fiction consists of more popular literature read for entertainment. Some examples of genre fiction include crime, fantasy, and science fiction stories.

Literary fiction explores themes of the human condition. These stories cannot be further categorized and are read primarily for a philosophical search for the meaning of life. Examples of literary fiction include The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Beloved by Toni Morrison.

You can discover more distinctions by studying literature in depth.

1. Literature Develops Communication Skills

The foundation of literature is the English Language. By reading literature, you can improve your knowledge of language: vocabulary, grammar, sentence structure, content creation, and more. When you immerse yourself in William Shakespeare, Celeste Ng, or Chinua Achebe, you're absorbing new words, expressions, and ideas—without even realizing it.

You can use everything you learn to improve your own writing and communication skills . You will use these skills beyond high school and college. In our everyday lives, we navigate personal relationships, craft emails, present projects, collaborate with teammates, analyze data, and more.

Yuval Noah Harari has written much of his own literature on the history and success of the human race. In his book Sapiens, he emphasizes our ability to craft stories as one of our most valuable skills: " Fiction has enabled us not merely to imagine things, but to do so collectively.” Through these collective stories, we learn about the human experience, both in smaller interpersonal ways and on a larger, more global scale.

2. Literature Teaches Us About the Human Condition

Literature helps us reflect on the human experience, teaching us about who we are and the world we live in. It presents a range of emotions, from love to anger to grief to happiness. It gives us insight and context about societal norms and cultural traditions.

It explores our history and our present; it imagines our futures. It introduces us to new ways of thinking and living, compelling us to think critically and creatively about our own experiences.

Through literature, we see we're not alone in our thoughts and feelings. The characters we read about have already experienced similar difficulties and worked to solve or change them, giving us the blueprint to do the same.

Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice goes beyond social commentary to explore the complexities of familial relationships, romantic relationships, and friendships. Mr. Darcy insults Elizabeth Bennet without meaning to, Elizabeth Bennet makes harsh judgments without knowing all the facts, and Mrs. Bennet worries about her daughter's future constantly. We can see ourselves in them.

3. Literature Teaches Us About Empathy

When we connect with literature's characters and narratives, we learn how to empathize with others. While we’re not physically experiencing the raging seas in Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse or the loss of a loved one in William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, we are swept up in the story and the emotion. This helps us develop empathy and emotional intelligence.

In a 2006 study , professors at the University of Toronto concluded a lifetime exposure to literary fiction positively correlated with advanced social ability. In 2020, the Harvard Business Review encouraged business students to read literary works to enhance their abilities to keep an open mind, process information, and make effective decisions.

4. Literature Helps Us Explore New Ideas

With words, and not actions, authors create spaces where we can explore new ideas, new structures, new concepts, and new products. When the only limit is your imagination, anything is possible in creative writing.

We can dive into the past to understand British society at the turn of the 19th century in Austen's Pride and Prejudice or jump into potential futures through Harari's Homo Deus. We can consider alternative futures like that in George Orwell's 1984 or conduct experiments in Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

We don't encounter monsters or humanoid robots in our everyday lives (at least we hope not!). But when we explore them through literature, we’re equipped to consider, challenge, and analyze concepts we don't yet know or understand. This practice opens our minds and allows us to be more flexible when we face the new and unknown. These critical thinking skills enable us to process information easier.

5. Literature Changes the Way We Think

With everything we learn from literature and the skills it helps us develop, literature changes the way we think, work, and act.

When we can think more critically, we arrive at different conclusions. When we open our minds and empathize with others, we better accept and tolerate differences. When we can articulate and communicate effectively, we work better together to achieve and succeed.

Whether English literature or Russian literature or French literature, literature is the key to understanding ourselves and society.

Literature and Outlier.org

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It’s no doubt studying literature will give you a well-rounded education. It is through literature that societies have grown and developed—inspiring change throughout the world. Choosing to study literature will not only give you a glimpse into the past but help you articulate the present and inspire change in the future. By studying literature you will have the power to connect with others and truly touch their hearts and minds.

About the Author

Bob Patterson is a former Director of Admissions at Stanford University, UNC Chapel Hill, and UC Berkeley; Daisy Hill is the co-author of Uni in the USA…and beyond published by the Good Schools Guide 2019. Together, they have established MyGuidED, a new educational tool for students looking to apply to university (launching 2023).

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Why Do We Need To Study Literature? What Are The Benefits?

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What is the importance of literature?

Benefits of studying literature, what are the reasons to study literature, benefits of literature to students.

This subject does not have any particular language across the world and religions. Still, every definition of literature aligns with one another and gives true meaning to this beautiful artistic subject.

The subject literature broadens our horizons. This particular subject gives us the opportunity to learn and understand those people and incidents which are very different yet important to know.

Our cultural heritage has literature as a very valuable part, which anybody can access very easily and get the most out of it to enrich their lives through different ways. For some people, studying this particular subject can be daunting, but once you will understand to break the barrier, the texts of this subject will become one of the most entertaining, funny, romantic, yet tragic for you. This subject has the ability to take us beyond our limited imagination and thoughts with respect to life to make us experience and live the life of a different community of people at different points in time. It makes our brain grind itself both emotionally and intellectually to give us a deep knowledge of our society, history, and an actual understanding of our own lives. You can get a very real glimpse of what you haven’t seen or when you weren’t present. Literature enriches our experience in many ways.

If you want to know more about some common yet interesting things about daily life, you can check the articles on why do leaves fall and why do we fast .

The way literature gives relief from anxiety and stress, that not many subjects can give. You won’t believe but just giving less time to reading and understanding literature for a very short period of time in the day can create good health for your brain and it a break from all the complex thinking. It slows down the heartbeat whenever we feel anxiety and this has been proved by the studies itself. It takes the mind of readers away from the stress and worries in life. World Literacy Foundation says that reading literature is one of the ways to inculcate a strong imagination and creativity within you. Because when we study literature, we start to create that particular scene in our mind which gives us a good concentration. Watching movies is also nice but doesn’t need much imagination because we have the visuals in front of us. Anyone with a short attention span can give a chance to literature to improve it. Haskins Laboratories for the Science of the Spoken and Written Word came out with research that concluded that the brain takes a larger span of time to understand reading rather than watching media. Because sometimes, the books and novels get very challenging and complex with many twists within a story, which makes the brain divert its attention to every minor detail.

A window gets provided to those who do a study of literature to see the outer world through the eyes of literary genres. It makes you understand the way every society and culture is and with a historical record as well. It’s like a pathway to give you new adventurous experiences. Good personal skills are also get developed through literature. The benefits with which the literature comes is in itself sufficient to know the importance of it.

Reading not just only helps in building a good vocab, but also helps in inculcating a good reasoning ability in children and adults. Literature introduces you to a rich language, helps you develop and discover good skills and words, discover a new self, sense the problems in society by a critical view, explore texts with new perspectives, read about culture, understand the value of poetry, gain the literary skills of classics, and develop a good writing sense. They realize the problems which the other characters face and first-handedly think about the solution for it. They understand the reasoning of each and every character and respond to it. You can feel whenever the character in the book is getting successful or failing a task. Having a good vocabulary gives good improvement to the communication skills. And eventually helps in developing work relationships. You can develop and discover a new view on history (which most think is a boring subject) by your own self if you study it from a literature point of view.

You won’t believe it at first, but the reasons because which you should study literature are very much connected to the ways you should live your life on a daily basis.

People haven’t changed their thinking and feeling style. The emotions they used to feel then, are the same they feel now. Every lesson you will learn will be applicable to your life in many ways. When a child starts to read literature, they understand the human’s reactions to various situations and the nature of our heart as well. The texts of essays, poems of good poets, novel stories, and diaries play the role of bridging the gap between two very distant timelines and between different ethnicities as well. They get the awareness of how to deal with certain situations and secure themselves from future problems. While reading classic literature, you will feel the connection to the outer world and its good principles. Literature is a very useful tool to make a child understand the evils and goods of society. Literature connects us to history. Many people consider history as an important part of our life. But if we read this subject with the sense of memorizing it, we will never be able to love it. Students can enjoy it more if they develop the habit of reading it through literature. The importance of empathy in society is a lot, else it will change into a dog-eat-dog society very soon, which is going to hurt everyone in turn. According to research, reading a number of literary works will develop empathy in people. The works of literary fiction are effective in this phenomenon, because readers like to understand deeply what the characters of this particular story are going through, hence they want to understand their joy, sorrow, and problems. People who read more and more have a good ability to discern the mind and feelings of people in the most logical way. Studying literature helps in developing an opportunity to inculcate the higher-order thinking skills in the mind of the reader. When you analyze the view of one story, you actually start to develop good thinking skills in yourself. Students, after reading literature, tend to apply what they read in the course of their own experience in life. They often compare the stories from books to their own life. Growing older, they develop such a good sense of morality that they can give strong discussion points. Because of a continuous habit of analyzing stories and relating to them from their own point of view often becomes the plus point during any general talk.

Reading literature is very important for students as reading gives development to the thought process, inculcates knowledge and valuable lessons for our mind to be creative. The way books hold interesting stories, feelings, thoughts, and information is very unlikely to be seen in anything. Texts in literary books make us understand that some things should not get underestimated and that's why they get taught in schools.

Student life has always been and will always be challenging and complex. Now if a little reading can help them understand some processes of life, then there’s nothing wrong with it, right? Reading literature is a fun activity. But also this fun activity comes with some benefits also for a student. When a student reads the word, its cognitive functions get stimulated and eventually sharpens the mind, especially that part that develops the critical analysis and concentration. What student life has as a major component is the ability to write. Start by just reading one book, and you won’t believe the change which you will realize after writing something after it. Today's students are even aware of many devices to explore and learn things from new perspectives about poetry, plays, art stuff, classics, cultures, ideas, and many other literary words by doing research on web media. In schools, often texts of Shakespeare and John Locke get read by students. The way they used to write is considered as the writing of the future. Students can do a study of literature very well through these two poets who had excellent skills with high value. Students can develop good skills and gain a lot if they will start reading a number of books related to literature either on the web or through a book from the beginning of their childhoods.

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  1. Arabic literature

    At certain points in the development of European civilization, the literary culture of Islam and its Arabic medium of expression came to be regarded not only as models for emulation but also, through vital conduits such as Moorish Spain and Norman Sicily, as direct sources of inspiration for the intellectual communities of Europe.

  2. The Global Significance of Arabic Language and Literature

    Critical to global language education is the capacity to quantify and comprehend language proficiency, particularly in the case of Arabic, a language significant in cultural and global contexts ...

  3. Disciplines of Arabic Literature

    Terry Eagleton notes (Literary Theory, 1983) that the discipline of literature studies—involving the interpretation of literary materials and their theorization—traces its beginnings to the early decades of the 20th century.

  4. Why Study Arabic?

    A Solid Program. The Arabic program at BU covers four-plus years of modern standard Arabic. The program is structured to get you speaking in Arabic as quickly as possible (this is called the communicative method ); by the end of the first year, classes are conducted primarily in Arabic.

  5. Why Study Arabic?

    Arabs contributed a great deal to the advancement of science, medicine, and philosophy. Much learning from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine cultures was preserved for the world through the Arab libraries. Arabs have also made significant contributions in such areas as literature, mathematics, navigation, astrology, and architecture.

  6. Teaching with Arabic Literature in Translation: The Bilingual Course

    Also if we're going to study literature of rebellion, we should know what kind of thing it's rebelling against. One time in my other course, on the 1001 Nights, we read a piece of Arabic rhymed prose. One student who was an undergrad senior Arabic minor actually said: "Wow, I've never read anything in Arabic before that was written to ...

  7. Why Study Arabic?

    Cultural awareness. Arabic is the main language of Islam, a religion that has around 1.5 billion followers. It is the language of the Quran that is read and studied by all Muslims. Muslims also need Arabic to perform prayers and other forms of worship. Gain insights into the cultural, political, and religious values of other cultures.

  8. The Global Significance of Arabic Language and Literature

    The need to master Arabic literature was obvious to anyone who hoped to achieve social or political prominence. An interesting example of this tendency is the autobiographical account of the philosopher Ibn Sina (d. 1040), where we learn that, despite his remarkable accomplishments in science and philosophy, this Persian intellectual was once ...

  9. A Brief, Wondrous History of Arabic Literature ‹ Literary Hub

    The most essential point about Arabic literature is that it stems directly from the Holy Qur'an—pre-Islamic poetry notwithstanding. Apart from some 1st century AD graffiti (which hardly counts as literature), we have no evidence of writings in Arabic before the time of the Prophet Muhammad. Illiteracy was widespread and the select few who ...

  10. Arabic Literature into English: The (Im)possibility of Understanding

    The (Im)possibility of Understanding. Since the events of 11 September 2001, there has been greater interest in translating Arabic literature into English in order to enhance understanding of the Arab-Muslim world. However, much focus has been placed on writers whose works substantiate western preconceptions of Arab Others, and hence are of ...

  11. Why Study Arabic?

    Learning Arabic will increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of "the other"; i.e., Arab culture and people. Knowing the Arabic language will be of great relevance to CSU students especially since the Cleveland area is considered one of the largest concentrations of Arabs or people of Middle Eastern ancestry in the United States.

  12. Seven Reasons Why Now is the Time to Learn Arabic

    1.) Distinguish yourself in the professional world with a high demand language Given that less than 1 percent of US college students study Arabic just 32,000 out of 21 million total students Arabic language skills will separate you from the crowd, no matter your professional field.

  13. Arabic literature

    Arabic literature - Modernism, Poetry, Fiction: At the beginning of the 20th century, literary criticism remained very much in the tradition of the premodern period, with emphasis still firmly placed on the analysis of texts and their functions, linguistic and aesthetic. As was the case with the literary genres themselves, this critical heritage now came into contact with the traditions of ...

  14. Top 14 Reasons Why It Is Important To Learn Arabic

    Among the number of foreign languages that you can study, why should you learn Arabic? It is not an easy language to learn and has nothing in common with English. Therefore, a speaker of English will have a difficult time to learn it. But looking at the positive side, learning Arabic can offer several benefits.

  15. Why Do We Know So Little About Emirati Literature?

    Born in the '70s. As a national literature, Emirati literature started in 1971, the year the country was established, which makes it a very young literature to study or write about. The first Emirati novel published in 1971 was titled شاهندة (Shahinda) and was written by Rashid Abdullah Al Nuaimi. The first collection of short stories ...

  16. 8 Reasons Why You Should Learn Arabic

    Here's a list of reasons why learning Arabic is totally worth it: 1. Many Countries Speak Arabic. Arabic is the official language of over 20 countries and is spoken by over 300 million people from different cultures. As a result, studying Arabic will enable you to travel, work, and communicate with people from these Arabic-speaking countries.

  17. Why Learn Arabic? 14 Incredible Reasons

    by Olly Richards Why learn Arabic? I asked myself the same thing before thinking about learning Arabic. Let's cut to the chase then. A few years ago when I was thinking about learning a new language, I found out that Arabic is one of the most important languages in the world.

  18. 10 Reasons Why You Should Learn Arabic

    1. Learn Arabic to Talk to 420 Million People With around 422 million speakers worldwide, Arabic is the 6th most spoken language in the world. So, the language has a huge significance and relevance today. And you can definitely find a lot of native Arabic speakers to practice with. Arabic is the official language of 25 countries.

  19. Why Study Literature?

    Daisy Hill Author Learn about the value and benefits of studying literature: how it develops our skills as well as shapes our understanding of the society we live in. What Is Literature? The Benefits of Studying Literature Literature & Outlier.org Many libraries in the U.S. are under attack.

  20. Why Do We Need To Study Literature

    Quick answer: Studying literature enables one to better understand social situations, history, one's own emotions, and various cultural practices. It also makes one more empathetic. PDF Cite...

  21. Why Do We Need To Study Literature? What Are The Benefits?

    The way literature gives relief from anxiety and stress, that not many subjects can give. You won't believe but just giving less time to reading and understanding literature for a very short period of time in the day can create good health for your brain and it a break from all the complex thinking.

  22. Why do you people want to learn arabic? : r/learn_arabic

    If not, at least this would be a small helping part. Take Egypt as an example, If you had the chance to learn Arabic, you will have a totally different and amazing experience knowing the different layers of cultural treasures from the perspective of an Egyptian: Ancient Egyptian, Islamic, Qubtic, Greek, Roman and more.