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Arabic Language Facts

If you’re thinking about learning Arabic it’s always good to know a little about the origins and history of the language you are learning. Here, Cactus Language offers up our most interesting Arabic language facts:

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Learn Arabic

8 Interesting Arabic Language Facts

1. Arabic is a Semitic language

The Arabic language originates from the Arabian Peninsula. As the Muslim World expanded, Arabic spread into North Africa and Western Asia.

2. There are around 280 million Arabic native speakers worldwide

Arabic is an official language in 26 countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel (along with Hebrew), Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and the UAE, making it the fifth most spoken language in the world.

3. Arabic has influenced a great number of languages

Arabic has influenced a great number of languages, including most European languages as well as Asian and African languages. English has many Arabic loanwords such as alcohol, algebra, algorithm, average, candy, caravan, cotton, giraffe, guitar, jar, lemon, lilac, magazine, sugar and talisman.

4. There are around 14 words that describe “love”

Each word for “love” describes specific stages of falling in love. For example, “hawa” describes the initial attraction towards someone, “huyum” the loss of reason that follows, and “ishq” a blind desire.

5. Arabic and Hebrew share distinctive features

Arabic and Hebrew are both Semitic languages. Their similarities make it easier for Arabic speakers to learn Hebrew, and vice versa.

6. Arabic has no capital letters

The Arabic alphabet uses quotation marks for emphasis instead of capital letters.

7. Arabic has sounds that don’t exist in other languages

Some non-native speakers find it difficult to pronounce words in Arabic, due to the some of the sounds being uncommon in other widely spoken languages. For instance, ‘ح’ is a ‘h’ sound that is only found in Arabic.

8. Arabic words are written from right to left

Unlike many other widely used languages, Arabic words are written from right to left, and Arabic numbers are written from left to right.

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Frequently asked questions

What will I learn?

Our Course Outlines give an overview of the content and learning framework of Cactus courses. Includes themes, grammar and vocabulary you can typically expect to cover. These are intended as a guide only. Language teachers may at times adapt the course content to suit the specific level, aims and interests of the class.

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Are you unsure where to start or progress to? Then take our level test and read our level descriptions for guidance.

Do I receive a qualification or certificate?

At the end of your course you receive a certificate of participation. You will be able to be download it from your MyCactus account. This confirms the language and level of course you have taken. Our course levels are based on two internationally recognised systems. You will have a universally accepted reference for your studies. (Important: Please note that you must complete the end of course questionnaire sent to you to be able to get your certificate! You will receive the course questionnaire by e-mail at the end of your course.)

Do I need a course book?

You will need a course book to attend your course. Course books are not included in the course fees. We recommend that you buy your own course book separately before your course starts. We will let you know which course book you will require and advise where you can purchase this. Please note that a course book often covers more than one level. So if you progress to the next course, you may not necessarily need to buy a new book. Again, we will advise you of this at the time. The course book is chosen by our teachers and academic team. This is based on which book is most suitable for the level of the class whilst offering the most communicative approach.

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