Thinking of mastering a new language? Looking for a fun unrestricted elective to take during your upcoming semester? Do you find yourself being able to read Arabic without understanding its meaning? Then the Arabic language module at NTU might just be the one for you!
Note: The following information is taken from NTU’s Centre for Modern Languages (CML) webpage:
Reasons to Learn Arabic
Learning a foreign language is much more than just learning to speak, read and understand the language. As language is closely linked to culture, a learner of a foreign language would develop an appreciation for its culture, art, music, literature, cuisine, and way of life. Arabic is one of the most exciting languages to learn. Here are 5 reasons why you should learn this exotic language:
1. Communicate with millions of people around the world
Arabic is the 5th most spoken language of the world. It is spoken by more than 350 million native speakers. Arabic is also one of the six official working languages of the United Nations.
2. Rich in Culture and History
Arabs have their own unique art, music, literature, cuisine, and way of life. You may have tried some Arab dishes, such as hummus or falafel, or enjoyed some Arabic music. In learning Arabic, you will explore 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 Arab people, such as honour, dignity, hospitality and many others.
3. Travel
When travelling to the Middle East there are many things you can enjoy; from riding camels while gazing at the pyramids in Egypt to taking a dip in the Dead Sea in Jordan and viewing the buildings in Dubai. Most importantly, when walking through the streets, knowing basic Arabic will surely break some barriers, because as soon as you utter a few words of Arabic in front of a native speaker, they will be delighted and eager to assist you in any way possible.
4. Exciting Language
With the deeply entrenched root system, learning Arabic can be a great joy. For example, if you know that Kharaja means “to exit” in Arabic, then it will be easy to deduce that Khaarij means “outside” and Makhraj means “exit”.
5. Arabic & Islam
Islam as one of the major religions in the world has a very strong connection with the Arabic language, which is considered the language of the religion. Muslims both Arab and non-Arabs speak and study this language. Learning Arabic promotes tolerance and understanding towards the religion and the culture.
To find out more about what lessons are like for an Arabic Level 1 or Level 2 module, watch the following videos and hear from fellow students themselves:
Arabic Level 1
Arabic Level 2
For further information or enquiries you can browse through NTU CML’s web page for Arabic here, or contact them at the provided contact information above.