Unique Things About the Arabic Language

Arabic is one of the oldest and versatile languages in the world. Known as the language of poetry, Arabic is a complex language. Being spoken by over 400 million people across the world, Arabic is an important world language.

Any translation project that involves Arabic is a challenge. Only an expert translator or an agency that provides Arabic translations in Dubai can provide the right translation. For, the language has many unique aspects.

Here are some unique things that you need to know about Arabic.

1. Multiple Types of Arabic

There are three types of Arabic – the classical Arabic, the Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), and the colloquial Arabic.

Classical Arabic is the oldest form of Arabic. It is also known as Quranic Arabic. The literary variety that is in use for writing books, magazines, and other forms is the MSA.

Colloquial Arabic is the language used across cultures and regions in the 26 countries where Arabic is the official language.

The three types are used depending on the context.

2. Diversity of Words

Imagine a situation where you need to translate a word, but there are multiple words for the same word. Translation becomes difficult. That is the case with Arabic.

There are 100 words for ‘camel’ and at least 11 words for ‘love.’ Similarly, many things in Arabic have multiple words to express. Only an expert translator can pick the right word.

3. Words and Numbers are Written Differently

In Arabic, while the words are written from right to left, the numbers are written from left to right. If you are not a native speaker, this adds to the complexity of understanding the language.

4. Arabic Sounds That Are Not Found In Other Languages

Adding to the complexity of Arabic is the many throat sounds in the language. These sounds are not found in any other language. Also, Arabic words with specific sounds when pronounced differently will give a different meaning to the word.

5. The Root System

Arabic has a root system to construct words. For example, the basic root system for words related to the field of writing is ‘k-t-b.’ Words like ‘Kitaab – a book’ and ‘Maktab – a desk or office’ follows the root system.

A Complex Language

These are some among many of the unique aspects of the Arabic language. Learning Arabic is thus a challenge. Even more challenging is translating a text into Arabic. Only experts or translation agencies with expertise can carry out the perfect translation.

If you are looking for an expert Arabic translation, please contact us.