Many of the academic programs at Dallas International involve learning a language. Students pursuing a BA in International Service are able to take 9 hours of a foreign language. Students pursuing an MA in Abrahamic Studies are able to study an Abrahamic language, either Greek, Hebrew or Arabic. There are many benefits for studying any language, so how can you know which is right for you? Here are 7 reasons you might choose to study Arabic at DIU:
Have a global voice with the Arabic world. Arabic is one of the top five most-spoken languages, with nearly 300 million native Arabic speakers across 26 countries. More than one million Arabic speakers reside in the US.
Become a sought-after employee. The US considers Arabic a critical language, defined as one of the non-Western European languages essential to US national security. Competency in Arabic could lead to scholarships and employment opportunities.
Unravel Middle Eastern religious traditions. Arabic is spoken by Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant Christians; Sunni and Shia Muslims; as well as Baha’i, Druze, and Ahmadiyya groups in the Middle East.
Discover the discoverers. Arabic-speaking people have made huge contributions in medicine, astronomy, math, and philosophy. Learn about the cultures that have given us coffee, chess, and the number zero.
Experience music, film, and TV shows in Arabic. Media outlets broadcast to 330 million people in North Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Peninsula. Enjoy Lebanese Arab pop, Egyptian comedies, and breaking news from the Arabic-speaking world.
Learn to read and write “backwards.” Arabic is written from right to left—a perfect language for lefties. Okay, right-handers can do well too. And the script is non-Roman, which makes it very different from English letters.
Study a Semitic language. Arabic is related to Biblical Hebrew, and studying one can help you better understand the other. Both Arabic and Hebrew are integrally linked to major religious traditions, and students interested in such traditions can benefit from studying Arabic.
Ready to begin your journey with Arabic? Apply today for our BA in International Studies or our MA in Abrahamic Studies!
