Deciding to learn a language is an exciting step for any new student. What many don’t expect is to have to choose which version of that language they would like to go on and learn. Whilst all languages have regional accents, and some have dialects, not many dialects within a language are so varied that they might almost constitute new languages of their own. Not many, that is, outside of Arabic…
The range of Arabic dialects and the peculiarities of each in terms of vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation is a complicating factor that can confuse even the most determined future Arabic scholar. However, whilst choosing a dialect that allows the student to carry forward their enthusiasm for the new language is an important first step, suffice to say there is no ‘wrong’ choice. Each Arabic dialect should be celebrated for its unique features and the cultural and communicative impacts it has had on its native (and non-native!) speakers.
With that being said, here is a simple guide to some of the different forms and dialects of Arabic for those interested in taking up the language.
The first distinction in Arabic is between the formal and the spoken forms of the language. In a European language like English or French there may be certain slang words that are used in conversation but rarely written down, but these words are very much in the minority. For the most part, written English is identical to spoken English. In Arabic that is not the case.
Fusha/Modern Standard Arabic
Fusha is the name used to refer to the literary form of Arabic that was standardised in the 7th century as part of the emergence of Islam. Fusha, or the modern equivalent of Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), is never used outside of formal speech such as news broadcasts. Though the purest example of grammar and syntax as well as a base from which a learner might build towards a spoken variant, it is no-one’s mother tongue. You might be understood if you use Fusha or MSA words or phrases, but you are very unlikely to understand what others are saying as they speak dialects.
Egyptian
Of the dialects of Arabic vernacular, Egyptian Arabic is the form with the most speakers. Approximately 77 million people are comfortable conversing in colloquial Egyptian and due to the past hegemonic cultural impact of Egyptians on the wider region the language has spread beyond the border via Egyptian cinema and Egyptian music.
Levantine
The dialects spoken in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine can be grouped together under the umbrella of Levantine Arabic. With a wide geographical spread spanning those four countries and beyond this form offers students the greatest variety of immersive opportunities for learning. Due to the cultural interchange between Egypt and the Levant the dialect is also fairly easily understood across those borders.
Maghrebi
Maghrebi Arabic is considered to be the most geographically limiting in its scope once spoken as it takes distinct forms in Morocco, Algeria and across North West Africa. It is further removed from Egyptian or Levantine Arabic and learners might find it more challenging to engage with speakers from the other regions. Despite this, the Berber influences on the form are fascinating and provide a window into the history of Arab culture outside of the Middle East.
Making a decision
Ultimately a new student of Arabic should choose the form that best aligns with their interests, for travel, cultural understanding or business, as it is that form that will keep the passion for learning burning brightest. The pathways are not fixed – sure-footed speakers will always be able to understand and be understood across dialects, whilst those with historical or theological interests will find classical Arabic captivating.
