History of the Arabic Language
The Arabic language is the sixth most used language in the world, as well as one of the official languages of the United Nations. Arabic language originated in Saudi Arabia in pre-Islamic times, and spread rapidly across the Middle East.
There are three types of Arabic. Classical, Modern Standard and Spoken Arabic. Classical Arabic is found in the Qur’an and is never used in conversation, or non-religious writing.
There are various types of Arabic script, some more intricate than others. The best known are "Kufic" and "Thuluth". Arabic script is used for decorative purposes all over the Muslim world, in mosques, houses and other buildings. This is because the writing flows in a beautiful stylised fashion.
Modern Standard Arabic
Modern Standard Arabic belongs to the Semitic language family and is the definitive form of written Arabic. Modern Standard Arabic provides a universal form of the language that can be understood by all and is commonly used in radio, TV, films, plays and in conversation.
Colloquial Arab dialects
Arab colloquial dialects are generally only spoken languages. Colloquial language is used in daily interactions, but in a situation calling for greater formality, Modern Standard Arabic is usually used. Standard Arabic is more or less the same throughout the Arab World, while there are wide differences between the various colloquial dialects
Semitic Language
Aside from Arabic, the Semitic language family includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Maltese, Amharic, Tigrinya, Tigre, Gurage, Geez, Syrica, Akkadian, Phonoecian, Punic, Ugaritic, Nabatean, Amorite and Moabite. Most of these are now considered dead languages, but Arabic has flourished.