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.