Language/Standard-arabic/Culture/The-3-Types-of-Arabic-Language
When attempting to learn the Arabic language, you may have noticed that there are various sounds and pronunciations. Even if you are familiar with a particular Arabic dialect, you will likely find that it differs from the Arabic you have learned. There are essentially three main types of Arabic: Quranic Arabic, regional dialects, and Modern Standard Arabic.
Quranic Arabic[edit | edit source]
Quranic Arabic is the form of the language used in the Quran, the holy book for Muslims. It is a highly structured and unchanging form of Arabic that has remained consistent since the Quran was written around 1500 years ago. Quranic Arabic is prevalent in religious contexts for prayer, Islamic discussions, and solemn contemplation. Its usage is primarily restricted to religious settings.
Regional Dialects[edit | edit source]
Regional dialects represent the most casual form of the Arabic language. These dialects can generally be classified into three geographical categories: the North African dialect (spoken in Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya), the Egyptian dialect (used in Egypt, parts of Syria, Palestine, and Jordan), and the Arabian Gulf dialect (common in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates). Although pronunciation and everyday expressions can differ significantly between regions, speakers from various areas can generally understand one another.
Modern Standard Arabic[edit | edit source]
Modern Standard Arabic is the most widely used and understood version of the Arabic language worldwide. While it is not the native language of any Arabic speaker, it is employed in educational settings, news broadcasts, and other formal contexts. Modern Standard Arabic is less rigid than Quranic Arabic but more formal than regional dialects.
Comparing the Three Types of Arabic[edit | edit source]
The table below illustrates the differences between these three types of Arabic:
Differences between the 3 types of arabic[edit | edit source]
Please find below a table representing these differences:
Maghrebian dialect | Syrian dialect | Egyptian dialect | Standard modern Arabic | English |
---|---|---|---|---|
ويش راك ؟ | كيفك؟ | عامل إيه | كيف حالك ؟ | How are you ? |
Wesh rak | Kefak | 3’mil Aih | Keifa halouka | |
لاباس | مبسوط | كويس | بخير | I am fine |
La Bass | Mabsout | Kawayes | Bikhayr | |
ويش اسمك؟ | شو إسمك | اسمك ايه | ما إسمك | What's your name ? |
Wech ismik | Chou ismek | Islak ih | Ma ismouka | |
سلام | مرحباً | أهلاً | مرحباً | Hi |
Salem | Marhaban | Ahlan | Marhaan | |
وعليكم السلام | مرحبتين | أهلاً | مرحباً | Hi (answer) |
Wa 3alaikoum slem | Marhabtin | Ahlan | Marhaan |
Sources[edit | edit source]
https://www.andalous-elearning.com/blog/16-les-3-types-de-langu
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
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