
Five Fun Facts About The Arabic Language
There are many fascinating languages all around the world, and the Arabic language is one of them. It is one of the languages that includes many curiosities, and many of them stem from the Arabic culture. Given that many people speak it, it’s no wonder why so many interesting quirks were developed. The Arabic language is something you may find enticing, eventually, you may even feel inclined to learn it!
From Arabic letters that sometimes get lost between English and Arabic translation, to having 14 Arabic words for ‘Love’. Here we will show you 5 of the most fun facts of the Arabic language!
The Arabic Language Is Spoken in Approximately 20 Countries
This fact is amazing by itself! Although the number can be somewhat imprecise, you will find on the Internet that approximately 20 countries speak the Arabic language. According to Wikipedia, several countries share this trait from the Arabic culture.
As described by the website, 22 sovereign states use the Arabic language as the official language. Some countries mentioned therein possess a second language, such as French or English. As a result of this, it is natural to happen that Arabic translation of Arabic words pour onto dialects. Referring to the English language, you can find examples of Arabic to English translation, with words such as “Alcohol”.
Unrecognised states and territories that have the Arabic language as their official language can also exist within the text. Being more exact, 4 can exist. If you consider these, more than 20 actually claim the Arabic language as theirs!
In fact, something you may find shocking is that the Arabic language is also the 6th most spoken language. National Arabic Day was created in 2010 to celebrate the Arabic culture. It takes place on December 18th.
The Arabic Language Has Many Different Dialects
As you can tell, languages usually contain several dialects. In the case of the Arabic language, it is on a whole different level. Since it proceeds from Central Semitic origins, it is closely bonded to Aramaic and Hebrew. Roots of these can even exist in Quranic or Classic Arabic. This form of speaking and writing exists in many formal settings, such as the Holy Quran.
Modern Standard Arabic is the form of the Arabic language that is used in books, newspapers, movies, and daily conversation. As you would expect, there are a lot of dialects from region to region. From the ones that normally stand out, the vernacular that is mostly understood by many is Egyptian colloquial.
You can deduce that many of the words will change, making Arabic translation somewhat complex for foreigners. This is one of the reasons, along with many others, that make it a difficult language. That is the reason why Arabic to English translation is in demand! Regardless of this, Arabic is a language that doesn’t cease to surprise with its facts!
Arabic Words Can Be Found In English
Considering it’s a 1,500-year-old language, it’s a natural expectation that the Arabic language blends with other languages and regions. A normal occurrence is that both people and time move on. Hence, so does the language, adopting features from other languages into its own, and vice versa.
When learning about Arabic translation, some of the common English words that come from Arabic are these: ‘algebra’, ‘coffee’, ‘ghoul’, ‘loofah’, ‘tariff’, ‘racquet’, and more.
On a side note, here we will tell you the reason for the use of the letter ‘X’ in algebra. “Shay” means “thing” in Arabic. This word was adopted by the Spanish, resulting in “xay”. This would later evolve into the renowned “x”. Provided that math and numbers are the subjects of conversation, you should note that Arabic numerals replaced Roman ones.
Therefore, it’s easy to tell that this language has influenced many others in ways that one normally doesn’t notice. Arabic words can be found present in languages like English, Spanish, and many others. How amazing it is!
There Are 14 Stages of the Word ‘Love’ In Arabic Language
Lovebirds will certainly enjoy this. In the English language, the word “love” can imply many different concepts. Yet, most of the diverse stages and “gradients” of love can get quite fuzzy. However, this language got this down right. You have 14 words to express the different stages of love. Yes. 14 words!
What makes it more interesting is that these 14 words from the Arabic culture entail the different intensities of the stages of love. Meaning that the characteristic feelings of this emotion are thoroughly described into one single concept. Fervor of the descriptions may slightly fade away if you do an Arabic to English translation, though.
For instance, what we would loosely translate as “Passion”, the Arabic language describes it as “al-shaghaf ”, or should we say الشغافة. This term alludes to the outer layer of the heart. It resembles the surfacing of actual feelings of love, and when the integrants of the relationship feel “love-struck”.
On the other side of the equation, there is “al-hoyam”. These Arabic words reference the insanity and madness caused by drastic feelings of love. In short, when people lose all sense of self and reasoning, this one seems to be a perfect fit.
Arabic Has No Capital Letters, Uses Abjad, and Is Read From Right to Left
Another feature of the Arabic language that can leave more than one scratching their heads is that no capital letters exist. This means that at least in written form, quotations add emphasis. Arabic translators should consider this when doing an English to Arabic translation.
On the other hand, it also uses a system of writing named Abjad. Abjad is a form of writing that involves using consonants instead of vowels. How are vowels indicated, though? Very simple. Vowels are simply implied by the sounds of the consonant letters. The signals that the reader needs to have full knowledge of the alphabet to be able to decipher vowel sounds.
Moreover, another insight on the Arabic culture that may surprise you about Arabic is that it is read from right to left. Contrary to what Westerners use, reading from left to right, in Arab countries they do the opposite.
Arabic Is an Amazing Language!
As you can observe, Arabic words have much more depth to what actually meets the eye. It is the official language in many countries and has numerous dialects, it has many influences in other languages, and much more. We can also tell that Arabic to English translation is a quite challenging task too!
In fact, as we just say, it’s also the 6th most spoken language in the world. In addition, you can find 14 words for ‘love’, and have to read it from right to left! As we can see, Arabic is a wonderful language indeed.
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