Speak Arabic: Arthur’s Transformative Journey with the Arabic Language

A New Beginning: Arthur’s Decision to Learn Arabic
Arthur’s interest in Arabic began in eighth grade when he was given the option to choose between French, Spanish, or Arabic language courses. Initially, he chose Arabic because he recognized the language's importance in global interactions and its potential impact on his future. What began as a simple academic decision soon became a lasting commitment. Throughout his high school years, Arthur found himself becoming more engaged in the language, realizing that Arabic held significant value both for his personal growth and academic goals. 

His connection to the language grew stronger when he joined his school’s Arabic Honor Society (AHS), allowing him to further develop his Arabic language skills and deepen his understanding. The decision to study Arabic was no longer just a requirement but a passion that shaped his educational path. 

Embracing Opportunities through Arabic
As Arthur’s proficiency in Arabic expanded, so did his opportunities to use the language in practical settings. He had the chance to study both Fusha (Modern Standard Arabic) and the Ammiya dialect, particularly the Jordanian variety. This exposure gave him the chance to fully immerse himself in real-world language use during a trip to Amman, Jordan. During his time in Jordan, Arthur practiced speaking and listening to Arabic in everyday conversations, which proved to be an eye-opening experience. His time abroad solidified his belief in the power of Arabic as a tool for meaningful communication. This experience was not just about sightseeing—it was a chance to demonstrate how effective communication in Arabic could open doors for him in the global arena. 

Arabic’s Global Significance
Arthur views Arabic as a critical global language, both in terms of international relations and historical significance. He noted that Arabic is one of the official languages used in international organizations such as the United Nations and it plays a significant role in shaping diplomatic discussions. He strongly believes that Arabic is essential for bridging communication gaps, whether it’s for working with diverse communities or engaging in broader global conversations. 

Arthur also highlighted the historical contributions of Arabic to mathematics and science, particularly its role in the development of algebra, emphasizing that learning Arabic has deep academic value. He considers Arabic to be not just a language, but also a catalyst for knowledge. 

The Challenge and Reward of Learning Arabic
Learning Arabic can be a challenging endeavor, especially due to the relatively limited resources compared to other widely spoken languages. Arthur admits that while it can be difficult, the rewards of learning Arabic far outweigh the challenges. He encourages others to take the plunge into Arabic, despite its complexities, because he believes that mastering the language is worth the effort. The sense of accomplishment Arthur feels when he successfully communicates in Arabic fuels his dedication to continue learning. 

Check out Arthur’s video below, where he shares his insights into the experience of learning Arabic, entirely in the language itself: 

A Path Forward: Continuing Arabic Studies in College
Arthur’s journey with Arabic didn’t end with high school. His love for the language led him to pursue it at the university level, where he enrolled in Arabic courses to deepen his proficiency. He applied for and received QFI’s AHS Incoming Freshman Award, which provided crucial support to continue his studies. Without this opportunity, Arthur believes his path to studying Arabic in college would have been much more challenging. 

The award, now called the First-Year University Award, has been redesigned to support a broader range of students beginning their Arabic studies at the college level. More information about the application process can be found [here] (Video Link) and we encourage interested students to consider applying next year. 

A Continued Commitment to Arabic
Arthur’s college experience has allowed him to focus on advancing his Arabic skills. In his first semester, he enrolled in an intermediate Arabic course that expanded on his prior knowledge, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and conversational skills. The course was challenging but rewarding, as it pushed him to engage deeply with the language and use Arabic in practical situations. 

For Arthur, learning Arabic is not just an academic pursuit—it’s a way to connect with the world in a more meaningful way. His journey with Arabic is only just beginning, and he is excited to see how mastering the language will continue to shape his future. 

Looking Ahead
Arthur’s commitment to Arabic has already opened doors for him and will continue to do so in the future. He views Arabic as a tool for global communication and cultural understanding. His goal is to use Arabic to engage with different communities, contribute to international relations, and expand his professional opportunities. Arthur emphasized: “For me, I think it is important that we communicate with each other so we can build a better future for each person, and Arabic is an important factor in achieving that.”  

Arabic is the fifth most spoken language globally, and Arthur’s journey with it is a powerful reminder of how language learning can impact one’s life. His story demonstrates that investing in a language like Arabic can lead to significant personal and academic growth, opening doors to countless opportunities in an increasingly interconnected world.