Welcome to the World of Arabic
Arabic is a language of beauty, connection, and living tradition, spoken by over 400 million people across the Middle East, North Africa, and global communities worldwide. It is the language of scripture, prayer, and religious study for roughly 2 billion Muslims and it has celebrated a rich literary heritage for centuries. Arabic has shaped civilizations through poetry, philosophy, faith and innovation and it continues to inspire contemporary culture.
From classical poetry, modern music, film, media, and everyday conversation to diplomacy, and global commerce, Arabic remains a dynamic language that bridges cultural heritage and modern life.
Why Study Arabic?
1. Global affairs
Arabic is essential for those interested in global politics, diplomacy, security studies, and humanitarian work. It is one of the six official languages of the United Nations and a primary language of regional organizations, policy debates, and international negotiations.
2. Economic Opportunity
Arabic connects to fast-growing economies central to energy, trade, finance, and technology, supporting strong professional and cross-cultural relationships.
3. History and literature
Arabic is a gateway to one of the world’s richest intellectual traditions, providing direct access to major historical texts and literary traditions, deepening understanding of cultures across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.
4. Travel
Learning Arabic opens the doors to visiting over 22 countries and territories that consider it their national language.
5. Music and Culture
Arabic opens insight into diverse musical traditions, poetry, and cultural expression across the Arab world, helping learners understand regional identities, dialects, and artistic forms.
Our Program
Students of Arabic can go from learning the alphabet to critiquing literature through our three years of instruction. We offer elementary, intermediate and advanced levels with an opportunity for students to request independent study at a higher level. Classes are taught in Modern Standard Arabic with an element of colloquial Arabic.
UC Davis also currently offers an engaging Arabic speaking class focused on the Levantine dialect, (spoken in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria).
Our classes dynamically incorporate reading, writing, speaking and fun activities.
Arabic Outside the Classroom at UC Davis
In the classroom learning is enriched by outside opportunities to practice Arabic.
Arab Culture Ensemble - a one unit class in which students learn and perform Arab classical and folk songs. Includes a Dabke group for students to learn and perform traditional Dabke steps.
Arabic End of Quarter Celebration - an opportunity for students to showcase their passion for Arabic through poetry, music, recipes and other creative expressions.
Arabic Conversation Hour - a space for students to get together and play games, sing songs and have fun while practicing speaking in Arabic.