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Say 'Yes' to Arabic

Uncover hidden opportunities when you Say ‘Nem نعم’ to Arabic

Explore the many cultures of the Middle East and North Africa with Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week. The next few days at Languages Connect are full of fragrant spices, amazing career prospects and more.

From French to Japanese and lots more besides, our Say ‘Yes’ to Languages summer campaign is full of surprises. Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week is going to be yet another stretch of quizzes, facts and fun.

What’s happening during Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week?

Here’s your chance to get to grips with the fifth most spoken language in the world. It’s the official language in 26 countries and a working language in the UN. That makes Arabic useful from both a work and travel perspective.

This week travel to far flung spice markets and boost your own vocabulary every step of the way.

Introducing Arabic this Monday

Just dive right into the language this Monday. Pick up some basic vocabulary, learn a few greetings and acquaint yourself with the Arabic alphabet. Make sure you try out our quizzes for an engaging way to learn.

You can also meet Language Ambassador Sama Al Shammari. She was born in Iraq and her family moved to Ireland when she was a child. Sama is on-hand to take you through the week of excitement lined up.

#TastyTuesday means knockout dishes

Looking forward to a full plate this #TastyTuesday? Well you better turn up hungry. Savour virtual dishes from Morocco, Lebanon, Iraq, United Arab Emirates and Jordan…

Irish rugby player Harry McNulty is certainly someone who is a huge fan of the Arabic world’s cuisine. On Tuesday, he’s telling you all about his adrenaline-fueled adventures to the Middle East and North Africa. For more insights, check out his Instagram and TikTok.

Mix it up this #WellnessWednesday

Next up is #WellnessWednesday, where you can visit a virtual spice market. While you’re there, you can find out how to use these ingredients in cooking.

As well as that, learn about the medicinal qualities of some of these spices. Then you can see how they’re used in traditional medicine.

Thursday science highlight

Did you know that the Arabic world has a rich historical connection to the sciences? Scientific fields are deeply respected in many Arabic speaking countries. For that reason, it’s a great language to learn if science is your thing.

Our Language Ambassador Sama is a science fan and astrophysics student. Find out more about her experiences as a science student and Arabic speaker during a Q&A with her this Thursday.

Quiz it up on Friday

Ready for a spot of quiz action? The #ArabicWeek quiz goes live on Friday. Show off your new knowledge and maybe even win some prizes during the quiz!

Finish off the week by listening to some brilliant Arabic language music. Check out our diverse Spotify playlist and find a song for every mood when you’re there.

How can I take part in Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week?

Visit Languages Connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep abreast of the Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week online events. Get daily updates with new content, activities, quizzes and things to learn.

Fast facts about Arabic

Official language in:

  • Africa: Algeria, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Tunisia, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, Somaliland, Tanzania
  • Asia: Bahrain, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Palestine,

Native speakers: 310 million

Second language speakers: 270 million

Places Arabic is widely spoken: Iran, Turkey, Niger, Senegal, Mali and Cyprus

Keep learning after Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week

Don’t say goodbye to this beautiful language when Say ‘Yes’ to Arabic week is over. Head to our Arabic hub for more vocabulary and tips on how to keep up your studies.

As well as that, the Arabic YouTube playlist is full of interesting tidbits. Take a sneak peek into our workshops. Then learn all about the ancient art of belly dancing. Plus hear how Garda David McInerney uses Arabic in his work.

You should also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for our updates on Arabic and other language events.