Do they teach Arabic language in the western countries universities?

Question

Do they teach Arabic language in the western countries universities as an optional language???

I'm a native arabic but i'm just wondering

Answer 1

I would have to disagree with the above user. Yes, the CIA certainly concentrates on Arabic at this time and age, but they've been teaching languages for many many years and I wouldn't say they have the biggest program.

Most universities offer Arabic but only limited courses. My university has only offered Arabic 1 (learning the alphabet) and 2 (basic Arabic), but as of this year has branched off into Arabic 3 & 4. It is becoming more and more prevalent.

I would say the greatest place to study in America is in Monterey, California, at the Defense Language Institute. This is where the military sends their linguists to study... those smart enough to get in have to sign a contract going in that they will only speak the language designated to them. I would like to go there to finish learning Arabic fluently... it is a nice program.

Ma'a Salaama.

Answer 2

There are LOTS of arabic programs around the country but not lots of REALLY good ones. There are a few that really shine though. Defense Language Institute is good, but not great because they only offer courses in FusHa. I'm at Brigham Young University in Utah, and they teach up to really high levels of arabic, including courses in amiyya - egyptian to be specific. Cornell and Middlebury have good programs too. University of Texas has one of the most famous arabic professors in the world.

Answer 3

Yes in many universities espeically the larger ones Arabic is taught and in some cases some universities offer PH.D in Arabic language and literature. I site an example here: Pennsylvania State University.

Answer 4

Many universities have started introducing programs in arabic...but I think most courses are fairly new. If you're interested, search for schools that have arabic language majors at princetonreview.com.

Answer 5

Tasnim of Kuwait is right. The University of Michigan is another example. Of course, UM's location may have something to do with this - one of its campuses is in Dearborn, which has the highest Arab population of any city outside the Middle East.

Answer 6

There's plenty that do - even online http://www.arabacademy.com/accreditation_e.htm

But I think the biggest teaching program is in the CIA. They finally decided that knowing Arabic makes it easier to spy in certain countries.