ARABIC at the UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON

UMW’s Arabic Program, established in 2005, follows the standards of teaching Arabic as laid out in the American Council on The Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The program offers a variety of Arabic language and cultural courses along with an Arabic minor and study abroad opportunities in Middle Eastern countries.

Our program offers study of the Arabic language at the beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels. We also offer courses about Arabic literature and culture that are taught in English. 

There are over 300 million native speakers of Arabic around the world, largely concentrated in the Middle East and North Africa. Arabic is the official language of 22 countries and is also an official language of the United Nations, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the African Union. The political events of the last decade have made it important for everyone around the world to understand the language, culture, and history of the Middle East. The U.S. government has designated Arabic as a language of strategic importance. Begin your study today and learn a skill that will last a lifetime! 

There is currently no major offered in Arabic, but we invite UMW students to consider our minor in Arabic. In addition, students studying Arabic can pursue a Middle Eastern Studies minor. 

Opportunities to speak Arabic outside of class:

• Participate in the Arab Culture Club
• Engage in language-sponsored events and programs, including movie nights and cooking classes
• Meet up with other students studying Arabic for coffee and language practice
• Study abroad in an Arabic-speaking country