Arabic is one of the world’s oldest and most influential languages, rich in history, culture, and expression. It exists in two primary forms: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), which is used for formal communication, and regional colloquial dialects, which vary by country. At The Saint Constantine School, we choose to teach Modern Standard Arabic; there are several important reasons for this. 

MSA is the formal version of Arabic, used in media, literature, and official settings. It serves as a common linguistic thread across the Arab world, allowing speakers from diverse regions to communicate with one another. While it may sound different from the local dialects used in everyday conversations, MSA is universally understood, making it an essential tool for cross-cultural communication. 

In contrast, colloquial dialects differ significantly from region to region. Lebanese Arabic, for example, differs from Egyptian Arabic, even though both are part of the Arabic language family. These dialects are vital for local conversations and preserving cultural heritage but lack the global universality of MSA. 

At Saint Constantine, we focus on teaching Modern Standard Arabic because it provides students with a solid foundation in the language. MSA opens doors to Arabic literature, media, and scholarly works in their original form. It empowers students to engage with Arabic speakers across the globe, regardless of regional dialects. This ability to communicate confidently in formal Arabic is a key advantage in an increasingly interconnected world. 

Moreover, learning MSA can offer significant academic and professional benefits. Many universities worldwide offer Arabic as an elective, and a background in MSA helps students continue their studies at the collegiate level with a strong foundation. In addition, proficiency in Arabic is highly valuable in fields like international relations, business, journalism, and translation, where understanding the Arab world’s culture and politics is essential. 

Family involvement plays a crucial role in learning Arabic. For families with Arabic-speaking parents, encouraging the use of Arabic at home can greatly benefit children. Speaking Arabic regularly in the home environment, even if it’s a dialect, helps children become familiar with the sounds and structures of the language. This natural exposure creates a solid foundation for learning MSA later. Children who grow up hearing Arabic at home often find it easier to grasp formal Arabic when they encounter it in school. 

Learning Arabic is not just an academic pursuit — it’s also an opportunity to connect with Arab culture. For students with Arab heritage, knowing the language is a way to link to their family’s history and traditions. Even for students learning Arabic as a requirement, it offers a window into a rich and diverse culture. Arabic is the key to understanding centuries of history, literature, philosophy, and art, which can enrich students’ perspectives and broaden their worldviews. 

For example, in the Antiochian Archdiocese, services are conducted in both English and Arabic. Learning Arabic allows students to participate more fully in these services, whether by reading the Arabic epistle, engaging in liturgy, or conducting outreach to Arabic-speaking communities. The language also connects students with some of the oldest Christian works in their native tongue. 

At The Saint Constantine School, our focus on teaching Modern Standard Arabic is more than a language requirement — it’s a gateway to understanding, growth, and connection. We open the door to a new world, but ultimately, the choice is yours — will you turn away and leave the door closed, or will you step through and embrace this culture in a new way?