Understanding Arabic Dialects: Diversity and Nuance in the Arabic Language

Arabic is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, but many learners find it a little scary at first. Often, this is because there are many different Arabic dialects, which can seem a little daunting. 

You may be asking yourself questions like: Which Arabic dialect should I learn? What are the differences between them? Where do I even start?

If that’s what you want to know, then you’ve come to the right place. That’s exactly what we’re covering in this post! We’re going to break down the different dialects of Arabic and help you choose the right one for you.

Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming now. By the end of this post, it will all seem pretty simple and straightforward.

Why Selecting the Right Arabic Dialect Matters

There are about 30 dialects of Arabic spoken worldwide. Some are easier for other native speakers to understand than others. But in general, most have their own grammar and pronunciation rules, plus unique vocabulary.

When you’re just starting to learn the language, you can get by without committing to a specific dialect. For example, many basic Arabic phrases (like “please” and “thank you”) are similar across all Arabic dialects. But as you dive deeper, choosing a dialect becomes more important. 

This is especially the case if you want to have more natural conversations with native speakers.

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Modern Standard Arabic vs. the Dialects of Arabic

You may be curious about how Modern Standard Arabic differs from the many types of Arabic dialects. Why is there a standard version of the language if most people speak a dialect? And do you really need to know both?

Let’s break it down.

What is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)?

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is basically the formal, written version of Arabic. It comes from the language of the Quran. Native speakers of Arabic grow up speaking their local dialect, and they usually only learn MSA in school.

Think of MSA as the “official” version of Arabic. You can find it in books, news articles, and legal documents. All Arabs understand it, but it’s mostly used in writing and rarely in day-to-day life. For example, you wouldn’t find a Syrian having a casual conversation with their friend in MSA. 

Differences Between MSA and Arabic Dialects

While most Arabs will know both MSA and at least one Arabic dialect, there are significant differences between the two. MSA is standardized. It has stricter grammar rules and is much more structured.

On the other hand, the dialects of Arabic tend to be more flexible and regional. The grammar rules are much less strict, but there is also more variety when it comes to pronunciation, vocabulary, and slang.

MSA is the same across the board, but no two dialects are identical. They very much differ from region to region, so let’s take a look at a list of Arabic dialects.

Major Arabic Dialects by Regions

Arabic is very diverse; that much is clear. But what’s the most common Arabic dialect? And which is the hardest Arabic dialect to learn? Here’s what you need to know.

Egyptian Arabic

Egyptian Arabic is also known as Masri, and it’s by far the most spoken Arabic dialect. Even Arabs who aren’t from Egypt can often understand this dialect for one simple reason: the popularity of Egyptian media.

Some of the biggest Arabic TV shows, movies, and pop songs are in Egyptian Arabic, which is what makes this dialect so widespread and popular. So, if your goal is to be able to speak to as many people as possible, this might be the best Arabic dialect to learn.

Levantine Arabic (Lebanese, Syrian, Palestinian, Jordanian)

Shami, also known as Levantine Arabic, is spoken in the Levant region. This includes countries like Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. 

Levantine is one of the softer, more melodic dialects of Arabic. This is what makes it particularly attractive to new learners. After Egyptian Arabic, it’s also the second most common Arabic dialect. 

Note: Arabs from the Levant region often speak French and use French words in their day-to-day life. This means that it’s also the perfect dialect for French speakers to learn.

Peninsular Arabic (Including Najdi, Gulf, and Hejazi)

Peninsular Arabic encompasses the Arabic dialects spoken around the Arabian Peninsula. This means that you might hear these dialects in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Yemen, and Kuwait. 

There are quite a few different Arabic dialects that fall into this category. These include Najdi and Hejazi (both spoken in Saudi Arabia), as well as Gulf (spoken in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, and more). 

Many learners choose to learn Peninsular Arabic. Often, there are two main reasons for this:

1. Job opportunities: Working in countries like the UAE can be lucrative.
2. Similarities to MSA and Classical Arabic: Out of all the dialects of Arabic, this group is the closest to MSA, making it easier for learners to pick up.

Maghrebi Arabic (Moroccan, Algerian, Tunisian)

Maghrebi Arabic is also known as Western Arabic. It’s spoken in countries such as Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, and Libya. 

Maghrebi is often described as the hardest Arabic dialect, and it’s the one that other Arabic speakers find the most difficult to understand. Moroccan Arabic, in particular, is known for its fast speech and unique sounds.

This is largely due to the strong French influence on the language, which is the result of years of colonialism in the area.

Mesopotamian Arabic (Iraqi)

Mesopotamian Arabic is also known as Iraqi Arabic. It is—you guessed it—spoken in Iraq, though you could also come across it in Syria, Iran, Turkey, and Kuwait.

Iraqi is quite similar to both Peninsular Arabic and MSA. It also has a rich literary and cultural history. This Arabic dialect is perfect for learners interested in Iraqi culture or politics.

Sudanese Arabic

Sudanese Arabic is the most common dialect of Arabic spoken in Sudan. It’s also present in parts of Egypt, Ethiopia, and Eritrea. 

Sudanese Arabic is known for its unique pronunciation and grammar, and it’s a very diverse dialect. It’s the best dialect of Arabic to learn if you’re interested in traveling to, working, or studying in Sudan.

How to Choose Which Dialects of Arabic to Learn

Now that you know the main differences between the most spoken Arabic dialects, it’s time to pick one to learn. Here are some things to consider:

1. Your goals: Why are you learning Arabic? Is it for travel, work, religion, or pop culture? For example, if you’re going to Egypt for an extended period of time, Egyptian Arabic might be the best fit. 
2. Available resources: Some dialects of Arabic are more popular than others. For example, the Egyptian and Levantine dialects are pretty common. This means that there are more movies and TV shows out there that you can watch and learn from.
3. Personal interest: Sometimes, you need to follow your heart. Sure, some dialects might be more practical than others. But if you’re learning Arabic for its beautiful words, just go with the dialect you like best.

If you’re still unsure, focus on mastering MSA first while doing more research into each dialect. You can start by watching this video. It shows the differences between the most spoken Arabic dialects:

Tips to Learn Arabic with Promova

Learning a new language can feel overwhelming at first, but Arabic is beautiful and so worth it. So don’t be scared. All you need is the right resources. We’d recommend our language-learning platform, Promova.

Promova offers bite-sized lessons, group classes, and free conversation clubs for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a more advanced learner, we’ve got something for you!

The Promova Arabic app is especially useful if you like learning on the go. Or if you enjoy quick, practical lessons. It’s a great way to boost your vocabulary, sharpen your speaking and listening skills, and get closer to fluency.

Get the app today to level up your Arabic language skills!

Conclusion

Arabic is a beautiful, diverse language that is definitely worth exploring. If you’re feeling drawn to it, stop hesitating. Take the leap and start learning it today. What have you got to lose?