A Level Arabic Tutors
A brief look at the syllabus and onward study options for A Level Arabic from the experts at The Profs
Hire a TutorWhere is Arabic spoken?
Arabic is the language of Qur’an, the holy scriptures of Islam but it’s also spoken across the 22 countries which make up the Arab League, including Qatar, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, UAE, Palestine, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Morocco.
Arabic is spoken by more than 200 million people living in the Arab League, as well as being spoken by over a billion Muslims. There is a formal version of Arabic, sometimes referred to as Classical Arabic, which is taught around the world in schools since this is the version used most widely by religious scholars. However, this is usually confined to the written word, rather than being widely spoken.
MSA, or Modern Standard Arabic is much easier to learn than Classical Arabic. This is what you’ll see written in newspapers and magazines and hear spoken throughout the Arab world.
Why should I study A Level Arabic?
A student’s reasons for deciding to study A Level Arabic are many and varied. Many students come from families with an Arabic background and are keen to learn more about their culture and heritage. Other students want to learn Arabic to further their Muslim studies. And for others, a grounding in Arabic opens the doors to careers and jobs working in the Middle East.
What will I learn studying A Level Arabic?
The aim of A Level Arabic is to give the student a basic understanding of the language, enabling them to communicate effectively and confidently in Arabic in a wide variety of contexts. Upon completion of A level Arabic, the student should be confident in expressing ideas and opinions in the language.
In addition to a thorough grounding in spoken Arabic, students of A Level Arabic will also learn how to utilise source material to extract information. They will study a number of texts and literary works and may also look at the subject more widely, such as by studying the Arabic influence in Spain during the Middle Ages, or perhaps examining the literary works of Egyptian writers, including Ahmed Shawqi and Naguib Mahfouz.
It’s desirable, although by no means essential, for students of A Level Arabic to have previous experience of the language. A GCSE in Arabic is a useful starting point, although those with an aptitude for languages will probably find that they can soon catch up.
What form does A Level Arabic take?
The specific examinations and coursework necessary for a good grade at A Level Arabic will depend upon the syllabus for the course. In general, students can expect to develop a good understanding of written and spoken Arabic by the end of the course.
Students will be required to complete an exam based around one or more texts, as laid out in the syllabus. They will also need to complete one or more passages of comprehension work, showing that they can understand a text in Arabic and discuss aspects of it in the language. They will also need to complete a piece of translation work, demonstrating a good understanding of Arabic, together with the ability to present reasoned arguments to support their findings.
Where will A Level Arabic take me?
Students with an A Level in Arabic can go on to study the subject at degree level, if they wish. They may choose to concentrate on Arabic, or they may use the qualification as proof of their ability to study and learn another language.
Studying Arabic at a higher level opens the doors to a range of career options. An ability to communicate confidently and easily in Arabic could result in jobs requiring extensive travel within the Middle East. Other options include translation work, or students may use their grounding in Arabic to diversify into Islamic Studies, for example.
If you’re thinking about studying A Level Arabic but are uncertain about your abilities in the subject, The Profs can help. Our professional and highly experienced tutors can help you to make the most of the subject, encouraging a better understanding. You’ll find out how to revise, how to get the best exam results and we can even help you with deciding which further education opportunities might be right for you.