www.bahrainthismonth.com 42 March 2023 Habibi, Learn Arabic! Learning a new language can seem like a daunting task, but it has several benefits for those that put in the effort. Hamzah Ramadan, an Arabic teacher for second-language learners, shares his views on the importance of learning Arabic. Moving to a new country is an exciting life experience, and while most people focus on learning about its history and culture, they neglect one of the most essential ways of connecting with their new home: learning its language. Most people complain about having to learn a new language claiming that its grammar, vocabulary, and other aspects related to its mechanisms and structure are difficult to grasp. In addition, they argue that learning a new language to the point of well-rounded comprehension requires a lot of time. While it presents its fair share of challenges, the benefits are endless too. So, it is essential that expats remember these, especially if they are learning the language in a country where it is used extensively. There is no doubt that learning Arabic is of significant importance to expats in Bahrain. Here are some of the key benefits associated with having a grasp of Arabic in the Middle East: Understanding the Culture It is a well-known fact that learning Arabic can help expats learn about various aspects of the Bahraini community such as their values, beliefs, habits and religion. Once they have learned Arabic that is used in Bahrain, expats can understand the Bahraini society on a deeper level and connect with the way people think. In addition, they can understand the history of Bahrain in particular and the Arab world in general as they can enrich their knowledge by revising books written in Arabic which elaborate on significant historical events. Shedding light on Arab culture and being knowledgeable of their history will develop their thinking and help them in building a rapport with the majority of people they deal with daily. Should an expat be required to visit an Arab country, speaking the language will help break down barriers of communication, especially in the case of those related to customs and culture. opinion
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