Unlocking the Power of Language: The Significance of Acquiring Proficiency in English and Standard Arabic.
Language is a key differentiating factor between Homo sapiens and other animals. While other animals have their ways of communicating with one another, none possess the language skills that humans do.
According to Ethnologue, there are 7168 living languages in the world, with some spoken more widely than others. Among the top 33 most spoken languages, English, Mandarin Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, French, and Standard Arabic hold significant positions, listed in order of popularity according to Langoly.
In this post, I will argue why acquiring proficiency in English and Standard Arabic is paramount and why investing in these languages can be highly beneficial and will set you ahead of the pack.
Let’s start with the Arabic language, specifically Standard Arabic or the Arabic of the Quran. Investing in the acquisition of this language holds great value. Arabic is a divinely chosen language, serving as the language of God’s last revelation. It is indisputable that Arabic is the only language that has remained unchanged over time and will do so until the end of time.
Boasting a vast lexicon, the Arabic language offers spiritual benefits. Attaining proficiency in Standard Arabic allows for a deeper appreciation of the Quran, providing access to the original meaning of Allah’s final message. Regardless of the quality of a translation, there is no equivalent to the understanding gained through proficiency in the original language; therefore, learning Standard Arabic promotes spiritual development for believers.
In addition to spiritual growth, Arabic serves as a unifying language for over one and a half billion Muslims worldwide, enabling individuals with proficiency to command a respected position within the Muslim Ummah. Thus, acquiring proficiency in Standard Arabic holds significant consequences.
While Arabic gives you spiritual development, English fosters your professional development. As the most widely spoken language globally, English holds a firm grip on science, technology, and business fields. Just as the US Dollar serves as the world reserve currency, English acts as the language of our collective knowledge. Every aspect of human experience is captured in English, either originally or through translation.
Given its status as the language of global knowledge, English has become the lingua franca of prestigious learning institutions worldwide. Consequently, no higher education institution can escape its reach.
English also functions as the language of business and diplomacy. When nations convene, English becomes the medium of communication. Even if individuals speak their native languages, English remains central to international discourse.
By acquiring proficiency in both English and Standard Arabic, you will position yourself ahead of others in terms of spiritual development, professional growth, and social prominence.
Being proficient in English opens up unique career opportunities. As global trade continues to expand, individuals who are proficient in English are highly sought after in international corporations, diplomatic circles, and NGOs. In addition, fluency in English grants access to a wide range of resources and enables effective communication in diverse professional settings.
Acquiring proficiency in English and Standard Arabic stands as one of the most consequential language skills one can possess. While Arabic contributes to spiritual development and unity within the Muslim Ummah, English opens doors to professional growth, global knowledge, and cultural understanding.
Finally, by investing in the acquisition of these languages, you position yourself for success, both spiritually and professionally, empowering you to navigate a globalised world with confidence and prominence.
If you must invest in language training, these should be at the top of your shopping list.
