Why do we love the Arabic language?

Why do we love the Arabic language? This love for Arabic is not rooted in divisive nationalism or harmful racism. Arabic is a language that anyone can master, and it's not tied to any specific race, ethnicity, or family lineage. Those who embrace Arabic do so because of their mastery of the language, not because of any particular Arab ancestry.

It's important to stress the distinction between one's lineage and one's language affiliation. While you have no control over your lineage, you do have a choice when it comes to the language you learn. This choice allows you to take pride in being an Arabic speaker without any limitations tied to your heritage.

But what inspires such profound affection for the Arabic language when there are countless other languages in the world? If love were determined by the number of speakers, then Mandarin Chinese, spoken by nearly a billion people as a mother tongue, would be the most loved language. Yet Arabic, with a similar number of speakers as Spanish, holds a special place in our hearts. Even as universities often prioritize teaching English, we continue to cherish Arabic.

There are some reasons that circulate, but they don't fully justify our love for the Arabic language. Some say Arabic is the language of the people of Paradise, but there's no solid evidence for this claim. While it's true that our love for Arabic is fueled by its role as the language of the Holy Qur'an, what about people who believe in other books like the Hebrew or Syriac scriptures? What explains their love for Arabic? What do we do with figures like Gibran Khalil Gibran, Elias El Khoury, Elia Abi Madi, Khalil Mutran, and Boutros Bustani, who excelled in Arabic literature?

Arabic is indeed a sacred language, and its connection to Islam and its worship is undeniable. The call to prayer, known worldwide, wouldn't have been possible without Arabic. Even before the revelation of the Qur'an, Arabs excelled in the language, just as the Swiss mastered watchmaking, the French perfume crafting, the Chinese silk production, and the Indians spice blending. This linguistic excellence was their hallmark.

However, let's consider objectively why we love Arabic, especially when many of us are proficient in other international languages and dialects. Why do these Arabic letters and words resonate with us, even when they're not part of a poem or song? Why don't all people hold such affection for their languages? Why has Arabic transcended its role as a language of daily life to become a language that captures our hearts and minds?

The most enchanting aspect of the Arabic language, in my view, is its structure. Each word has a unique combination of consonants and vowels, resulting in an elegant system of linguistic roots and derivatives. This elegant structure makes Arabic speech harmonious, whether in poetry or prose. It's as if the language itself dances, and I dare say that even the casual speech of Arabic speakers has a musical quality. Children who, when encountering a foreign word, instinctively adapt and derive it, demonstrate how precious and malleable Arabic is.

Rhetoric and brevity are also hallmarks of our Arabic language. Which language can convey complex stories with such succinct beauty? Consider the sayings often found on the backs of cars, such as "Mocking wounds who do not know pain" or "Love is blind." These phrases might be overlooked, yet their eloquence is undeniable. Arabic words have a way of capturing complex meanings in a few carefully chosen words. Gibran's statement, "The truth needs two men; he speaks it and understands it," illustrates the rhetorical depth achievable in Arabic.

Arabic's linguistic sophistication extends to its handling of gender distinctions and pronouns, contributing to a rich and nuanced discourse. Unlike many languages that lack such distinctions, Arabic shows respect for gender, individuality, and group identity.

Arabic's flexibility is also evident in the variety of sounds it incorporates, offering a satisfying exercise for the palate and vocal muscles. Arabic speakers effortlessly produce a wide range of sounds, making the language not just expressive but also pleasurable to articulate. Arabic words are crafted with precision to match the movement of speech, resulting in a delightful harmony between sounds and breath.

I won't delve into the beauty of Arabic syntax and grammatical structures, as many may have had their own experiences with Arabic language exams. Nevertheless, the artistry of syntax and movement should not be overlooked. Additionally, Arabic calligraphy adds visual beauty, making the language captivating to the eyes, ears, and mouth.

For me, I love Arabic with all my senses, from the way it sounds to how it feels in my hands and the scent of its history. How about you?

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