Arabic is a rich language with different dialects and calligraphic styles and forms. The Arabic alphabet is the second most used writing system, closely trailing the Roman or Latin alphabet. Although many people desire to study the Arabic language, we can agree it’s challenging. The writing system greatly varies from the standard Latin system that most of us use.
If you think of the advantages of learning Arabic, keep scrolling down and unveil how to write in the Arabic system step by step.
Basics of Writing in the Arabic Alphabets
Before learning the Arabic alphabet, it’s mandatory to understand its alphabetical basics. Let’s have a look common alphabetical writing system.
- The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters
- You write from right to left
- The Arabic letters change shape as per their position in the word
- You do not write short vowels in Arabic
- The alphabet does not use uppercase or lowercase letters
Learning the Arabic Alphabet
Once you get the right tutor to walk you through it, you’ll learn the Arabic writing system smoothly with the right effort, time, and dedication. Here are Arabic writing essentials you must be keen on while learning.
Writing from Right to Left
The standard way of writing is from left to right. That is not the case with the Arabic system as you go from right to left. It may seem mind-boggling to many how this is possible. Arabic writing is much easier than you may think; it only takes a few practice sessions to adjust to the new system.
Vowel Elimination
Vowel elimination may catch you by surprise when writing in Arabic. It’s important to know that Arabic has six vowels. Three long ones and three short ones represent the short one by using two superscripts or a subscript.
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When writing Arabic, you may eliminate the short vowels. You will notice this in most scripts, like newspapers and books. You use them sparingly other times to prevent ambiguity in the text. When you become a pro in Arabic, you will learn to pronounce the words with or without the vowels.
The Changing Shapes of Letters
Arabic system is distinct from others, evident from how the letters change shape depending on their position in the word. A letter will take on a different form at the beginning of a word, in the middle, in the end, or when on its own.
The shape change because you write in a cursive form, with all words joined. Arabic varying forms of the letters allow you to write in a flow to keep the meaning intact. Initial and medial letters resemble each other. Also, isolated letters and final word letters look similar.
Putting Your Skill to Paper
After learning Arabic and its alphabet, you need to put your skill on paper. This is a difficult part that requires fluidity to understand more about the writing system. Here are exclusive tips for growing your skills in Arabic writing.
Practice with Individual Letters
As a beginner, it’s a must to understand every individual letter of the alphabet. Start by putting down the letters and their Latin equivalent. Most Arabic language books have a table that shows you the sound, the name, and how you write it in Arabic. Moreover, the table shows how to write the letter at the start of the word, middle, end, and when isolated.
Graduate to Short Sentences
Once you understand the alphabet effectively, the next step is to write short sentences. Keep tabs on the changing forms of the letters and practice going from right to left.
While it’s difficult initially, everything will be simple when your brain gets accustomed to the new style. Once you get the sentences right, you move to longer ones. Be patient with your skill gain as with time and dedication; everything will into place.
Flex with Numbers
After learning the alphabet, you can try out Arabic numbers. Writing numbers is easy, and many people have it as their commencing point when learning the alphabet. While numbers are not part of the alphabet, writing them down helps you get used to the script system.
Reading and Writing
An excellent way to boost your understanding of Arabic writing is to read Arabic texts and try to put them down on paper. This way, you will know different writing styles and learn the Arabic style’s cursive element. You can have a tutor to lead you through as you correct your mistakes.
Hand Control
Holding the pen and controlling your hand are important aspects of correct Arabic text. Seeing that you are writing from right to left and the need for fluidity, you have to position your hands well for a better outcome when creating sentences.
It’s Your Turn to Learn the Arabic Alphabet, Don’t be left behind!
If you are compassionate about learning Arabic, it’s not supposed to be hard for you. Learning the Arabic alphabet can be simple as long as you choose a dedicated and skilled tutor to help you through the process.
There are many reputable Arabic tutors that can help you get started on the path to speaking and writing Arabic fluently. If needed, some even offer online courses for any age!