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The start of 2025 brings with it the excitement of the second term of revived Arabic teaching at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. 

Arabic was taught here for many years and produced numerous distinguished graduates, notably D.S. Margoliouth (d. 1940), one of the most famous British orientalists of the twentieth century. Margoliouth was not only a master of Arabic, but also other Middle Eastern languages, including Syriac, Persian, and Hebrew. He was both a student and later a fellow of the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ. 

However, the teaching of Arabic at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ was discontinued for many years, but in 2024 it was revived. This is an exciting development for the ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ, especially given its long association with the study of the Middle East and its reputation for excellence in languages and other humanities subjects. 

We spoke to Faris, a 1st year Arabic student, about his experiences at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ so far, and his reflections on the importance of studying Arabic. 

What motivated you to study Arabic at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ?

I have always been fascinated in understanding the Arabic language in order to gain an insight into the Middle East and excited to use the Arabic language as a window into understanding a different culture and its history, literature and arts. I am also glad to be studying at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ as it has the best college rugby team in Oxford! 

What did your first Michaelmas Term studying Arabic entail? 

On the language side, we have been focusing on developing our skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening as well as building our vocabulary and grammar. Beyond the language, we’ve had lectures and essays on history, theology and art & architecture. 

Have there been any highlights or challenges? 

I‘ve definitely enjoyed studying art and architecture. It was a topic that I had not been introduced to before and I didn’t think that I would enjoy that module as much as I have. Learning and mastering verb conjugations and sentence structures has been my least favourite - or perhaps most challenging - aspect, as sentences are so different to English.

What are the key advantages of studying Arabic in today's global context, both academically and professionally?

Studying Arabic opens many doors, academically it allows you to understand a region with a rich history, literature, philosophy that has helped to shape global civilization. Whilst professionally, it's valuable for careers in journalism, international relations and diplomacy, especially due to the significance that the region plays in global affairs.

What do you hope to achieve with your Arabic studies, and how do you envision using the language in the future?

In all honesty I’m not entirely sure what I'd like to do in the future! It would be amazing to live in the Middle East. I hope to achieve fluency in Arabic and gain a deeper understanding of Arab cultures and societies. In the future, I envision using the language in a career that involves cultural exchange or diplomacy, perhaps working in international development

Find out more about Arabic at ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ