Page 70 - University English for non-speacalist

The situation is a bit harder for native speakers of the Indo-European languages, which
accounts for 46 percent of the world's population. While the language rules themselves—the
way of conjugating verbs, for example—are unique in Arabic, for most people whose native
language is Indo-European, it is the Arabic alphabet and system of writing that poses the
greatest difficulty.
Arabic is written from right to left and uses its own unique script, which may seem
complicated. However, Arabic has a simple alphabet that, once learned, is very accurate in
conveying the correct pronunciation of each word. Books, audio tapes, and coursework help
you to learn Arabic are available online and from many other sources. It is quite possible to
learn Arabic, even for Westerners. Considering that Islam is one of the world's premier
religions and its fastest growing, learning to read and understand the Quran in its original form
offers a means of fostering unity and understanding that the world very much needs.

Answer the following questions:
1. Why is Arabic so important in understanding the faith of Islam?
2. "Understanding Arabic is so important to Muslims". Discuss.
3. Trace the historical background of the development of Arabic Language.
4. In what way Arabic language is different from other languages.
5. Translate the first paragraph.

69