Learning Arabic as a Second Language and

its Importance in Nigeria

Adeyemi, K. A.
Department of Religious Studies
Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

ABSTRACT
It is the belief of some Nigerians, especially the Christians that Arabic Language
belongs to the Islamic religion alone, and whoever learns it is believed to be a
Muslim. Documents written in Arabic, irrespective of the writer's faith or religion,
the contents and subject matters are termed Islamic. Hence, the apprehension
they have for it. However, the reason behind this perception is multi-faceted.
Most glaring and conspicuous among them are: (a) Biased mind and wrong
impression they have about Islam, and (b) Majority of Arabic learners in their
environments are Muslims, hence the negative attitude they have for the language.
This paper seeks to erase these negative perception and prejudices, highlights
the need to learn Arabic language as a second language and re-examine its
importance to our contemporary society. It is observed that Arabic as a living
language has served as a source of sciences as noted that some words in Arabic
still remain in the books of Science and Mathematics. Therefore, it is recommended
among others the government should put more efforts in removing the barriers to
study this language and to make it compulsory at the primary and secondary
school levels in the school curriculum.
Keywords: Arabic Language, Second Language, Islamic religion

INTRODUCTION
Arabic, like advanced natural languages such as English and French, is one of the languages
that has acquired an international status in the United Nations Organization and other
international bodies. It is also used for international relations, diplomacy and religious
concerns. According to Adeyemi (2012), the teaching of Arabic language in non-Arabic
speaking countries has always been associated with Islam. Although, Arabic as a language,
either spoken or read is used everyday by more than a quarter of the world population, yet
Sikiru (1994) posits that some people are skeptical in touching any Arabic written document
in some quarters. No convinced reason is given for this than the negative perception and
the notion that Arabic is one of the useless, backward and unproductive languages in the
world (Farrukh, 2007). The notion that Arabic language is useless, backward and
unproductive in Nigeria is based on the view that Arabic language is written from the right
to the left as compare to English language which is written from the left to the right. Among
the factors responsible for this notion include: (a) System of operation in Arabic schools,
and (b) Government's attitude towards Arabic learning etc. (Sikiru, 1994). However,
efforts have been made at institutional and individual levels to develop Arabic language
education and integrate it into the main stream of Nigerian educational system because of

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its value (Adeyemi, 2012). According to Bamgbose (1991), language has established
itself as the characteristic medium of interaction in the species and even in its earliest
observable forms. It has been seen as astonishing of its splits into different versions and the
shape of its elements changes even among hereditary users. It is imperative to note the
importance of language in the midst of other living creatures such as animals, birds and
humans. As far as Arabic is concerned, Farrukh (2007) states that the Arabs called
themselves ‘Araban’ and called non-Arabs ‘Ajam’ for being ignorant of their language and
not articulate like them. Till date, Arabic remains unchanged. Oseni (2000) stresses that
Arabic induces all fields of its study such as philology, syntax, translation, etymology,
phonology, rhetorics, reading, lexicography, literature, prosody and history. The relevance
of Arabic in the global setting is its contribution to the development and enrichment of
some other natural languages. Therefore, Arabic language can be studied for many purposes
beyond its religious association (Adeyemi, 2012). Basically, the aim of this study is to
erase the negative perception about Arabic Language and prejudices, highlights the need
to learn it as a second language and re-examine its importance to our contemporary society.

RELEVANCE OF ARABIC LANGUAGE IN NIGERIA

Fafunwa (1974) explains that for centuries scholars have realized that Arabic as a language
and Islam as a religion have contributed substantially to world civilization. It was through
the Arabs and not the Romans that the modern world achieved light and power through
science (Fafunwa, 1974). Indeed, Arabic is a language and at the same time the source of
Islam. It is not synonymous to Islamic or Muslims. Islamic or Muslims are a part of
inseparable twin. It is imperative to point out that while Islam is the religion of the Muslims,
Arabic is the language of communication. This Approach does not detract from the
importance of Arabic as a language in a secular context. Adegbite (2003) justifies it as an
international language and the lingua franca of twenty-two nations in the World. Basically,
there is no difference between Arabic language of today and that yesterday. It remains a
standard language. In addition, other characteristics such as eloquence, fluency, melody
amidst others. Arabic language has maintained its qualities among the fleet of international
languages. Some areas in which Arabic language can be useful to our society that will give
impetus to learn it or even to make it compulsory subject in the school curriculum from
primary to secondary school levels are include its contribution in science, technology,
media, world trade, international policies, religion as well as information and communication
technology.

Arabic as a Language in Science and Technology: The relevance of Arabic language

in the global setting is emphasised on its contribution to the development and enrichment of
some other world languages. Jamiu (2003) stresses that Arabic preceded other important
world languages like English and French as the language of sciences, in many books of
modern science. No other language in the past played such vital roles in science and
technology, as Arabic. In chemistry, words like "alcohol" and "alkali" are derived from
Arabic names al-kahl and al-qaliy respectively (Jamiu, 2003). Adeyemi (2011) observes

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that in the 12th and 13th centuries, the nations of Europe began to wake up from their
condition of intellectual backwardness and set out to learn from the Muslims. Some
European Scholars traveled to Muslim Universities to learn particularly to the famous
Muslim Universities in Spain. Others embarked on translation of the works from ARABIC
to LATIN. These had a great impact on western scholars in a large measure to the European
Renaissance (Adeyemi, 2011).

Arabic as a recognized Language in the Media World: According to Jamiu (2003),

no language in the African continent surpasses Arabic in terms of international and global
acceptability. The language is spoken by more than one third of inhabitants of the African
continent. He stresses further that the global relevance of Arabic is manifested in mass
media and information technology. Nigerian diplomatic mission in the Arab world as well
as Arab embassies in Nigeria have vacancies for competent Arabists, who will represent
the interests of Nigeria especially when unsubstantiated news about the country is spread
by the local news media (Ogunbiyi, 2005). Today, there are over one hundred Arabic
newspapers and not less than one hundred and twenty international journals published in
the Arab world, Africa and across Europe and America in Arabic language. At the local
level, Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS), Nigeria
Association of Teachers of Arabic Language and Literature (NATALL) and some other
magazines owned by private individuals or organizations in Nigeria are published in Arabic
language and English. In the media World, for instance, the British Broadcasting Corporation
(BBC), Voice of America (VOA), Deutchewelle, Radio France International, Japan Radio
and Voice of Nigeria (VON) have channels in Arabic communication.

Arabic as a Language of Trade: From time immemorial, Nigeria is noted for trade
relationship with Arab Nations. Therefore, Arabic language has remained the major language
of trade between Nigerians and the Arabs. Arabic as the language of trade between Nigerians
and the Arabs is as important as English and French to Nigeria. Amuni (1998) states that
the importance of Arabic in World trade manifested in the fact that the language features
on reading manuals and other commercial activities. Adeyemi (1996) explains further that
there is a great deal of evidence that our reasoning capacity and our sensitivity have been
constantly improved by imitation of the great masters of language in their various forms.
The respect which Muslim scholars give to oral instruction in learning by imitation and
repetition has a sound basis in human experience and in human psychology. It is admitted
that Arabic is the third or fourth language to be learnt in Nigeria, still, it has its difficulties
and problems as a language as well as its attractions. It is a language that exists in both
spoken and written form (Adeyemi, 2012). Therefore, the attractions and needs of Arabic
Language outweight the difficulties in Nigeria.

Arabic as a Language in Telecommunication and Information Technology: The

latest in the information technology available in Nigeria today is the Global System for
Mobile Communication (GSM) Handsets which now have Arabic letters of the alphabet,

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sign and symbols for communication effectiveness between the communicators and
facilitators. According to Tijani (2003), the exchange of communication ideas between
two friends who speak Arabic language on the GSM improves the skill level of the users.
Arabic scholars and students in Nigeria can interact with broadcasting centers to enjoy
news, programmes, documentaries, games, and publications, national and international
events.
Arabic as a Language in Politics: According to Abdu-Raheem (2001), a language can
be used for political reasons as well. For instance, Nigerians should man Nigerian embassies
in Arabic-speaking countries. If there is a shortage of Arabic-proficient manpower in the
field, this implies that foreigners will be employed to do the job for our country? Furthermore,
at the newly established African Union is predicated on political interaction among the
members. Their countries for political gain will use those who are vast in international
languages. There are places for qualified translators and secretaries with competence in
Arabic and English languages. Some years ago, an eminent Nigerian vying for the post of
United Nations Secretary-General lost out because he was not competent in the use of
French, one of the prerequisites for the job. The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting
Countries (OPEC) needs people who are fluent in Arabic language for political interaction
among Arab countries that will bring many advantages to the countries. Since Arabic
language is allowed in the Organization, if this language is neglected, many benefits will not
come to the country through diplomacy of these international organizations.
Arabic as a Religious Language: Seriki and Lawal (2003) opine that Arabic is
recognized as the religious language of Islam and assumes the position of eminence and
global relevance in that regard. Among all the major religions in the world such as Islam,
Christianity, Hindus etc., Islam is the most unique of these religions because its adherents
communicate spiritually with one language to Allah that is Arabic. Others use different and
more than one language to communicate to their Creator. Malik as cited in Jamiu (2003)
asserts that portions of Arabic Qur'an must be recited by every Muslim all over the world
in its original text on a daily basis, no matter what his/her or native tongue may be. Allah is
the originator of every language and thus understands and appreciates all. Ogunbiyi (2005)
rightly states, mass education in Arabic language is likely to improved mutual understanding
between Muslims and non-Muslim mates who would now have insight into the language
that plays such a unique role in the religious life of the Muslims.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The need to learn Arabic language as a second language in Nigeria is apparent like other
international languages such as English and French. Learning. It does not change ones
religious believe to Islam unless he/she wishes to do so for other reasons. Instances are
drawn to support this view. Arabic as a living language has served as a source of sciences
as noted that some words in Arabic still remain in the books of Science and Mathematics.
In the past, some European scholars traveled to Muslim Universities to learn Arabic
language. Others embarked on translation of the works from Arabic to Latin. These
contributed a lot to the development of Science in Europe. A country that has scholars in
Journal of Research in Education and Society; Volume 4, Number 1, April 2013 92
this field can benefit from it as a source of information as a link between her and Arabic
speaking countries on trade and business interaction. Others are on the political terrain, to
provide job opportunities for the citizens and diplomats to our embassies abroad where
Arabic is their official language etc. Government should put more efforts in removing the
barriers to study this language and to make it compulsory at the primary and secondary
school levels in the school curriculum. Arabic schools, especially, in the southern part of
the country should change their system to encourage people to learn this language. Parents
should know that Arabic is a lucrative course, if one reads it up to a tertiary level. Arabic
is a language that anybody can learn irrespective of his religion or tribe. It is observed that
in some Colleges of Education as well as the Universities, non Muslim Nigerian Students
study Arabic language and do not change their religious faith to Muslim. Therefore, Nigerians
should not feel shy or feel ashamed in learning Arabic language anywhere.
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