Arabic Language Day, also called World Arabic Language Day, is celebrated on December 18 each year. It honors Arabic, spoken by more than 400 million people and one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Arabic has a rich literary and scientific heritage, and its beautiful script is admired around the world. The day invites everyone to learn a few words and appreciate the language's influence on culture and science.
History of Arabic Language Day
Arabic is a Semitic language with roots on the Arabian Peninsula. Its earliest inscriptions date back well over 1,500 years. With the spread of Islam in the 600s and 700s, Arabic became the language of religion, government and scholarship across a vast region from Spain to Central Asia.
During the Islamic Golden Age, roughly the 8th to 13th centuries, scholars writing in Arabic made major advances in mathematics, astronomy, medicine and philosophy, and translated and preserved Greek works. Many English words come from Arabic, including algebra, algorithm, coffee, cotton, sugar, alcohol and zero.
On December 18, 1973, the UN General Assembly adopted Arabic as an official language. In 2010, the UN created language days for each of its six official languages, and Arabic Language Day was set on December 18. UNESCO also celebrates World Arabic Language Day on the same date.
Why Arabic Language Day Matters
Arabic connects hundreds of millions of people across more than 20 countries and is the liturgical language of Islam.
Its contributions to science, mathematics and literature shaped the modern world.
Learning about Arabic encourages cultural understanding and appreciation of the region's history and diversity.
How to Celebrate Arabic Language Day
- Learn a greeting: say 'marhaba' (hello) or 'shukran' (thank you).
- Write your name: try Arabic calligraphy.
- Read in translation: explore Arabic poetry or 'One Thousand and One Nights'.
- Discover word origins: find English words borrowed from Arabic.
- Enjoy Arab cuisine: try hummus, falafel or knafeh.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a word of the day in Arabic or celebrate colleagues who speak it. In classrooms, students can try writing their names in Arabic script, learn about the Islamic Golden Age, or trace the origins of English words like algebra. At home, families can listen to Arabic music, cook a dish from an Arabic-speaking country, or learn a few greetings together.
Fun Facts About Arabic Language Day
- Arabic is written from right to left.
- The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters.
- English words like algebra, coffee and zero come from Arabic.
Arabic Language Day FAQs
When is Arabic Language Day?
Arabic Language Day is celebrated on December 18 each year.
Why is Arabic Language Day on December 18?
On December 18, 1973, Arabic became an official language of the United Nations.
How many people speak Arabic?
More than 400 million people speak Arabic.
How many letters are in the Arabic alphabet?
The Arabic alphabet has 28 letters.
Which English words come from Arabic?
Examples include algebra, algorithm, coffee, cotton, sugar and zero.
Is Arabic written right to left?
Yes, Arabic is written and read from right to left.