You are studying Arabic in Cairo and have started to learn the language. But there is a problem – you are waiting for the right time to start your homework. What if you don’t know Arabic at all and have to wait a while to start learning? What if you are still a beginner in language? The fact is that there is no fixed time to start learning a language. You have to take the initiative and jump in when you feel prepared. There is no use waiting for some magical moment when everything will click and you will become fluent.
This is why people often ask me, “What if you wait to learn Arabic?” They think that they will be able to learn the language faster if they wait. But this is not true. Depending on how much you know already, you will either learn a bit faster or a bit slower. If you know how to read and write, you will most likely learn the language faster. If not, you will have to spend longer on each lesson. The key to learning any language is to never, ever believe that you know enough. You will always think that you do not know enough and will have to keep learning more. Only then you will start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and be able to understand what the language is saying. You have to fight your way through the fog and be determined to learn the language. Otherwise, you will find it very difficult to ever become fluent.
Why Should You Start Learning Arabic Now?
Let’s start from the beginning: why should you start learning Arabic now? There are lots of benefits to starting your Arabic learning journey now, rather than waiting. Let’s explore some of these reasons.
Better Job Opportunities
More and more companies are outsourcing their customer service operations to countries where staff do not have to shout at each other all day long. Instead, they can communicate in English, which is what the customers mostly speak anyway. This means that there is now a demand for English speakers who can read and write, even if you don’t plan on becoming an English teacher. There are lots of other job opportunities in Egypt for people who can speak the language, too.
The sad truth is that a lot of people with degrees can find jobs, but few can actually find meaningful employment. The universities do not prepare graduates for the real world. They focus on getting a degree, rather than equipping students with the skills needed to survive in the workplace. If you are studying in Cairo, do not expect to easily find a job. You will have to look for your opportunity, rather than waiting for it to come to you. This is not a bad thing, though. It means you are enthusiastic about finding work and are not just looking at what is available right now.
The Cultural Heritage
If you are a history buff, then you must visit Cairo’s great museums and monuments. They will challenge you, excite you, and even inspire you to learn more about this amazing city and its people. If you are a bit weary of history already, then this is the perfect opportunity to travel somewhere new and discover a culture you have never tried before. You will certainly feel proud to tell everyone that you are from Egypt and speak Arabic. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to learn the language and be able to connect with the culture that you are visiting.
More Freedom
Anyone who has traveled abroad knows that it is easier to learn a new language when you are there. You will have the opportunity to travel to different Arabic-speaking countries and really get a sense of what this strange language is like. You will be surprised by how similar Arabic is to other Semitic languages, such as Hebrew and Maltese. For example, the letters ‘w‘ and ‘z‘ look the same in Arabic, Hebrew, and Maltese. It is mostly the verbs that sound different. A lot of words are shared between the three. This will help you a lot with your Arabic homework. Instead of using a phrasebook, which can sometimes be a bit tedious, you will actually be learning the language along with your friend. This is a great way to improve your Arabic and ensure that you learn the correct pronunciation. When you are there, you will be able to practice with native speakers and make sure you get all the correct tones and forms.
More Exposure
There are lots of benefits to studying in Cairo, Egypt. One of the biggest is that you will get to experience a culture you may not be familiar with. If you are not familiar with Arabic, then this will certainly be an eye-opener. You will get to spend time with people from different walks of life and hear lots of different accents and ways of speaking. This can only make you a better student and bring you closer to the Arabic language.
In the end, you will still have to find your opportunity and be dedicated to making the most of it. There are no quick fixes in life and no shortcuts to learning a new language. You have to put in the hours and be determined to achieve your goals. Only then will you start to see the light at the end of the tunnel and be able to understand Arabic. Just keep in mind that it is never too late to start learning a language. You can always find an app or a course to help you along the way and show you the correct way of doing things. With enough determination and practice, you will be able to achieve your goals, no matter when you decide to start.