Arabic Language

Are you looking for a field of study that offers global career opportunities and allows you to explore a rich and diverse culture? Arabic is not only spoken by over 400 million people but also serves as a vital bridge in diplomacy, international trade, and cultural studies. Studying Arabic in China provides numerous advantages, from high-quality academic programs to promising career prospects. Let’s explore why the Arabic Language major could be the perfect choice for your future!

Introduction to the Arabic Major

The Arabic Language program provides in-depth knowledge of the language, culture, and history of Arabic-speaking countries. Students will develop skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation while exploring the culture, religion, and international relations of the Arab world. This major offers numerous career opportunities in diplomacy, trade, tourism, translation, and teaching. With globalization, Arabic is becoming increasingly important, helping learners connect with over 400 million people worldwide.

Educational Objectives

This program aims to cultivate Arabic language professionals with a strong political stance, good moral character, and comprehensive development. Students must master Arabic language and literature along with related cultural knowledge, have a solid foundation in foreign languages (English and certain local minority languages), and develop intercultural communication, critical thinking, and innovation skills to contribute to national and regional socio-economic development. Graduates can work in economic and trade sectors, diplomacy, journalism, culture, security, and education as translators, managers, teachers, and foreign affairs personnel.

Graduation Requirements

1. Quality Requirements

• Master the basic principles of Marxism-Leninism, understand Chinese history and legal regulations, and establish a correct worldview, outlook on life, and values.
• Understand the history and culture of Xinjiang and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as regional policies, to serve local development.
• Possess strong psychological resilience, sound moral character, and knowledge of national defense.

2. Knowledge Requirements

• Master basic knowledge of natural sciences, humanities, and cultural history.
• Be proficient in Arabic phonetics, vocabulary, grammar, and text structures.
• Develop solid Arabic listening, speaking, reading, writing, and translation skills.
• Have an understanding of the history, society, politics, economy, religion, and culture of Arab countries.
• Be familiar with the development of Arabic literature and important writers and works.
• Be proficient in English and have a basic grasp of a local minority language to support the Belt and Road Initiative.

3. Skill Requirements

• Be proficient in modern information technology and research methods.
• Develop independent learning, organizational, and self-planning skills.
• Foster an innovative mindset and the ability to apply knowledge to problem-solving.

Degree Awarded

• Standard Duration: 4 years
• Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Arts in Arabic Language

Core Courses

• Arabic Phonetics
• Basic Arabic
• Arabic Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing
• Arabic Grammar
• Arabic Writing
• Advanced Arabic
• Translation Theory and Practice
• Overview of Arab Countries
• Current Issues in the Middle East
• Business Arabic Documents

Research Directions

• Arabic Language and Literature
• Culture and Society of Arab Countries
• Business and International Trade Arabic
• Translation Theory and Practice
• Middle Eastern Politics and Economy

Curriculum Structure

General Education (57.5 Credits)

• Mandatory: 45.5 credits (Political Theory, Natural Sciences, Second Foreign Language, Information Technology, National Defense, Entrepreneurship, etc.)
• Elective: 12 credits (Literature, History, Innovation, Extracurricular Activities, etc.)

Major Education (103 Required Credits)

• Basic Courses: Arabic Phonetics, Basic Arabic, Grammar, Speaking, Listening & Speaking, etc.
• Professional Courses: Advanced Arabic, Translation, Overview of Arab Countries, Middle Eastern Current Issues, etc.
• Practical Training: Internship, International Trade Simulations, Graduation Thesis, etc.

Personalized Education (Minimum 17 Elective Credits)

• Elective Courses: Business English, Cross-border E-commerce, Business Arabic, Arabic Dialects, etc.
• Extended Courses: Online Arabic, Modern Chinese Writing, Uyghur, Persian, etc.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue careers in the following fields:

• Translation: Work in diplomacy, trade, journalism, culture, and education as translators and interpreters.
• Foreign Affairs: Positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, and other foreign affairs institutions.
• Business & Trade: Work in international trade, cross-border e-commerce, and business expansion in Arab countries.
• Education: Teach Arabic at universities and secondary schools.
• Research: Work in research institutions focusing on Arabic language and literature, international politics, and Middle Eastern economics.

Related Majors

• English
• Russian
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Persian

Top Universities for Arabic Studies

The ranking of Arabic language programs varies among universities. Some of the leading institutions in China for Arabic studies include:

• Beijing Foreign Studies University
• Shanghai International Studies University
• Peking University
• Xi’an International Studies University
• PLA Foreign Language Institute