Do you know what algebra, sherbet, admiral, gazelle, lute, henna, safari, tariff, and Sahara mean? If you do, you already speak some Arabic! In addition to you, there are more than 250 million native Arabic speakers throughout the world, not only in the 21 countries of the Arab league but also living throughout Europe, Africa, Australia, and North and South America. The fifth most spoken language in the world, it is also the sixth official language of the United Nations! Equally interesting is that Shakira, Salma Hayek, Tony Shalhoub, Casey Kassem, F. Murry Abraham, and Ralph Nader –among others--all speak Arabic!

In addition to being the language of the Quran, Arabic permeates much of the vocabulary of science, math, and philosophy because of the historic contributions of Arabic speakers to the arts and sciences. As America’s attention turns to al-Jazeera satellite news agency, we realize that the Arabic language is the medium by which millions critically think about political, social, and economic affairs that are of pertinence to world affairs today as well as their own daily lives.

University of South Carolina’s Arabic program’s interest in the region’s culture, literature, language, cinema, music, and food reflects its proficiency-based approach to introducing the language. That is, while acknowledging the historic contributions of the language to the world, we teach First to Third Year Arabic as a living and vibrant language by using the textbook al-Kitab along with introducing elements of popular culture. Therefore, students will not only be able to talk about politics and culture but also about T.V, movies, friendship and delicious food!

Dr. Stephen Sheehi
Department of Languages, Literatures, & Cultures
Humanities Office Building
University of South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina 29208
Tel. (803) 777-4881
Fax. (803) 777-0454

Language Requirement

Successful completion of ARAB 121 and ARAB 122 satisfies the foreign language requirement of all colleges at USC. No placement test is required.