Arabic is a diglossic language, meaning the language is divided between two varieties for formal/international and informal/regional contexts. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is typically used in the media and academia, while local dialects of Arabic dominate day-to-day life. Many dialects proliferate throughout the Arabic-speaking world, posing a unique challenge to students who desire to master the language.

However, the dialect widely spoken throughout the Sultanate is considered as the closest among Arabic dialects to MSA. This unique nature of Omani Arabic allows students to freely use a combination of MSA and dialect during their studies in Oman. Noor Majan develops and strengthens students’ understanding of various registers of Arabic by exposing them to several accents in the media skills component, with a focus on Omani Arabic.

What is it like to study Arabic in Oman?