Arabic Dialects: A Guide to the Different Varieties of Spoken Arabic

Have you ever had the chance to travel across the Arab world? If so, you would have certainly noticed the differences in the Arabic dialects spoken in each country. While Arabic is the common language across the Arab region, the dialects could vary significantly from one country to another.

There are around 22 Arab countries in the Arab world, all of which speak Arabic. However, each country has its own unique spoken dialect used in everyday conversation. This uniqueness can be seen in various aspects, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, phrasal verbs, idioms, language rhythm, and pitch.

Why Do Dialects of Arabic Differ Across the Arab World?

Although Arabic originates from a single root, its usage in different regions has been shaped by the spirit, history, and experiences of each nation. Additionally, cultural norms, traditions, beliefs, and literature have all played significant roles in reshaping and enriching each dialect.

The same thing applies to how English is spoken in different countries. Although English is the same language used, it sounds different depending on whether you’re in Australia, the UK, or the US. Comparing Australian, British, and American English serves as a perfect example of what I’m trying to explain. The same language, but day-to-day conversations can differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, and other aspects.

There’s a famous saying: “Learning a new language is possessing another soul.” The same can be said about dialects of a single root language. Each dialect reflects the unique identity, formation, and evolution of its people or nation. A dialect tells the story of its people. So learning a dialect is like diving deep into the soul of its culture.

Common Mistakes in Egyptian Arabic Language Learning and How to Avoid Them

Spoken Arabic vs. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA)

Before diving deeper into the various Arabic dialects, you should first be able to recognize the difference between a spoken Arabic dialect and the formal written Arabic, known as Modern Standard Arabic.

Let me explain this difference further. An Arabic dialect is the spoken language specific to each country in the Arab region. It is the everyday language used in casual communication and may vary from one country to another.

On the other hand, Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the form of Arabic language used in formal settings such as newspapers, official speeches, formal conferences, and legal contexts. It is universal across the Arab region but cannot be used in everyday casual communication, as it would sound awkward and out of place to locals.

So, it depends on your purpose for learning the Arabic language. If you want to be able to read newspapers or speak and communicate in formal or official settings, then Modern Standard Arabic is definitely what you should pursue. However, if your focus is on daily life and casual communication, then you should focus on spoken Arabic, which will involve the dialect of the country you are located in.

What Are the Main Arabic Dialects?

Now, let me take you on a quick tour, showing you the various dialects that are out there, which ones are the most popular, and which ones are not.

Most Arab countries would fall into one of the following major Arabic-spoken dialect categories: Egyptian, Levantine, Iraqi, Gulf, Maghrebi, and Sudanese Arabic dialects. Let’s take a look at each of them.

1. Egyptian Arabic Dialect

First place goes to Egypt. The Egyptian Arabic dialect is the most widespread and most popular Arabic dialect in the Arab region. This is a result of many factors, including its large population—Egypt has the largest population among the other Arab countries.

Besides its vast population, Egypt is a pioneer when it comes to media, with its massive production of Egyptian films, TV series, and shows, along with Egyptian songs and music that spice up wedding events, concerts, and festivals. Egypt is ranked among the top in the entertainment industry, which has helped spread the Egyptian dialect, making it the most widely spoken Arabic dialect across the Arab region.

2. Levantine Arabic Dialect

Coming in second place is the Levantine dialect, spoken in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. While there are slight dialect variations from one country to another, a Lebanese person speaking to someone from Jordan will easily and perfectly understand each other.

Although the population of Levantine Arabic-speaking countries is not as large as that of Sudanese Arabic-speaking countries, Levantine is the second most populous dialect in the Arab region. This is mostly due to the media and entertainment industry. Lebanon is famous for its production of entertaining TV films and series, and in Syria, many Turkish films and TV series are dubbed in the Syrian dialect, which they excel at.

3. Gulf Arabic Dialect

Coming in third place is the Gulf dialect, spoken in the Gulf countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. The Gulf countries are the wealthiest in the Arab region due to their growing economic status. Much of their economic advancement was built on the petroleum industry. However, these countries were smart enough to evolve and invest in other advanced industries, attracting many nationalities from around the world to live and work there.

4. Iraqi Arabic Dialect

In fourth place comes the Iraqi Arabic dialect, also known as Mesopotamian Arabic. Although Iraqi Arabic is quite different from dialects such as Levantine and Egyptian, many can understand Iraqis to a certain extent.

5. Maghrebi Arabic Dialect

In fifth place comes Maghrebi Arabic (Darija), spoken in the Maghreb region, which includes Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Western Sahara, and Mauritania.

Similar to Levantine Arabic, Maghrebi Arabic has regional variants, including Tunisian Arabic and Moroccan Arabic. The Maghrebi Arabic dialects are quite similar. As a result, Moroccans typically can understand Tunisians or Algerians, and vice versa.

However, Maghrebi Arabic differs greatly from all other Arabic dialects. It is unrelated to Egyptian or Levantine Arabic and shares little with MSA. Maghrebi Arabic is a mix of Arabic, Berber, Spanish, Italian, and French words. So, if a Moroccan and a Syrian spoke in their own dialects, they wouldn’t be able to understand each other!

6. Sudanese Arabic Dialect

Coming in sixth place is Sudanese Arabic. It is the dialect of Arabic spoken throughout Sudan. A large portion of its vocabulary comes from regional languages (El Rotana). As a result, Sudan has developed its own dialect of Arabic that reflects the country’s cultural fusion of Arab and African influences.

Why Should You Learn Arabic? Top Reasons to Start Today

How to Say “How Are You?” in Different Arabic Dialects

Let’s have some fun and see how “How are you?” is said when addressing a male across these six major Arabic dialects:

1. Egyptian Dialect: “Ezayak?”

2. Levantine Dialect: “Kifak” or “Kif halak?”

3. Gulf Dialect: “Shlonak?”

4. Iraqi Dialect: “Shkbarak?”

5. Maghrebi Dialect: “Labas” or “Kif halak?”

6. Sudanese Dialect: “Kayf halak” or “Keefak?”

This is how lively and entertaining Arabic dialects can be!

Which Arabic Dialect Should You Learn?

In summary, choosing which form of Arabic to learn or which Arabic dialect to pursue depends on your learning goals and your location within the Arab region.

Learn Arabic with U-CAN!

At U-CAN, our goal is to create a home-like environment where non-native speakers of Arabic can feel welcome and safe to learn, explore, communicate, and express themselves freely within our Arabic culture.

We offer comprehensive courses in both Egyptian Colloquial Arabic and Modern Standard Arabic for all levels—beginner, intermediate, and advanced—both in-person and online.

📞 Main Phone: +20 225 195 665

📱 Mobile: +20 128 518 1009

📧 Email: u_canho@mailcan.com

So Take the Leap and Learn Arabic!

Author Name: Nancy Rizkallah