Arabic and Linguistics

Arabic and linguistics is a combination that brings together one of the world's great languages with the scientific study of language as a human phenomenon. Arabic is the native language of over 300 million people, the liturgical language of Islam, and a language with a literary and intellectual tradition stretching back well over a thousand years. It is also the official language of more than twenty countries and of significant international organisations, making it one of the most globally important languages you can study.

Linguistics provides the theoretical tools to understand how language works at every level, from sounds and grammar to meaning and use in social contexts, and how languages change and vary over time and across communities.

At the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, this programme is offered with a foundation year and places you at one of the world's leading institutions for the study of Arabic language and culture, with unrivalled expertise in the languages, literatures and histories of the Arab world. You will develop your Arabic proficiency alongside rigorous linguistic analysis, engaging with both the formal structure of the language and its historical and contemporary variation. SOAS's location in London and its exceptionally diverse student community mean you will study in an environment that reflects the global significance of the languages and cultures you are studying.

Graduates in Arabic and linguistics pursue careers in diplomacy, foreign service, intelligence and security, journalism, broadcasting, translation and interpreting, international development, academic research, teaching and a wide range of roles in organisations that engage with the Arab world or with multilingual and multicultural communities. The analytical skills developed through linguistics are also valued in natural language processing, educational technology and applied language research. Postgraduate study in Arabic, Islamic studies, linguistics or area studies is a natural route for those with research or specialist professional ambitions.