Learning Arabic in the Early Arab-Islamic Civilization In the Social Factors Behind the Emergence of Linguistics and Grammar Among the Arabs

Abstract

This research explores the phenomenon of learning Arabic in in early Arab-Islamic civilization, analyzing its social motivations. The study concludes that the learning of Arabic was a widespread social phenomenon. The reasons for studying Arabic included its national significance, as it held a distinguished place in the religious identity of Muslims; its religious importance, given its intrinsic connection to the Qur’an and all Islamic sciences; its scholarly necessity, as it served as the linguistic foundation for both religious and secular knowledge among the Arabs, with no intellectual discipline existing independently of it; and its social prestige, since mastery of refined Arabic (al-‘arabiyya al-mu‘arraba) functioned as a marker of class distinction, separating the elite from the rest of society. Additionally, proficiency in Arabic offered professional opportunities, enabling individuals to earn a living as tutors (ta’dīb), scribes (kitāba), and later as copyists (warrāqa). Furthermore, its standardized nature—not being the natural dialect of any single group but rather a rich synthesis of various Arab dialects—necessitated formal study for all, including Bedouins. The study also reveals that the learning of Arabic became widespread among mawālī, Arabs, and the rising generation. Scholars responded to this intellectual demand by composing works for general learners, addressing linguistic errors and corrections, as well as developing pedagogical grammatical texts for students.