Why and How to Teach your Children Growing Up Abroad Arabic!

Preserving Identity Through Language

For Arab children born and raised abroad, learning Arabic is more than just acquiring another language—it’s about preserving their cultural identity. Language is the bridge that connects them to their roots, their heritage, and their sense of belonging. Without it, they risk losing a vital part of who they are.

Many Arab parents living overseas struggle with teaching their children Arabic, especially in societies where English, French, or other dominant languages take over daily communication. However, making the effort to teach them their native language from a young age ensures they maintain a strong connection to their origins.

The Struggles of Learning Arabic as an Adult

Children who grow up without learning Arabic often find themselves struggling later in life when they feel the need to reconnect with their heritage. As they get older, many begin to seek a deeper understanding of their roots, whether through family, culture, or even religious practices. Unfortunately, learning a language as an adult is much harder than acquiring it as a child.

Many of our students at iMasterArabic are adults who now regret not learning Arabic as children. They share how difficult it is to grasp the grammar, pronunciation, and writing system compared to when they were younger. Here’s what some of them have said:

"I always felt disconnected from my grandparents because I couldn't speak Arabic. Now, as an adult, I'm struggling to learn, and I wish my parents had insisted on teaching me when I was a child." - Adam, USA

"Speaking Arabic fluently would have made my trips back home to Jordan much easier. Now, I’m working twice as hard to learn what I could have picked up naturally as a kid." - Layla, Canada

Why Teach Your Kids Arabic Now?

1. Easier Learning Process - Children naturally absorb languages, unlike adults, who often struggle with memorization and pronunciation. In fact, children can learn up to eight languages simultaneously, provided that each person speaks to them in only one language.

2. Stronger Family Connections - They can communicate with grandparents, cousins, and relatives who may not speak their second language. How much nicer would it be if they could understand what the heated discussions in Arabic are about? At least they wouldn’t mistake exaggerated emotions for arguments!

3. Cultural & Religious Understanding – Arabic is deeply tied to Islamic teachings and traditions, helping children connect with their cultural background. If they are Christian, their family back home likely attends mass every Sunday, so when visiting, they can participate and feel more integrated.

4. Future Opportunities – Being bilingual in Arabic and another language opens doors for career and business opportunities in the Arab world.

   
   

How to Motivate Children to Learn Arabic

Persuading children to learn a new language can be challenging, especially if they see it as an additional academic burden. Here are some tips to make learning Arabic enjoyable and engaging:

1. Make It Fun – Use games, interactive apps, and cartoons in Arabic to make learning feel like playtime rather than a chore.

2. Incorporate Arabic into Daily Life – Speak Arabic at home consistently, even if they answer you in the second language. Don't worry, at least they are understanding what you're saying! Label household items in Arabic, and encourage children to use basic phrases throughout the day.

3. Connect It to Their Interests – If your child loves music, introduce them to Arabic songs. If they enjoy stories, read Arabic books together.

4. Encourage Conversations with Family – Video calls with grandparents and relatives who speak Arabic will encourage children to practice in a meaningful way.

5. Use Rewards and Positive Reinforcement – Celebrate small achievements with rewards or praise to keep them motivated.

6. Enroll in Interactive Arabic Classes – Professional tutors can make a big difference by providing structured, engaging, and age-appropriate lessons.

   
   

Start Early with iMasterArabic!

At iMasterArabic, we specialize in teaching Arabic to children, making the learning process engaging and effective. We offer conversation lessons in Lebanese, Syrian, Jordanian, Iraqi, Saudi, and Emirati dialects, as well as Qur'an lessons and Modern Standard Arabic reading and writing. Our goal is to help children speak, read, and write Arabic fluently, so they can proudly connect with their roots.

Don’t wait until it’s too late—give your child the gift of language today! 

Sign up for a free trial class at iMasterLanguages.com with one of our professional native-speaker teachers and start their Arabic journey now!