FAQs
What is MSA and who speaks it?
In a nutshell, MSA stands for Modern Standard Arabic and nobody ‘speaks’ it. It’s used in written communications such as literature, advertising, journalism, and business in general. MSA can be written and read by all Arabic speakers wherever they may be from across the region, but not used in everyday conversations.
How many Arabic dialects are there?
There are many dialects in the Arabic-speaking world, (KSA alone has 3 main dialects) that’s why it’s usually better to opt for MSA when addressing different target markets in the region to be inclusive and widely understood, especially for business.
Which Arabic is used in Social Media?
Arabic used in Social Media posts differ greatly from that used for website content. The very informal form used in social media mixes everyday Arabic words with MSA for personal accounts and chats, while the more formal MSA is used for website content and advertising copy. Some businesses try to use the informal form to be more relatable but it’s not easy to strike a balance when you’re addressing say both Saudis and Moroccans at the same time as their dialects, and how they structure a sentence, may be too ‘foreign’ for either to understand.
Which are the Arabic numbers?
In recent years publications have reclaimed the Arabic numbers long used in the west which are 12345…, but some still prefer using the old and trusted ones, sometimes referred to as the Indian numbers (as they appear on the side of the Omani fishing boat above). They’re both equally familiar. In the end it all depends on the brand and the client.