The Arabic language is one of the world’s most famous languages. Over 400 million people worldwide are estimated to speak this language. One of the main reasons this language is popular is because the Arabic language is adopted by Muslim communities worldwide. This is unsurprising, as Arabic is the primary language in which the Quran and Hadiths are written.
According to Muslim belief, the Quran was revealed in Arabic and has remained the same. Even though there are translations of the Quran worldwide, it is believed that when it is not read in its original Arabic language, a lot of the information is lost in translation as the Arabic language is very expressive and has a wide range of vocabulary.
Its extensive vocabulary allows its speakers to express emotions and ideas that would be difficult for other languages. Its complex vocabulary reflects beauty that is close to none. This can be seen in Arabic poetry and literature written by famous Arabic icons. It is said that the Arabic language is vague; therefore, what is said is understood from context. This gives this language a sense of mystery, making its literature and poetry beautiful compared to many other languages.
The Arabic written form is one of the most beautiful forms of calligraphy out there. Arabic calligraphy is so famous that it is known as an art form. One of the reasons that sets Arabic written calligraphy apart from the rest is its fluidity. The letters of the Arabic written form can be stretched and transformed to create different motives. This is incredibly unique and makes Arabic calligraphy versatile. With its intricate lettering, Arabic calligraphy is one of the hardest to master.
The Arabic language is a beautiful language that is rich in culture. It comes as no surprise that the Arabic language is one of STPM’s most taken electives by Muslim students. Like many other languages, knowing Arabic has many benefits and can open doors for those who have mastered it. In this article, let us look at what you can do with a background in Arabic.
There are numerous industries where having a background in Arabic can be advantageous. Education, law, communication, and political science are well-known industries offering excellent career opportunities and lucrative prospects. Let’s explore the possibilities together!
Ambassador
An ambassador is a distinguished diplomat appointed by their native country to represent their national interests in a foreign country. This diplomatic role is crucial for maintaining and strengthening the two countries’ political, economic, and cultural ties. When we think of an ambassador, we envision someone well-versed in the art of diplomacy and who can easily navigate complex and sensitive negotiations.
The ambassador serves as a conduit between their native country and the host country, acting as a liaison on behalf of their government. In this role, they are expected to counsel their government and negotiate favourable agreements with their country. They are also responsible for protecting the interests of their citizens living or travelling in the host country.
To be successful in this role, an ambassador must possess exceptional diplomatic skills and linguistic knowledge. They must communicate effectively in the host country’s language and understand its culture’s nuances. Additionally, they must be adept at managing embassy staff and building and maintaining relationships between the two countries.
The responsibilities of an ambassador are numerous and diverse. They include representing their country at official functions, negotiating treaties and agreements, promoting trade and investment between the two countries, and assisting citizens living or travelling in the host country.
If you have a background in Arabic, you may find opportunities to serve as an ambassador in one of the countries where Arabic is an official language.

Teacher/Professor
Many who learn a new language often find passion in teaching them to people. This is because, as a non-native speaker, they not only put in additional effort to learn the new language but also find the language’s passion and beauty. This naturally makes them want to share what they have learned and found with others around them. If you can master Arabic, you can do well in the teaching profession. In Malaysia, students are taught Arabic from 7 years old to high school. Being an Arabic language teacher will give you a creative outlet in your career. You will get to design and create lesson plans for students. While it is not an easy task being a teacher, it is satisfying knowing that you can impact young minds positively and uniquely impart knowledge to students to keep the Arabic language alive.
There are also opportunities in higher education for a person with a background in Arabic. You get to work in universities and colleges. There are many opportunities to teach the Arabic language to adults in universities from all over the world.
Finance Personal
The finance sector has always been a profitable and in-demand industry. With globalisation and the growth of Middle Eastern countries, there is a growing need for individuals who know Arabic. The Middle East is known for its abundant oil and remains one of the wealthiest regions globally, making it a lucrative market for businesses and banks worldwide. Consequently, there is a significant increase in demand for people fluent in Arabic, particularly in the finance sector, as companies and banks that trade internationally require professionals who can effectively communicate with clients from the Middle East and Africa.
Moreover, with the growth of the Middle East and African countries, particularly in the banking industry, many job opportunities arise for those who know the Arabic language. Knowledge of Arabic opens up opportunities to work in the Middle East, African countries, and worldwide. As a result, professionals who are fluent in Arabic are highly sought after by global corporations and institutions. Therefore, acquiring knowledge of the Arabic language is a wise investment and can lead to a successful career in the finance industry.
Journalist
Expertise in Arabic opens up various career opportunities, including journalism. A journalist is a professional who gathers information, writes, and reports on news and entertainment-related stories and provides commentary on multiple platforms such as print, media, television, radio, and the internet. It is a common misconception that journalists only work for newspapers, but the truth is that they work on multiple platforms.
Interestingly, the profession of journalism dates back to ancient Rome, and it has evolved over the centuries to become one of the most significant professions in the world. As a journalist, you may have to travel to different parts of the world, depending on the employer’s requirements and the focus of your reporting. As a person with knowledge and qualifications in Arabic, you may be sent to Arabic-speaking countries as a correspondent.
There are many countries where Arabic is the official language, and learning the language is an excellent opportunity to be sent to these countries as a correspondent. As a journalist with Arabic language proficiency, you will have the chance to interview significant personalities in the Arabic world, report on relevant events, and gain insights into the diverse cultures, traditions, and practices of the Arab world. Additionally, you can establish your niche and specialise in reporting on specific topics related to the Arabic world, such as politics, social issues, culture, economy, and more.

Translator
Another job opportunity from learning the Arabic language is having a career as a translator. A translator is a person who converts written and spoken material to another language. There is a high demand for translators in the private as well as government sectors all over the world. A government translator is highly in demand as it is a high-paying job. These professionals will usually review data, agreements and contracts and ensure they are correctly and accurately translated into a second language. This might seem like a simple job, but it is far from the truth. When translating from one language to another, a lot of information can be missed or lose its meaning. So, having the proper qualifications and understanding of the language is crucial for translators. Simply knowing the language is not enough. You must have a strong written and spoken command of the language to succeed in this line of work. Did you know that the United States deems Arabic a critical language to learn? This is why Arabic translators are in high demand all over the world. If you choose not to be a government translator, you also can work in the private sector as a translator. There are many opportunities within Malaysia and even internationally.
Above are just a few opportunities available to you if you have a strong background in the Arabic language. If you have been learning Bahasa Arab in school and are considering pursuing this subject as an elective in the Form 6 course, STPM is an excellent idea as it is highly beneficial.
Don’t worry if you are confused regarding the syllabus, format, or marking scheme for the STPM Bahasa Arab subject. Superprof has many tutors who can guide you. Our tutors can give you excellent tips and share great resources to ace your STPM Arabic language exam. The tutors in Superprof are not only qualified and experienced, but they are also verified. With the flexibility the Superprof platform provides, we are sure you will be able to find a tutor that suits you the best.