Bahasa Arab, the Arabic language, is a subject that is widely taught in Malaysia from primary to upper secondary levels. In addition, in the STPM (Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia) program, which Form 6 students take, the Arabic language is offered as an elective subject. This has led to a growing popularity of the language among students in Malaysia, especially those belonging to the Malay community, who make up the majority of the population.
The Arabic language is quite popular in Malaysia due to its close association with the Islamic faith, which is predominantly practised by the Malay community. In fact, the Malay ethnicity constitutes the largest population of Malaysia, and the Malays in Malaysia exclusively follow the Islamic religion. Therefore, the Arabic language has become an integral part of the country’s culture, and its popularity has grown over time, owing to the influence of Islamic education and the teachings of the Quran.
The Arabic language has a whopping 375.4 million people worldwide who speak it. Arabic ranks fifth among the most widely spoken languages in the world. Having a good background in the Arabic language has so many benefits. In this article, we will look at some benefits of learning this language. It should give you an idea of the opportunities you can get from taking this subject in STPM, even though it is not compulsory but an elective.
STPM Arabic Language is Accepted Locally and Internationally
The STPM is a pre-university program in Malaysia. This program is at par with other pre-university programmes, such as the A-level program. It might surprise many, but the STPM program is recognised globally and not just within Malaysia. Many universities all over the world recognise the STPM qualification.
Some examples of world-renowned universities that recognise the STPM are Harvard, Princeton and even Yale. There are also universities from Australia, the UK, New Zealand and many more that accept the STPM qualification. Learning the Arabic language can set you apart from others, particularly globally. As an elective subject in pre-university, it is not offered in many countries, which makes it a unique and distinctive choice. By choosing this subject, you can distinguish yourself from others and become more appealing to universities worldwide. Your knowledge of Arabic can also provide you with a competitive edge.
Job Opportunities
Choosing Arabic as an elective subject during your STPM studies can bring about numerous career opportunities in the future. This language is highly valued in various industries and can open doors to exciting career paths. Below are just a few examples of the diverse job opportunities that can become available to you with proficiency in Arabic.
Journalism
Journalism is a popular career choice for those interested in taking Arabic language classes at STPM. Journalism is the collection, preparation and distribution of news. This can be via print or electronic. Students who take the STPM Arabic language subject can pursue this line of work.
Journalism is one of the best ways to get involved in social issues. Journalists report on a wide range of news, from politics to entertainment. This career suits those who do not like the concept of a 9 to 5 job. It will allow you to learn new things, travel, get to know people and their stories, and build your network. These are a few of the reasons why journalism is in high demand.
Translator
A translator is a person who converts written and spoken material from one language to another. One of the top languages in demand in the world of translators is Arabic. Millions speak Arabic, especially from the Middle East and North Africa. In recent years, the Arabic language has started to increase in importance globally.
There are a few reasons for this: demographics, the economic growth of the Middle East and the northern African region, and the political influence of this language because it holds significance in the Islamic religion. Many organisations are looking for Arabic language translators, as translators are required when signing and negotiating agreements in the Middle East. Therefore, having a translator who speaks Arabic is needed to meet business demands.
Intelligence Analyst
Intelligence analysts are crucial in identifying potential threats and developing effective strategies to counter them. In order to carry out their duties effectively, they may need to use advanced language skills, particularly in Arabic, to translate and interpret information accurately. This is especially important when dealing with phrases specific to a particular culture or dialect, as minor translation errors can have significant consequences.
To become an intelligence analyst, individuals are typically required to have a minimum degree and undergo specialised coursework tailored to the specific industry they plan to work in. Having STPM qualifications will be a stepping stone to pursue a degree in this line of work. This diverse knowledge base helps analysts understand and interpret complex information from various sources, enabling them to identify patterns and trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Ultimately, the success of an intelligence analyst depends on their ability to analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources, as well as their attention to detail and ability to communicate their findings clearly and effectively to others. By developing these skills, intelligence analysts can help keep individuals and communities safe from potential threats at home and abroad.
Multilingual
Many benefits come with being multilingual. A multilingual person can converse and write in more than two languages. Did you know that only 17% of the world’s population is multilingual?
In Malaysia, students are required to learn two languages, Bahasa Malaysia and English. These two languages are compulsory in STPM. Adding a third language only benefits the students, including the Arabic language subject. Studies have shown that being multilingual expands a person’s mind and worldview. This is because language learning encourages diversity and opens your mind to different cultures.
Learning new languages also improves a person’s confidence and increases their self-esteem as they can communicate and converse with a larger group of people. Being bilingual also enhances your ability to multitask, as shown in a study conducted by the Pennsylvania State University. Learning the Arabic language has its benefits mentally as well as socially.
Chance to Earn Money While You Study
The Arabic language is in high demand in Malaysia, mainly due to the significant Muslim population in the country. If you are interested in pursuing this language in the STPM exam, you will not only get access to a range of opportunities but can also earn money as a student by teaching it to others from primary and secondary schools.
In Malaysia, many Malay students learn Arabic from a very young age, often starting as early as seven years old. Therefore, if you have a good grasp of the language, you can use your skills and become a tutor, helping students learn and improve their Arabic skills whilst earning an extra income.
If you enjoy tutoring and are passionate about teaching, you can pursue a career in teaching the Arabic language officially as a full-time tutor, school teacher, or even a lecturer. The endless opportunities depend on how far you want to take your teaching career. With Malaysia’s high demand for Arabic language skills, there is no better time to start teaching and earning money.
Opportunity to Learn Arabic History and Culture
As mentioned previously, learning a new language broadens your mindset. This, coupled with the fact that the Arabic language is tied to one of the world’s most prominent religions, makes the Arabic language rich in culture with great literary icons.
By learning the Arabic language, a person will be able to understand the religious books of Islam better and the history of the religion and the culture. It is known that the architectural heritage of the Islamic world is second to none. More often than not, people have the misconception that Islamic architecture only exists in the Middle East and Islamic countries. Did you know that there is Islamic architecture in countries such as India and Spain? One of the world’s seven wonders, the Taj Mahal is one of the world’s most iconic and famous Islamic architectures. The Taj Mahal combines elements from different cultures, such as Indian and Persian, on top of Islam. Another famous Islamic architecture is the Alhambra, which is located in Spain.
As you dive deeper into learning the Arabic language, you will learn more about the beautiful culture that comes with it. This will broaden your mind, and you will see the world in a bigger and clearer picture.
Immersing yourself in the STPM Arabic language syllabus has countless benefits, from a future career to immersing yourself in one of the world’s richest cultures. If you want more information on the STPM Bahasa Arab marking scheme or need tips to improve your score, head to Superprof. Superprof is an online platform that connects students with tutors from all over the globe. One of the best things you can do for yourself if you want to learn Arabic is to hire a tutor.
It can be pretty challenging for students currently preparing for their STPM examination to find the right resources to help them understand and learn the subject more effectively. However, with Superprof, you can now connect with experienced tutors who can provide the guidance and support you need to excel in your studies. Whether you’re struggling with certain concepts or need help developing your language skills, our tutors can help you gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and even help you appreciate the nuances and complexities of this beautiful language. So why not try Superprof today and start your journey towards success?
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