Arabic Language and Culture

The Arabic language dominates an immense geographic area, stretching all the way from Morocco to Iraq. Within this area, Modern Standard Arabic is the written language used in newspapers, in education and in formal situations. In addition, each region has its own spoken languages or dialects, such as Moroccan Arabic, Egyptian Arabic and Palestinian Arabic. These are the languages used in informal situations. Finally, there is Classical Arabic, a language in which a great deal of beautiful poetry, many scientific and historical manuscripts and the Qur’an were written. Classical Arabic does not differ much from the modern written language.

Bachelor’s Programme
Language of Instruction: Dutch
In the first year, students concentrate on learning the language, but they are also introduced to the literature, geography and ethnology of the Arabic world, as well as its history and, of course Islam itself. Islam is a major binding factor in the Arabic cultures, even though it has as many schisms as Christianity.
In the second year, students study in Cairo, the cultural capital city of the Arabic world, for several months. In the heart of this everyday Middle-Eastern reality, students follow classes at the Dutch-Flemish Institute, which was originally founded in Leiden. In the final year, students gain further in-depth knowledge of the language and literature of the Arabic world, Islam and Arabic society, with a focus on one of these fields.

See for more information the department website (in Dutch)

Practical Studies

Following the basic programme, the Arabic Language and Culture programme can be combined with one of the 'practical studies' or PraktijkStudies (International Management & Culture, European Union Studies, Journalism and the New Media, Book and Publishing or the Educational minor) or with other options and, possibly, an internship.