Generally, Arab refers to the people. Arabic refers to the language of Arabs, whereas Arabian refers to the geographic location of Arabia and things that originate from it. Still confused?
Many people do not know the difference between the terms Arab, Arabic, and Arabian and may use them interchangeably. Even when used correctly, speakers are often unsure why one term is preferred over the other, relying on instinct rather than rule. However, this mix-up is quite common amongst English speakers, most of whom are educated but have never had to deal with the Arab world, comment on it, or simply never had anything to do with it.
We all make mistakes, of course, and no one knows everything. However, because you are reading this, you will have no excuse after today.
Chances are you landed here because you have some interest either in [[LINK:arabic-culture-tips]]understanding Arab culture[[/LINK]], the Arabic language, or one of its dialects.
It is only natural to want to get the basics right as you get on your path of learning. Some of these basics include using the right terminology. Whether you plan to [[LINK:learn-arabic-online]]start learning Arabic[[/LINK]] or simply wish to communicate more accurately, knowing these distinctions is vital.
Table of Contents
Arab:
Arab is a noun referring to a member of a Semitic people, originally from the Arabian Peninsula and neighboring territories, spread across the Middle East and North Africa. It is also an adjective for things relating to those people, such as The Arab world, Arab countries, or the Arab League. The only exception is their language, as explained below.
A recommended reading for Western expats, students, and anyone with an interest in the Arab culture, society, or region is Raphael Patai’s The Arab Mind. It offers a deep understanding of Arabs and explains many concepts, practices, and traditions, which will also help to lessen many travelers and workers’ cultural shock as they arrive in the Arab world.
Arabic:
Arabic mainly refers to the Semitic language of the Arabs, spoken by over 400 million people throughout the Middle East and North Africa, and Arab immigrants across Europe and North America. We say Arabic or Arabic language. It is rarely used as an adjective to refer to things outside the Arabic language and literature.
The only two exceptions I can think of are Arabic music and Arabic coffee. Arabic coffee is different from Turkish coffee and it is not Arabica. Arabic coffee is served in countries like KSA, Oman, and the UAE and has cardamom. If you are interested in the linguistics side, you might want to explore the [[LINK:arabic-dialects-guide]]different Arabic dialects[[/LINK]] to understand how the language varies across regions.
For anyone looking for a basic resource to learn Arabic from scratch, I recommend Frances Altorfer’s Complete Arabic Course — a book he designed for the absolute beginner.
Arabian:
Arabian is an adjective referring to things and locations relating to Arabia such as the Arabian Peninsula, Arabian horses, and Arabian Nights.
The rather unique relationship between Arabs and their Arabian horses is worth exploring for any horse or animal lover. Anyone traveling to the Arabian Gulf needs to take the time to visit the local stables to see the royal and posh life these beautiful animals enjoy in that part of the world.
If you can’t make the trip to Arabia to explore the magic and mystery these beautiful horses, I recommend, at least, exploring it on The Arabian Horse : History, Mystery and Magic or Arabian Horse Training Book.
