My Journey with the Arabic language

Dive: Linguist - Arabic (Modern Standard)
Description: Can read, write, speak, and understand Arabic (Modern Standard)
Level: Level 1
Level Requirements: Can read, write, speak, and understand Arabic (Modern Standard) at a basic level
Certified On: May 29, 2023

Editor’s Note: On all dive certifications, we try to edit the writing as little as possible to preserve authenticity, personality, and writing style. We typically fix spelling errors, but minimally modify grammar and sentence structure (just enough to ensure readability).

Name: Malak Musabeh Break Diving Level: Level 1 Number of Certified Dives: 5 From: Jordan In: China

1. When and Why Did You Decide to Pursue This Dive At This Level? What was your inspiration and motivation?

Arabic was the first language my parents taught me. I'm Arab and grew up in an Arabic-speaking country which explains my fluency in the language.

2. How Long Did It Take For You To Accomplish This Dive At This Level From The Day You Decided To Pursue It, And Why Did It Take That Long?

I think it takes about three years to learn how to speak, write and read Arabic well enough to navigate the Arab World. Arabic is a pretty unique language and requires close attention to understand and use it.

3. What Was The Hardest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

Learning Arabic requires determination and consistency but what's even more interesting about deciding to learn Arabic is really choosing "which" Arabic to learn.

The "main" Arabic language that you'd want to learn is the one we use for "serious" matters like books or governmental papers--called Modern Standard Arabic (MSA). And yet, we don't really use MSA in our everyday lives. For that, you need to learn a local dialect. That will make you feel like you know Arabic (once you come and try to blend in with native Arabic speakers).

So, if you decide to learn the Arabic we use every day, youll have to pick a dialect. But even if you know one dialect, sometimes, you'll feel like you can't fully comprehend another dialect. This is unlike English, where a Brit can usually understand an American, and vice versa. But in Arabic, it's not necessarily the case, so it's helpful to learn various dialects. For instance, I understand and speak all kinds of Arabic, including Standard Arabic. In this way, most Arabs no matter where they're from will manage to understand me quite easily.

4. What Was The Easiest Part About Achieving This Particular Dive Level?

You can find many resources and people who are ready and more than happy to help you improve your Arabic. For me, of course, the easiest part was that my parents spoke to me in Arabic from the day I was born.

5. What Is Your Advice For Someone Who Is Pursuing This Dive And Level?

Find the right Arabic program for you and stick to it without losing focus on your goal. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Finally, know it's possible if you really want it. Don't give up!

6. What Are Some Of The Best Resources You Recommend to Those Pursuing This Dive At This Level, And Why Do You Recommend Them? Please Include Relevant Weblinks, If Applicable.

Break Diving and YouTube (free).

Resource 1: Break Diving - You can connect to native Arabic speakers as well as other people interested in learning Arabic.

Resource 2: Youtube - You can listen to Arabs speaking and showing you their culture. It'll help you get used to the Arabic learning environments.

Resource 3: -

Resource 4: -

Resource 5: -

7. Tell Us A Story Of One Of Your Adventures While Pursuing This Dive (At This Level).

I'm currently working on Advanced Parsing and it made me realize that no matter how good you are at Arabic, there is always room for improvement since Arabic keeps evolving. Learning old Arabic is even more amazing. It's not necessarily harder but it's a greater challenge because we are not used to it. (ekh new generations 🤣 🥲).

8. What Evidence Did You Submit to Prove You Met the Requirements for This Dive and Level?

My mother tongue is Arabic. The many people on Break Diving attest to my basic proficiency in Arabic.

9. Will You Be Pursuing The Next Level For This Dive? If Yes, Why? If Not, Why Not?

Yes, I find the Arabic language quite fascinating and interesting, not to mention that it's one of the richest languages in the world.

10. What is the Break Diver's Creed?

No Rules. No Excuses. No Regrets.

Certificate photo:

And having made this post, and provided adequate evidence to the dive committee, Malak Musabeh is now hereby certified by Break Diving, Inc. as: Linguist - Arabic (Modern Standard) - Level 1. Congratulations ! Thank you for being an inspiration to others!

Certificate number: 145

The author above wrote this WYSEguidance post as one of the certification requirements to become certified by Break Diving, Inc. for a dive completed. Would you also like to find greater success, happiness, and friendship, and make genuine supportive connections with others around the world pursuing your same dreams? Come join us at Break Diving and soon your story will be the next one you read about on this site!

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