Informative : The Arabic Language - Speech or Presentation Example

Informative Speech Topic: The Arabic language General purpose: To inform Specific purpose: To inform my audience on the essence of appreciating ‘Arabic’ as a language, not only for oral communication but also for academic as well as technological application Central idea/Thesis: The best way to appreciate/acknowledge diversity in languages in all lifestyles and in every situation is through understanding it holistically. Introduction I. [Attention getter] Have you ever wondered how the world would be without a language of communication? Moreover, have you ever imagined a world of a common language of communication? A. Arabic is a global language and among the hardest languages spoken worldwide. B. Arabic is a Semitic language, which most spoken within the Middle East, Horn of Africa as well as in the North of Africa. II. [Introduction of topic/justification] I believe that it is important that we understand Arabic as a language as this would help us appreciate it and acknowledge diversity as we live together. Therefore, following is a small insight on the Arabic language as would enlighten you concerning the development, the use, the evolution as well as the future of the language in the changing times. A. Arabic language has social cultural as well as religious connotations as it has been in use over generations 1. For instance, Quran bears the Arabic language in its writing and it is believed that Mohammed received Allah’s instructions in the language. 2. The spread of knowledge to speak and write Arabic is witnessed across cultures and societies especially as Islam as a religion spreads over. B. The evolution of the language has been notable in the manner the language has been adopted for use in many parts of the world such as in US and UK for academic purposes as well as in the way it is used for technological purposes. C. It is however, dominantly used within the Middle East and in most Muslim republics in Africa III. [Credibility] I was born, raised and educated in an Arabic region where ‘Arabic language’ is used officially. A. Arabic is my first language; I learned how to write and read Arabic in schools in Saudi Arabia. B. Qualitative and comprehensive research into this topic has informed my capacity to speak on the topic authoritatively IV. [Preview] Today I am going to share with you three things about the Arabic language. A. First, the historical background together with evolution of this language B. Second, effects of globalization and the language’s application within the modern world C. Third, its essence/use by academicians across the globe Transition: First, I will start with an insight on the history of the language as well as some bit of its evolution. Body A. I will start with a bit of historical and evolutionary background on Arabic as a language especially as has been witnessed within the 20th century. i. It has been the main language of communication in use among the Semitic speakers across the world with concentration being in the Middle East, the horn of Africa as well as within the areas along the Northern parts of Africa. ii. Within the past approximately 150 years, Arabic language has undergone tremendous evolution with constant expansion signifying the growing popularity of the language. iii. In fact, as Ayoub (para 1-7) notes, the time has seen tremendous change in general history of the Arab societies as seen in constant migrations and increased interactions with other societies, as was not the case previously. B. Next, increased mobility and interaction, coupled with the influence of the western media has contributed to the expansion and evolution of the language as we have it today. i. Such developments are attributed towards changing the language form being merely a language of communication to becoming part of religion, politics as well as law. ii. In fact, the principles of continuity and change have been the main features of evolutionally force towards making Arabic language as it is today. iii. The principle of continuity has profound effects on the literally Arabic language while change (especially in local idioms) has profound effects on all dialects. iv. Lexical innovations especially as necessitated by changing times with increased interactions have been the main observable attributes of language change with the Arabic. Transition: In summary, I have spoken on the history and evolution of Arabic language even to be adopted for other fields like law and politics. I will now focus on the effects of globalization to the Arabic language and explore the emerging trends in incorporating the language in information technology platforms. I. The effects of modernization and globalization are not in the least restricted to exert influence on Arabic as a major language. A. Advancement of western cultures and the influence of the western mass media have had profound influence in Arabic use and growth. 1. Basic to these effects is the undermining of social-linguistic structures within the societies and this is seen to have contributed to diminish the depth as well as breadth of Arabic as a language. 2. Secularization has been pointed out to be among the most influential threats to the growth and supremacy of Arabic language especially as it is adopted for religious use. 3. In fact, this has been shown to be a force reckoning the break of the interaction that exists between Arabic language and Islam faith (Muslims) which has been previously seen as inseparable (Morrow and Castleton, 202-205). B. The most interesting feature in the analysis of Arabic as a language is its increased use in technological commands. i. The language has grown to be incorporated in computer application commands and has therefore been regarded as among the most widely used languages in the globe in the modern times. Transition: we are now in a position to visualize the evolution and effects of modernization in the Arabic language. Finally, we are going to focus on the use of Arabic language as it has increased to be incorporated in education curricula not only within the Asian countries but also within the developed western economies. 1. The adoption of Arabic language for use in education sector within the Arab countries date many years back a) It has most regard in its adoption for religious and cultural education. b) The influence of changing times has seen the language being adopted as a main educational language in the Arabic speaking countries with the most modern trends pointing to is adoption within the US and UK (Taha-Thomure, 186-189). c) It is equally worth noting the application of modern teaching methodologies in Arabic language are in the rise within the 21st century and what we await to see is what the future holds for the every popularizing language in the world. Transition: In general, I have focused on the use of Arabic language within the Arab countries as well as its increasing adoption across the globe mostly for educational purposes. I would therefore now like to summarize the entire speech in the following segment. Conclusion In conclusion, my speech has therefore revolved around the history and evolution of the language, the influence and impact of globalization on the language as well as its increasing adoption in application within education circles. It is therefore my hope that this presentation has been effective in covering in breadth the subject under study; the Arabic language. Works cited Ayoub Georgine, “An Odyssey of Words: Evolution of the Arabic Language in the 20th Century - 2014. Web. 18 January, 2014. http://www.aljadid.com/content/odyssey-words-evolution-arabic-language-20th-century Morrow John A. and Castleton Barbara, “the impact of globalization on then Arabic language” Intercultural Communication Studies XVI : 2. 2007. Print. 18 January, 2014. Taha-Thomure, Hanada. "The Status of Arabic Language Teaching Today." Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues 1.3 (2008): 186-92. ProQuest. Web. 18 Feb. 2014. Read More