The issues of developing students’ linguistic competence in learning Arabic in scholarly and methodological literature
Abstract:
Purpose: This study aims to analyze the main challenges and strategies in developing students’ linguistic competence in Arabic, emphasizing the phonological, morphological, syntactic, and pragmatic dimensions that are shaped by the unique features of Arabic, including diglossia and the root-and-pattern morphology.
Research Methodology: The article employs a qualitative review of recent scholarly and methodological literature on Arabic language teaching. The analysis focuses on identifying recurrent obstacles and recommended pedagogical approaches highlighted in contemporary studies.
Results: The findings reveal that students face persistent difficulties in mastering phonology, script acquisition, and dialectal variation. Moreover, the integration of cultural knowledge is recognized as an essential but often underemphasized component in achieving effective linguistic competence. Successful approaches reported in the literature include communicative and competency-based methods, a balanced emphasis on both Modern Standard Arabic and colloquial dialects, and the incorporation of digital learning tools to support language practice.
Conclusions: The study concludes that interdisciplinary perspectives are crucial in addressing the complexity of Arabic linguistic competence. Teacher preparation and continuous professional development play a central role in ensuring effective instruction and meaningful learning outcomes.
Limitations: As a literature-based study, the research is limited by the scope of available sources and lacks empirical classroom observation, which may restrict the direct generalizability of the findings.
Contribution: This study contributes to Arabic language pedagogy by synthesizing recent insights and offering practical recommendations for educators and curriculum designers seeking to improve the development of linguistic competence.
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Abazoglu, M., & Alhourani, M. I. (2025). The use of language corpora in teaching Arabic to Turkish speakers within the framework of computational linguistics. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 101947. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101947
Al-Rawashdeh, S. (2025). The Role of E-Learning in Transferring Arabic Culture to Non-Native Speakers. Journal of Ecohumanism, 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v4i4.6861
Alhamami, M. (2025). Intention over motivation: A holistic analysis of psychological constructs in Arabic as a foreign language learning. Acta Psychologica, 258, 105142. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105142
Allen, R. (2019). Arabic as One Language: Integrating Dialect in the Arabic Language Curriculum ed. by Mahmoud Al-Batal. Al-?Arabiyya: Journal of the American Association of Teachers of Arabic, 52, 159-162.
Almelhes, S. (2024). Enhancing Arabic Language Acquisition: Effective Strategies for Addressing Non-Native Learners’ Challenges. Education Sciences, 14(10), 1116. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14101116
Alsharhan, E., & Ramsay, A. (2020). Investigating the effects of gender, dialect, and training size on the performance of Arabic speech recognition. Language Resources and Evaluation, 54(4), 975-998. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10579-020-09505-5
Asadi, I. A., & Kasperski, R. (2024). Reading Comprehension in the Arabic Diglossia: The SVR Between the Spoken and Literary Varieties. J Psycholinguist Res, 53(2), 27. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-024-10054-z
Asadi, I. A., & Kawar, K. (2024). Learning to Read in Arabic Diglossia: The Relation of Spoken and Standard Arabic Language in Kindergarten to Reading Skills in First Grade. Literacy Research and Instruction, 63(4), 360-376. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/19388071.2023.2217274
Asiri, A. (2022). Training needs to develop the professional of Arabic language teachers. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 17, 3423-3438. doi:https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i9.8081
Bachman, L. F. (1990). Fundamental considerations in language testing: Oxford university press.
Bergstrand Othman, L. (2025). Arabic diglossia: advocating for a non-deficit model in comparative analysis of reading and language acquisition. Frontiers in Education, Volume 10 - 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1518728
Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of commuicative approaches to second language teaching and testing.
Crystal, D. (1990). The cambridge encyclopedia: Cambridge University Press Cambridge.
Endi, A. C., Fanggidae, R. E., & Ndoen, W. M. (2023). The effect of religiosity and spirituality on financial behavior district. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 45-53. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1455
Haq, A., Akmansyah, M., Alkhodri, E. A., & Koderi, K. (2024). Technology integration in arabic language learning: A literature review on the effectiveness of e-learning and mobile applications. Journal of Research in Instructional, 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.30862/jri.v4i2.473
Husein, S., Hasaniyah, N., Murdiono, M., & Akmaluddin, A. (2023). Teaching Methods, Challenges, And Strategies For Improving Students' Arabic Linguistic Competence. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 6. doi:https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v6i3.23558
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Jwaifell, M., Abo Omar, R., & Al Tarawneh, M. (2018). The Readiness of Arabic Language Teachers for Integrating Flipped Classroom: Case of Ma'an. International Journal of Instruction, 11, 855-868. doi:https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2018.11454a
Latunusa, P. M., Timuneno, T., & Fanggidae, R. E. (2023). The effect of multiple role conflict and work stress on the performance of women nurses during the covid-19 with coping stress as intervening variables (Study at SoE Regional General Hospital). Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 29-43. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1462
Mohamed, A., Shraim, Z., Saleh, H., Alshehhi, S., & Khalifa, M. (2024). Arabic language teachers’ beliefs and practices of using evidence-based practices for students with learning disabilities in the UAE: a mixed-methods study. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2418807. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2418807
Nafilah, S., Hamidi, S., Maulidiyah, R. a., Faruq, M., & Mufidah, N. (2024). Arabic Language Learning Methods In The Digital Era. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 7. doi:https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v7i1.23183
Noor, M., Hamid, M., Ghalib, M., Gani, M., Aziz, N., Zabidin, A., & Yusoff, M. (2025). Design And Development Of An Augmented Reality Module For Learning Arabic Collocations. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 8. doi:https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v8i3.32514
Putra, M. F., Ahadiyat, A., & Keumalahayati, K. (2023). The influence of leadership style on performance with motivation as mediation (study on employees of Metro City Trade Services during pandemi). Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 15-27. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1536
Rahu, K. Y. d., Neolaka, M. N. B. C., & Djaha, A. S. A. (2023). Personnel management information system in order to create up-to-date and integrated personel data and information in the personnel and human resources agency in malaka regency. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 55-70. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1449
Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching: Cambridge university press.
Ryding, K. C. (2005). A reference grammar of modern standard Arabic: Cambridge university press.
Sapawi, M. S. M., & Yusoff, N. M. R. N. (2025). Integrating technology into the Arabic language curriculum: A systematic review of trends, strategies and cultural dimensions. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 101974. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101974
Schäffner, C. (2003). Translation and intercultural communication: Similarities and differences. Studies in communication sciences, 3(2), 79-107.
Tiimub, B. M., Christophé, N., Atepre, B. A., Tiimob, R. W., Tiimob, G. L., Tiimob, E. N., . . . Agyenta, J. J. (2023). Crop production potential of reclaimed mine sites for sustainable livelihoods. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1785
Versteegh, K. (2014). Arabic language: Edinburgh University Press.
Wandana, N., Ivlatia, S., Annashir, A., & Nasution, S. (2025). Digital Adaptation In Arabic Language Learning; Opportunities And Challenges In The Era Of Technology. Jurnal Al-Hibru, 2, 1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.59548/hbr.v2i1.318
Warschauer, M., & Kern, R. G. (2000). Network-based language teaching: Concepts and practice: Cambridge university press.
Zughoul, M. R., & Taminian, L. (1984). The linguistic attitudes of Arab university students: Factorial structure and intervening variables.
- Abazoglu, M., & Alhourani, M. I. (2025). The use of language corpora in teaching Arabic to Turkish speakers within the framework of computational linguistics. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 101947. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101947
- Al-Rawashdeh, S. (2025). The Role of E-Learning in Transferring Arabic Culture to Non-Native Speakers. Journal of Ecohumanism, 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.62754/joe.v4i4.6861
- Alhamami, M. (2025). Intention over motivation: A holistic analysis of psychological constructs in Arabic as a foreign language learning. Acta Psychologica, 258, 105142. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.105142
- Allen, R. (2019). Arabic as One Language: Integrating Dialect in the Arabic Language Curriculum ed. by Mahmoud Al-Batal. Al-?Arabiyya: Journal of the American Association of Teachers of Arabic, 52, 159-162.
- Almelhes, S. (2024). Enhancing Arabic Language Acquisition: Effective Strategies for Addressing Non-Native Learners’ Challenges. Education Sciences, 14(10), 1116. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci14101116
- Alsharhan, E., & Ramsay, A. (2020). Investigating the effects of gender, dialect, and training size on the performance of Arabic speech recognition. Language Resources and Evaluation, 54(4), 975-998. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10579-020-09505-5
- Asadi, I. A., & Kasperski, R. (2024). Reading Comprehension in the Arabic Diglossia: The SVR Between the Spoken and Literary Varieties. J Psycholinguist Res, 53(2), 27. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-024-10054-z
- Asadi, I. A., & Kawar, K. (2024). Learning to Read in Arabic Diglossia: The Relation of Spoken and Standard Arabic Language in Kindergarten to Reading Skills in First Grade. Literacy Research and Instruction, 63(4), 360-376. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/19388071.2023.2217274
- Asiri, A. (2022). Training needs to develop the professional of Arabic language teachers. Cypriot Journal of Educational Sciences, 17, 3423-3438. doi:https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i9.8081
- Bachman, L. F. (1990). Fundamental considerations in language testing: Oxford university press.
- Bergstrand Othman, L. (2025). Arabic diglossia: advocating for a non-deficit model in comparative analysis of reading and language acquisition. Frontiers in Education, Volume 10 - 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2025.1518728
- Canale, M., & Swain, M. (1980). Theoretical bases of commuicative approaches to second language teaching and testing.
- Crystal, D. (1990). The cambridge encyclopedia: Cambridge University Press Cambridge.
- Endi, A. C., Fanggidae, R. E., & Ndoen, W. M. (2023). The effect of religiosity and spirituality on financial behavior district. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 45-53. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1455
- Haq, A., Akmansyah, M., Alkhodri, E. A., & Koderi, K. (2024). Technology integration in arabic language learning: A literature review on the effectiveness of e-learning and mobile applications. Journal of Research in Instructional, 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.30862/jri.v4i2.473
- Husein, S., Hasaniyah, N., Murdiono, M., & Akmaluddin, A. (2023). Teaching Methods, Challenges, And Strategies For Improving Students' Arabic Linguistic Competence. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 6. doi:https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v6i3.23558
- Hymes, D., Pride, J., & Holmes, J. (1972). On communicative competence. Sociolinguistics. Eds. Pride, JB y J. Holmes, 269-293.
- Ismailova, K., ?????, ?., ?????????, ?., ??????????, ?., & ?????????????, ?. (2019). Computer Linguodidactics in the System of Innovative Language Education. International Journal of Innovative technology and exploring Engineering, 9, 4259-4265. doi:https://doi.org/10.35940/ijitee.B7653.129219
- Jwaifell, M., Abo Omar, R., & Al Tarawneh, M. (2018). The Readiness of Arabic Language Teachers for Integrating Flipped Classroom: Case of Ma'an. International Journal of Instruction, 11, 855-868. doi:https://doi.org/10.12973/iji.2018.11454a
- Latunusa, P. M., Timuneno, T., & Fanggidae, R. E. (2023). The effect of multiple role conflict and work stress on the performance of women nurses during the covid-19 with coping stress as intervening variables (Study at SoE Regional General Hospital). Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 29-43. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1462
- Mohamed, A., Shraim, Z., Saleh, H., Alshehhi, S., & Khalifa, M. (2024). Arabic language teachers’ beliefs and practices of using evidence-based practices for students with learning disabilities in the UAE: a mixed-methods study. Cogent Education, 11(1), 2418807. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2024.2418807
- Nafilah, S., Hamidi, S., Maulidiyah, R. a., Faruq, M., & Mufidah, N. (2024). Arabic Language Learning Methods In The Digital Era. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 7. doi:https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v7i1.23183
- Noor, M., Hamid, M., Ghalib, M., Gani, M., Aziz, N., Zabidin, A., & Yusoff, M. (2025). Design And Development Of An Augmented Reality Module For Learning Arabic Collocations. Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning, 8. doi:https://doi.org/10.18860/ijazarabi.v8i3.32514
- Putra, M. F., Ahadiyat, A., & Keumalahayati, K. (2023). The influence of leadership style on performance with motivation as mediation (study on employees of Metro City Trade Services during pandemi). Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 15-27. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1536
- Rahu, K. Y. d., Neolaka, M. N. B. C., & Djaha, A. S. A. (2023). Personnel management information system in order to create up-to-date and integrated personel data and information in the personnel and human resources agency in malaka regency. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 55-70. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1449
- Richards, J. C., & Rodgers, T. S. (2014). Approaches and methods in language teaching: Cambridge university press.
- Ryding, K. C. (2005). A reference grammar of modern standard Arabic: Cambridge university press.
- Sapawi, M. S. M., & Yusoff, N. M. R. N. (2025). Integrating technology into the Arabic language curriculum: A systematic review of trends, strategies and cultural dimensions. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 12, 101974. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2025.101974
- Schäffner, C. (2003). Translation and intercultural communication: Similarities and differences. Studies in communication sciences, 3(2), 79-107.
- Tiimub, B. M., Christophé, N., Atepre, B. A., Tiimob, R. W., Tiimob, G. L., Tiimob, E. N., . . . Agyenta, J. J. (2023). Crop production potential of reclaimed mine sites for sustainable livelihoods. Journal of Multidisciplinary Academic and Practice Studies, 1(1), 1-13. doi:https://doi.org/10.35912/jomaps.v1i1.1785
- Versteegh, K. (2014). Arabic language: Edinburgh University Press.
- Wandana, N., Ivlatia, S., Annashir, A., & Nasution, S. (2025). Digital Adaptation In Arabic Language Learning; Opportunities And Challenges In The Era Of Technology. Jurnal Al-Hibru, 2, 1-9. doi:https://doi.org/10.59548/hbr.v2i1.318
- Warschauer, M., & Kern, R. G. (2000). Network-based language teaching: Concepts and practice: Cambridge university press.
- Zughoul, M. R., & Taminian, L. (1984). The linguistic attitudes of Arab university students: Factorial structure and intervening variables.