The Center for Middle East Studies is home to Brown University's Arabic and Persian language programs, which provide instruction across all proficiency levels including thematic courses, dialectal expression and other opportunities for honing language skills.
Arabic
Arabic is a beautiful language that represents the culture and heritage of 420 million speakers around the world. Studying Arabic offers access not only to modern Arabic literature, culture and politics, but to a rich ancient civilization and its knowledge of philosophy, religion, astronomy and many other fascinating fields. Arabic is the language of the Qur'an, the Arabian Nights and many influential books in medicine, math, chemistry and philosophy. Since Arabic is designated a “Critical Language” by the US government, students have strong career potential in fields such as diplomacy, business, international development and academia.
Arabic EventsStay connected via the Arabic Language and Literature List
Persian
Today, three dialects of Persian are used as official languages: Persian in Iran (sometimes called “Farsi” although the term Persian is preferred), Dari in Afghanistan and Tajiki in Tajikistan. Mastery of any of these contemporary dialects allows students access to a great literary heritage in Persian as far back as 950 CE with minimal adjustments from the modern language. Additionally, much of the Persian-speaking diaspora has chosen to make North America its home. The Persian program at Brown uses cutting-edge pedagogical methods to propel students to proficiency in Persian, whether their goal is to make connections with Persian speakers, explore Persian-language news and media, experience Persian literature in the original or conduct research in Persian.