This general introduction to the Arabic Language, now available in paperback, places special emphasis on the history and variation of the language. Concentrating on the difference between the two types of Arabic - the Classical standard language and the dialects - Kees Versteegh charts the history a[...]

This is an introductory guide for students of Arabic language, Arabic historical linguistics and Arabic socio-linguistics. New for this edition: a new chapter on the structure of Arabic; a new chapter on Pidgin and Creole varieties; and, data has been updated throughout in light of recent research.[...]