This course will introduce you to the study of the unique human faculty of language and to the investigation of the world's languages. You will explore a number of fascinating topics such as the ways in which dialects differ, how languages arise, change and die, how children acquire their first language, differences between the speech of men and women, how we communicate as individuals and within groups, and what happens when speakers of different languages come into contact. You will also discover how language can be used to shape and manipulate ideas and opinions, looking in detail at how language and thought interact in fields such as politics and advertising. In addition, you will practise key transferable skills, such as essay writing and how to give a presentation.The course allows students to achieve near-native proficiency in Arabic and to study the language within its cultural and historical context. Students start as absolute beginners and go through to an advanced level over four years.The course looks widely at culture and literature and introduces students to social and cultural trends in the Middle East and beyond. It is carefully structured so that students can measure their progress step by step. In the language courses you will gain competence in reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension, while developing knowledge and understanding of the Arab World.In the Middle Eastern based thematic courses you will study documents which introduce you to the cultures of the medieval Middle Eastern World; read contemporary literature reflecting life and social trends in modern Middle Eastern countries.**Special Features**- We have expertise in, as well as course units devoted to, a wide range of languages and language families including the Romance languages, the Germanic languages, languages of the near east (e.g. Arabic and Hebrew), Iranian languages, the indigenous languages of Australia, Central and South America (e.g. Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru), languages of South Asia (e.g. Nepal, India and Tibet), and Romani. - In addition we have a number of courses covering the history and present-day state of the English language. - Students may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the second year of their degree. Exchange partners are offered through the Worldwide Exchange scheme. - Native speakers will be involved in your language teaching at all levels, and an understanding of the culture forms an inherent part of the learning of language. Your study is supported by the multi-media facilities of the Language Centre. Staff there can also put you in touch with students who are native speakers of the language you study. - Multi-cultural Manchester provides excellent general opportunities for contact with native speakers of Middle Eastern languages and the pursuit of relevant cultural interests outside the University (e.g. public lectures, societies, cultural events etc.).- Manchester is an international centre for linguistics and English language, with a range of lively activity. See the following link for recent news around the department: https://manling.wordpress.com/ - The year of Study Abroad offers you the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of the modern life in a Middle Eastern country. You will have the chance to gain skills in the context of the everyday or colloquial usage of your language.