Arabic is one of the few languages in the world that is written from right to left. This can be confusing for beginners who are used to languages like English, which go from left to right. But there are historical and practical reasons for this writing style.
Understanding Why Arabic Is Written Right to Left
Historical Reasons
Arabic comes from the Semitic language family, which also includes Hebrew and Aramaic. These languages have been written from right to left for thousands of years. Ancient scripts, like Aramaic inscriptions, were carved into stone or written on parchment. Using the right hand to write made it easier to write from right to left, especially when using ink or carving tools.
Practical Reasons
When writing with a reed pen or brush, right-handed people would naturally move their hand across the paper from right to left to avoid smudging the ink. Since most people were right-handed, writing from right to left became the standard.
Arabic Keyboard and Digital Writing
Even today, Arabic keyboards and digital devices follow the right-to-left writing direction. This is important for typing correctly in Arabic. Tools like MyArabicKeyboard help beginners type Arabic online, keeping the correct writing direction.
Reading Arabic
Because Arabic is written from right to left, reading also starts from the right side of the page. Sentences flow naturally in this direction, and punctuation and numbers are adjusted accordingly. Numbers in Arabic can be written in two ways: Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…) or Eastern Arabic numerals (١, ٢, ٣…).
Final Thoughts
Learning why Arabic is written from right to left helps beginners understand the language better. It’s not just a rule—it is a part of Arabic history and culture. Using online tools like MyArabicKeyboard makes typing and learning easier for beginners.