On the occasion of World Arabic Language Day, it is essential for us as mothers to value and preserve the Arabic language. Arabic is a unique language with characteristics not found in any other language in the world. It is the only language that includes the letter Ḍād (ض), which is why it is often called “the language of Ḍād.”
Given the importance of learning Arabic and its grammatical foundations, it is crucial to highlight a major mistake that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should avoid: speaking to the fetus and later to the newborn in an incorrect or distorted language. Many mothers get used to talking to their children, even until school age, using what is known as “baby talk” or “parrot language”—an unclear, childish form of speech. This is a serious mistake that can negatively affect a child’s language development and behavior later on.
For this reason, Sayidaty wa Tiflouk met with Dr. Zahraa Nour El-Din, a family medicine consultant, who emphasized—on the occasion of World Arabic Language Day—the importance of communicating with the fetus and the child using proper Arabic, during pregnancy, early childhood, and the school years.
The Importance of Speaking Proper Arabic to the Fetus
Research conducted over many years shows that a fetus’s sense of hearing develops while in the mother’s womb. The fetus is not merely an unresponsive mass; it can first recognize the mother’s voice, then the father’s voice. As development continues, the fetus is influenced by external sounds and stimuli. It reacts to the mother’s emotions—crying when she cries and expressing happiness through increased movement when she laughs or feels joyful.
Based on these findings, scientists consider the mother’s gentle communication with the fetus from early pregnancy to be extremely important. Some experts even argue that the nine months a fetus spends in the womb—three-quarters of a year—should be counted as part of a person’s life experience, as the fetus acquires experiences just as it does after birth.
Mothers are encouraged to use pregnancy as an opportunity to speak to the fetus in clear, correct Arabic, through singing or storytelling, while avoiding colloquial dialects and baby talk. Reading traditional heritage stories is also recommended, as they become part of the child’s cultural legacy and are passed on to future generations.
Guidelines for Speaking to the Fetus
Speak softly and gently—never loudly—using correct Arabic, as the fetus responds better to calm, intimate communication.
Take advantage of the period from birth to age seven, which studies show is the most powerful stage for programming the subconscious mind.
Repeat positive phrases you want to reinforce for about three minutes each time, over 14 consecutive days, to establish lasting positive effects.
The Importance of Speaking Proper Arabic During the First Two Years
Speaking to a child in proper Arabic before the age of two is extremely beneficial. Mothers should pronounce words clearly and correctly, just as they would when speaking to adults. Objects should be named accurately—for example, calling water “water,” without inventing alternative baby words.
Inventing a special childish language may delay the child’s cognitive, behavioral, and linguistic development. Words should be spoken in full, without abbreviations, while pointing to the object to help the child associate the word with its meaning.
Children who are spoken to in correct Arabic during infancy often show higher intelligence levels, better cognitive abilities, and stronger curiosity. Hearing accurate words early enhances mental development and motor skills, as children become more eager to explore objects once they recognize their correct names. Continuous exposure to proper language helps the child’s mind function smoothly rather than becoming confused by mixed dialects or inconsistent speech patterns.
The Importance of Proper Language During the School Years
Speaking to children in correct Arabic during the school years can help address several common issues, such as bedwetting, which is often linked to psychological factors rather than medical ones. Clear and respectful communication can reduce anxiety, insecurity, and speech-related embarrassment.
This practice also helps children overcome fears—such as fear of strangers or school—and assists in treating speech disorders like stuttering, which are often rooted in emotional causes.
Using clear Arabic without abbreviations can also reduce sibling jealousy when a new baby arrives, as gentle and meaningful communication redirects the child’s attention toward positive engagement.
Furthermore, continuous exposure to correct Arabic helps solve learning difficulties. Reciting poetry, Quranic verses, or multiplication tables in a simple and enjoyable way reinforces correct vocabulary and improves memory. Mothers can even create simple songs in formal Arabic to praise the child’s achievements, reinforcing confidence and academic success.
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