The Arabic Language (repost)

The aim of this book is t o give a sketch o f the history o f the Arabic language, mother tongue of more than ISO million speakers. Since its earliest appearance as a world language in the seventh century cE, Arabic has been characterised by an opposition between two varieties: a standard language, which occupies a prestige position and is revered as the language of religion, culture and education; and a vernacular language, which serves as the mother tongue for most speakers and is the natural means of communication throughout society. The opposition between these two varieties constitutes the major theme of the present book.

Kees Versteegh writes an excellent overview of the development of arabic language - dialectology, origins and structure is covered as well as many other aspects of arabic linguistic tradition. This book is highly recommended as an introductory work as well as a reference guide to further study!