This book provides a synopsis of recently published empirical research
into the acquisition of reading and writing in Arabic. Its particular
focus is on the interplay between the linguistic and orthographic
structure of Arabic and the development of reading and writing/spelling.
In addition, the book addresses the socio-cultural, political and
educational milieu in which Arabic literacy is embedded. It enables
readers to appreciate both the implications of empirical research to
literacy enhancement and the challenges and limitations to the
applicability of such insights in the Arabic language and literacy
context. The book will advance the understanding of the full context of
literacy acquisition in Arabic with the very many factors (religious,
historical, linguistic etc.) that interact and will hence contribute to
weakening the anglocentricity that dominates discussions of this topic.