Arabic speakers have special access to careers.
According to the website Al-Bab, Arabic ranks sixth among the most used languages in the world. Nearly 200 million people are native speakers of Arabic and many more have learned and adopted the language. The language is divided into dialects, including classic and modern standard. A person who is fluent in the language might find it a boon in pursuing several types of careers.
Translator/Interpreter
A native or fluent Arabic speaker can find a job as a translator or interpreter in a variety of venues. Skills required by these positions include the ability to listen and speak at the same time, high concentration and reasoning abilities and in some cases, excellent writing skills. Hotels in locations where many international guests visit often keep multi-lingual staff on-site to assist non-English speaking travelers. Interpreters might also find work in courtrooms or police stations where they can bridge the gap between the interviewer and the subject.
Restaurant Owner
A Middle Eastern person living abroad who misses the culinary delights of her home country might be interested in running or owning a restaurant specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, such as Lebanese kibbeh, preserved spiced mutton, circassian chicken, riz bi djaaj u banadoura and stuffed swiss chard leaves. The restaurant's Arabic menu might need on-site translation and the restaurant can host specialty Arabic language nights to educate the community, bring together native speakers and feature local artisans, musicians and poets. Running a restaurant usually requires skills such as business management, including the ability to do payroll, marketing and advertising.
Bodyguard
An Arabic speaker who is also trained in fitness, security and the martial arts can make a career out of being a bodyguard to visiting emissaries, politicians, Middle Eastern celebrities and other non-English speakers. Bodyguards combine the ability to communicate with the person needing protection and the training to keep themselves and their charges out of harm's way. Although many bodyguards are former police officers, military personnel and gym trainers, if they cannot communicate with the person they need to protect, they won't be able to fulfill their job. Job duties include driving, staying overnight at the charge's home, following without being seen or following up on threats including phone calls, letters and emails. An Arabic-speaking bodyguard can help cover Middle Eastern personnel while ensuring the lines of communication are open.
