Is Arabic hard to learn?
Is Arabic really hard to learn? Learning Arabic is generally perceived as hard. But is it actually so? Answering this question is the really hard thing. This is very subjective. Does everyone who has learnt, or is learning, the Arabic language describe it as hard to learn? I don't think so. Maths for example has a reputation of being hard. But does everyone agree that maths is hard? And surely, those who don't will describe as hard to learn some subjects others classify as easy. So why is that?
I think the key here is your level of motivation. Depending on how motivated you are, you may well cruise through learning Arabic, especially in the beginning. That is, before the supposedly “complicated” grammatical rules come on the stage. I should point out here that Arabic grammar is rather logical and consistent. Not many exceptions to trip over.
Which variant of Arabic to learn?
When people talk of Arabic, they are not referring to only one language. This is somewhat comparable to English. There is American English and there is British English. And then there are other variants of English: European English, Canadian English, Australian English, etc. Where Arabic differs from English in this respect is that its different variants, or dialects, are fairly different from each other. For example, Moroccan Arabic is considerably different from Gulf Arabic. Now, both are oral versions of Arabic that are rarely used in writing.
While learning any variety of English will help you get by in any other part of the English speaking world – though you may have some difficulties adapting to the specific accent of a particular region – this is not fully true of Arabic. Gulf Arabic won't be of much help when you find yourself bargaining in a market in Morocco.
But there is one version of Arabic that is invariably understood in the whole Arab world, and that is Modern Standard Arabic (also called MSA). If you learn MSA, you'll make yourself understood easily, but unless you are dealing with an educated Arab, you will not understand him. Of course, for basic phrases such as “How are you”, “What is your name”, “How much does this cost”, etc. no problems will arise, but holding a long, meaningful conversation might not be possible.
One thing you can do though is to start with the MSA and later focus on a specific variant of your choice.
Which course are you following?
There are many paid courses out there to help you learn Arabic. While many are helpful, some are there only to get your money. Whether or not you end up with some decent Arabic skills may not be their primary objectives. So, do your homework and find out what courses really are helpful.
There are many free courses online, try them to get a feel of what is your best learning style. Then, when you decide to spend on learning, you'd know where to invest that hard-earned money so you actually get a return on your investment. I am of the opinion that the free Arabic course available online are more than enough to give you a decent grasp of the language before you eventually decide how far you'll go with it.
Your contact hours with Arabic
Obviously, if you are on an immersion program in an Arab country somewhere in the Middle East, that won't be a problem. You'll be immersed in the language the whole time. This will help you tremendously.
On the other hand, if you are learning it on your own, say, in your native English speaking country, then it's another story. You'll have to go out of your way to create your own “immersion environment.” Listening is especially helpful. If you are reading this page, chances are you have an Internet connection. So, access to audio or video materials in Arabic should not be an issue. Here, it should be stressed out that regularity is of utmost importance. By all means, give the language some love on a daily basis, it'll love you back.
In the end, I may say that Arabic is probably a bit harder to learn than other languages. But the idea that it is VERY difficult, or the most difficult language to learn is clearly far-fetched. Not everyone is the same. While it can be very difficult for others, it needs not necessarily be so for you. Just try it!