The methods and objectives of teaching Arabic in the Arab world are outlined here. In elementary school (ages 6-12) about 1/3 of the instructional time is allotted to teaching Arabic. It aims to provide the child with basic skills in reading, conversation and writing. The speech taught is that of modern Arabic used by educated speakers. Reading instruction combines the global or sentence method with the analytical or alphabet method. The preparatory or intermediate school covers ages 12-15. Teaching of Arabic at this stage aims at enabling the student to master the language as a tool for oral and written communication, to read a wide variety of materials of various types and for different purposes, and to start exploring the literature of the Arabic language. Oral and written expression are emphasized and grammar is studied intensively. Secondary school students are aged 15-18, and most go on to the university. This school serves to complete the education of the good citizen and to prepare him for fields of specialization at university level. Mastery of reading and writing skills is sought and past and present Arabic literature is studied. Teacher education and trends in teaching Arabic are also outlined. (CHK)