Enhancing Modern Standard Arabic Pronunciation Through Qur’anic Recitation Techniques

Djemai Mahmoud Boulaares (Prof. Dr DJEMAI MAHMOUD BOULAARES Professor of Applied Linguistics Department of Language Preparation for Non-Native Speakers of Arabic. College of Languages, King Saud University P.O. Box 145111 Riyadh 4545 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)
Abdullah Saad Alamri (Assistant Professor of Applied Linguistics. Chair of the Linguistic Preparation Department for Non-Native Speakers of Arabic. College of Languages Sciences, King Saud University P.O. Box 12372 Riyadh 6818 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia)

Ijaz Arabi Journal of Arabic Learning
Vol 9, No 3 (2026): Ijaz Arabi: Journal Of Arabic Learning

Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) poses well-documented pronunciation challenges for adult non-native speakers due to its rich phonological system, including sounds absent in many learners’ first languages. This study investigates an innovative pedagogical approach: leveraging Qur’anic recitation techniques (Tajwīd) to enhance MSA pronunciation among non-native speakers. A quasi-experimental design was adopted in which one group of learners received traditional pronunciation training while the experimental group received supplementary Tajwīd-based instruction focusing on the precise articulation of Arabic phonemes. Pre- and post-intervention pronunciation assessments (expert ratings and acoustic analyses) indicate that the Tajwīd-trained group achieved significantly greater improvement in segmental pronunciation accuracy and clarity than the control group. Qualitative feedback also suggests heightened learner confidence and awareness of articulation. These findings highlight that integrating Qur’anic recitation rules, which emphasise exact phonetic realisation, into MSA instruction can substantially improve learners’ pronunciation. The paper discusses implications for Arabic as a foreign language pedagogy, noting that this culturally informed technique offers a promising complement to traditional methods, and recommends its incorporation to help learners attain more native-like pronunciation in MSA.