16 Arabic dialects added to Care to Translate and why it matters for health care

We are proud to announce that Care to Translate now supports 16 Arabic dialects in our medical translation tool. Arabic has always been one of the top 10 most used languages in our app, and this expansion means even more patients and care staff can communicate clearly and safely, no matter which variety of Arabic they speak.

Arabic: A language of many voices

When people think of Arabic, they often imagine it as one single language. But in reality, Arabic is a family of dialects as diverse as the countries and communities where it's spoken.

• Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is the formal variety used in media, literature, and education.
• In daily life, however, people speak colloquial Arabic dialects that differ significantly from region to region.
• Dialects such as Egyptian, Iraqi, Tunisian, Algerian, Moroccan, and Yemeni Arabic can sometimes be as different as Swedish and Danish – related, but not always mutually understood.

This is why adding dialect-level support is crucial. A Syrian patient in Stockholm may not use the same words or expressions as a Moroccan patient in Malmö. For safe healthcare communication, those differences matter.

Arabic around the world

Arabic is spoken by 280–422 million people worldwide, making it one of the world’s most widely used languages. It's the official language in 22 countries and one of the six official languages of the United Nations.

• In the US: About 1.4 million people reported speaking Arabic at home in 2020. Arabic is now the 6th most common non-English language spoken in the country.
• In Europe: Arabic-speaking communities are among the largest migrant and refugee populations. In Sweden, Arabic is consistently one of the most spoken minority languages.
• In Sweden’s healthcare system: A study of the national 1177 telehealth service found that around 3670 calls a year in just two regions (out of 21) required interpretation into Arabic.

These numbers reflect just how essential Arabic translation is for equitable access to care.

Healthcare challenges and the role of dialects

Language barriers in health care aren’t just inconvenient – they can be dangerous. Misunderstandings may lead to missed symptoms, confusion around medications, or lack of trust between patient and provider.

By offering translations across 16 dialects, Care to Translate helps:

1. Improve accuracy: Patients can describe symptoms in the dialect they are most comfortable with.
2. Build trust: Speaking to patients in their own dialect shows respect and fosters alliance.
3. Ensure equity: Migrants and refugees with limited health literacy often face extra challenges. Dialect-based support helps reduce these inequalities.
4. Support telehealth: As remote care becomes more common, clear language is even more critical.

Facts about Arabic

• Arabic is written right to left using a flowing script of 28 letters, many of which change shape depending on position in a word.
• It's a Semitic language, sharing roots with Hebrew and Amharic. Words are built from three-letter roots that branch into families of meaning (e.g., k-t-b relates to “writing,” creating words like kitab = book, katib = writer).
• Some dialects borrow heavily from other languages. Moroccan Arabic includes French and Berber influences, while Egyptian Arabic includes English and Italian loanwords.
• In healthcare settings, even basic words can differ between dialects: for example, the word for “fever” varies across regions, which can be critical in diagnosis.

Arabic in Care to Translate

Arabic is not only a global language – it's one of the most requested languages on our platform. In fact, it has always ranked in the top 10 most used languages in Care to Translate.

By adding 16 dialects, we take another step toward safer, faster, and more cost-effective care for both healthcare providers and patients. From emergency rooms to elderly care, clear communication saves lives and resources.

Conclusion

Health care is built on trust, and trust starts with understanding. By expanding Arabic support to include 16 dialects, Care to Translate ensures that more patients feel seen, heard, and cared for, in the language that matters most to them.

We believe this update will help healthcare professionals across Sweden, Europe, the US, and beyond deliver more equitable and compassionate care.

Interested in trying it out? Get in touch with us to learn more about how Care to Translate can support your organization or simply download the app for free.