Arabic languages refer to a group of related dialects and varieties that belong to the Semitic branch of the Afro-Asiatic language family. The most widely spoken form is Modern Standard Arabic, which is used in formal settings, literature, and media across the Arab world. There are also numerous regional dialects, such as Egyptian Arabic and Levantine Arabic, which can differ significantly from one another. The Arabic language has a rich history and is the liturgical language of Islam, as it is the language of the Quran. Arabic is spoken by over 400 million people worldwide, making it one of the most widely spoken languages. Its script is written from right to left and consists of 28 letters.