“That sense of purpose, however small, is what makes me feel most alive” | Wan Amirul Asyraf | 9273 Roots #37
In this interview, Wan Amirul Asyraf from Malaysia shares how he bridges a career in finance with a deep passion for linguistics. He speaks on his unique journey with Classical Arabic, the influence of his native Malay on his learning, and the timeless advice about creating value that guides his purpose.
From the bustling heart of Kuala Lumpur to the classical verses of ancient Arabic poetry, what connects the world of high finance with a deep passion for linguistics?
For Wan Amirul Asyraf, the answer lies in a lifelong journey of curiosity and connection. A polyglot fluent in Malay, English, Arabic, and Russian, he navigates the complexities of financial services by day while dedicating his time to mastering the structures and rhythms of the world’s great languages.
Join us as we talk with Wan Amirul Asyraf about his path, from Malaysian school textbooks to his love for the Saudi dialect, the profound meaning he finds in a single Arabic word, and his life motto guided by a timeless Prophetic teaching.
Wan Amirul Asyraf
وان أمير أشرف
The Malaysian polyglot bridging the worlds of finance and the rich traditions of the Arabic language.
Wan Amirul Asyraf in Alor Setar, Malaysia (April 2025)
Year of birth: 1996
Place of birth: Kedah, Malaysia
Place of residence: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Wan Amirul Asyraf is a professional in the financial services industry based in Kuala Lumpur. You can follow Wan Amirul’s work here:
How would you introduce yourself to someone who doesn’t know you?
I’m Wan Amirul Asyraf from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, currently working in the financial services industry.
I’m fluent in Malay, English, Arabic, and Russian, and I hope to add more languages to that list in the future, including Japanese. Lately, I’ve also found myself drawn into Turkish, Persian and even Hindi-Urdu – though, as with most language lovers, this list may evolve over time.
My journey with Arabic began in 2009 when I chose it as an elective subject in school. I later improved my conversational skills in Saudi Arabian and Gulf dialects through regular lunchtime chats with a Saudi and a Qatari classmate at university.
In terms of formal usage, my Arabic leans more toward Classical Arabic than Modern Standard Arabic, as I’ve always found its structure and rhythm more resonant with my personal learning style.
As for Russian, I started learning it in 2017 as an elective subject during my undergraduate degree at a university in London and I continue to use it actively with the Russian-speaking community here in Malaysia.
What was your first Arabic grammar book?
I first studied Arabic grammar through the textbooks used in Malaysian public schools, which effectively served as my first Arabic grammar resource.
That said, I’ve also found myself drawn to the Madinah Arabic Reader series by the late Dr. V. Abdur Rahim. Designed for international students at the Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, the series offers a structured and accessible approach, especially for those starting with little to no prior knowledge of Arabic.
What is your favorite Arabic book (novel, etc.)?
One of my favorite Arabic books – which I have recently acquired from Jarir Bookstore thanks to their international shipping service – is Al-Muntakhab min Asma’ al-Arab (المنتخب من أسماء العرب – lit: A Selection of Arab Names) by Dr. Fawwaz al-La’boun (فواز اللعبون), a renowned Saudi poet.
I have followed his poetry responses on X (formerly Twitter: @fawaz_dr) since 2019-2020, and his eloquence has influenced my approach in naming my future kids – seeking meaning in an age when some names are chosen without thought, unaware of how they may shape a child’s self-esteem over time.
Book: A Selection of Arab Names – by Dr. Fawwaz al-La’boun
The full title is المنتخب من أسماء العرب (Al-Muntakhab min Asmā’ al-ʿArab). A fitting and accurate English translation is “A Selection of Arab Names” or “The Select Anthology of Arab Names”. The word مُنْتَخَبٌ implies that the contents have been carefully chosen for their quality and significance.
Muntakhab min Asma’ al-ArabExample of the bookExample of the bookExample of the book
About the Book and Author
“A Selection of Arab Names” is authored by the distinguished Saudi poet and academic, Dr. Fawwaz al-La’boun (born October 27, 1975, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia). His pen name is “Qudmoos” (قُدْمُوس), an Arabic term signifying greatness, antiquity, and the lion.
Educated at Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, where he earned his Ph.D. and is now a professor of literature, Dr. al-La’boun approaches this book with a unique literary and cultural sensibility. It is designed not just for new parents seeking a name, but for anyone fascinated by the richness of the Arabic language and its deep connection to identity. The book serves as a cultural and linguistic treasure trove, preserving beautiful and significant names while presenting them in a contemporary, accessible format.
What makes the book special is its meticulous curation and its bilingual presentation of pronunciations in both Arabic and English, making it invaluable for non-native speakers. Dr. al-La’boun has organized the content thoughtfully, with dedicated sections for different categories, including the names of the Prophet Muhammad’s companions (Sahaba and Sahabiyat) and names mentioned in the Qur’an.
Furthermore, it doesn’t just list names; it provides rich, informative entries on the cultural, historical, and linguistic aspects surrounding them. This transforms the book from a mere lexicon into an educational reference that is essential for linguists, historians, and enthusiasts of Arab heritage.
Tip You can access the book online for free through the King Salman Academy for the Arabic Language!
"That sense of purpose, however small, is what makes me feel most alive" | Wan Amirul Asyraf | 9273 Roots #37 39
If you prefer a paper copy, the book is available through several major online retailers in the Middle East that ship internationally.
Personal note by Gerald Drißner from Arabic for Nerds: This book is also one of my favorites. I bought my copy in Saudi Arabia at one of the Jarir bookstores. Good news: They ship internationally — check out this link.
How much time does a native speaker of English need to master Arabic?
I had a slight advantage when learning Arabic, as my native language, Malay, contains a sizable list of Arabic loanwords. Additionally, I was already familiar with Qur’anic pronunciation by the time I formally started learning Arabic.
It took me about three years to start speaking meaningful standard Arabic (albeit with some stuttering!), so I reckon that for a native English speaker, it might take around five years to reach an intermediate level.
What is your favorite Arabic word (classical Arabic)?
رايَة
One of my most favorite Arabic words is رايَة which means flag and is deeply associated with identity and honor.
While the more common modern term for flag is عَلَم, the word راية remains alive for literary expression, national symbolism and metaphorical usage, often evoking pride among those pledging allegiance to a nation or a noble cause.
Note:Raya is also used as a female given name.
Which Arabic word do you like least (classical Arabic)?
غَضَاضَة
One of my least favorite Classical Arabic words is غَضَاضَة, which means humiliation, disgrace, or a loss of dignity.
It’s rarely used in modern Arabic, but its sound alone carries a harsh, uncomfortable tone – fitting for the negative meaning it conveys.
Which Arabic dialect do you like best?
I’m most drawn to Saudi and Gulf dialects, both for their closeness to Classical Arabic and because of my personal connections from that region.
That said, Levantine dialects came in as a close second – interestingly, they were the first I explored after secondary school.
What is your favorite Arabic colloquial word or expression?
صح لسانك
This Saudi expression literally means “May your tongue be correct” and is used to praise someone for saying something spot-on. Its English equivalent is Well said! or if we are speaking meme language, Let him cook! =)
Note: How is صح لسانك pronounced by native speakers?
YouTube video: From 0:15 to 0:18, you can hear how “صح لسانك” is pronounced by native speakers.
What is your favorite Arabic quote or proverb?
أَهْلُ مَكَّةَ أَدْرَى بِشِعَابِهَا
The people of Makkah know its mountain paths best.
In other words, the locals understand the complexities and nuances of their environment better than outsiders do. It is similar to being handed a map, compared to having a local guide who can interpret the map seamlessly within the context of its local terrain.
What is the best thing that was ever said about the Arabic language?
One of the best things ever said about the Arabic language is that it is “the language of the letter ض” – or لغة الضاد – which has stuck with me since I first encountered it.
The letter ض is famously elusive; its classical pronunciation is virtually absent in most other languages, and even some native speakers today struggle to give the letter its due – both in pronunciation and articulation. And yet, that very challenge is what gives Arabic its character.
Deep Dive: Why Arabic is Called “The Language of the Letter Ḍād” (لغة الضاد)
The moniker لغة الضاد (lughat al-ḍād) is a famous honorific title for the Arabic language, highlighting a unique phoneme that has historically been one of its most defining characteristics. The letter in question is ض (ḍād).
A Unique Sound: The classical pronunciation of ض is a pharyngealized voiced alveolar lateral fricative. This complex sound, involving the side of the tongue, the upper molars, and a constriction of the pharynx, is considered by medieval Arab phoneticians to be unique to Arabic and is notoriously difficult for non-native speakers (and many modern native speakers) to master.
A Symbol of Identity: Because of its rarity and difficulty, the letter ض became a point of pride and a symbol of Arab linguistic identity. To be a master of Arabic was to be a master of its most challenging sounds. The ability to pronounce it correctly was seen as a mark of pure, unadulterated Arab speech.
Modern Pronunciation: Today, the classical pronunciation is extremely rare. In many modern dialects, the sound has merged with other emphatic consonants, most commonly with the ظ (ẓāʾ). However, the legacy of the letter endures, and the name “lughat al-ḍād” continues to evoke the richness, challenge, and unique character of the Arabic language, just as Wan Amirul noted.
What is the best piece of advice you were ever given?
“Live to create value – profit will follow. Profit always follows value.”
And equally: “Take ownership of your time.”
Together, they have shaped how I approach life – focusing on meaningful impact while being intentional with the hours and energy I invest.
Which three people would you like to invite for dinner?
My wife, my school classmate and my Malaysian friend who also speaks Russian – all three have been present at different stages of my life journey, and sharing a table with them would feel both familiar and meaningful.
“Live to create value – profit will follow. Profit always follows value.”
Wan Amirul Asyraf
What was the last great meal you had?
The last great meal I had was at a Brazilian churrascaria buffet in Kuala Lumpur.
Being a meat lover, I had thought of revisiting the place for a while, but the opportunity only came when two of my schoolmates invited me out for lunch, including one I had not seen since secondary school. I suggested the venue, and everyone was satisfied.
What is your favorite city?
My favorite city is Madinah (المَدِينَةُ المُنَوَّرَة), Saudi Arabia, which was the first capital city of the Muslims in the 7th century.
Despite the millions who live in and visit it, I felt a sense of serenity and tranquility, where the soul feels at home, away from my home ground.
Wan Amirul in front of al-Masjid al-Nabawi in Madinah, Saudi Arabia (July 2022)
Which book would you give to a dear friend?
Make a Living Living by Nina Karnikowski.
It’s an inspiring read for anyone drawn to creative or unconventional paths – encouraging readers to align their livelihood with their values, curiosity, and sense of purpose.
It goes beyond work-life balance and leans into the idea of work-life integration – living meaningfully, not just making a living.
What is “Make a Living Living” about?
Written by Australian travel journalist Nina Karnikowski, Make a Living Living: Be Successful Doing What You Love is a guide for creatives, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. The book features interviews and inspirational stories from people around the world—including artists, designers, and writers—who have successfully built careers around their passions.
Its core philosophy is to move beyond “work-life balance” towards a more holistic “work-life integration.” It encourages readers to weave their values and sense of purpose into their livelihood. As Wan Amirul noted, it is about “living meaningfully, not just making a living,” making it a powerful resource for anyone seeking a more fulfilling path.
Make a Living Living
$9.98
There are many variations of passages of Lorem Ipsum available, but the majority have suffered alteration in some form, by injected humour, or randomized words.
What is your all-time favorite movie?
I rarely watch movies. I usually prefer content that expands my knowledge – so I tend to lean towards documentaries.
What music do you listen to?
Rarely, but if I do, I lean towards spoken word genre, especially in Arabic. I’m drawn more to rhythm and meaning.
When were you happiest?
Whenever I get to inject meaning into what I do – whether it’s building financial models, translating short write-ups, chatting with tourists in Kuala Lumpur, or connecting with locals wherever I travel.
That sense of purpose, however small, is what makes me feel most alive.
What is your greatest fear?
Losing my sense of purpose – because for me, purpose isn’t just about ambition, it’s about alignment. It’s what grounds me through the ups and downs of life.
What is your life motto?
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said:
اِحْرِصْ عَلَى مَا يَنْفَعُكَ
“Be keen on what benefits you.”
It is a timeless reminder to focus on what brings value – not just financially, but also spiritually, emotionally, intellectually and for your overall well-being.
Drißner, G. (2025, August 20). “That sense of purpose, however small, is what makes me feel most alive” | Wan Amirul Asyraf | 9273 Roots #37. Arabic for Nerds. https://arabic-for-nerds.com/interviews/9273-roots/interview-wan-amirul-asyraf/
Published: August 20, 2025
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This post was published on August 20, 2025 and is over one year old. It was last updated 7 months ago. If you find outdated information, please let us know.
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