Crossword Genius

Language of associate academician and writer (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

arabic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'language' is the definition.
(Arabic is a language)

'associate academician and writer' is the wordplay.
'associate academician' becomes 'ara' (I am not sure about the 'associate' bit.).
'and' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'writer' becomes 'bic' (Bic is a manufacturer of pen).
'ara'+'bic'='ARABIC'

'of' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for arabic that I've seen before include "Common language of Middle East" , "Middle Eastern language" , "Language of North Africa and the Middle East" , "Final" , "Language widespread in Middle East and N Africa" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app