Arabic lessons to become better

A new initiative by Zayed University (ZU) is looking at ways to improve Arabic teaching in public and private schools as researchers have devised new courses to enhance language lessons for non-native speakers in the UAE.

The courses developed by the Centre for Arabic Teaching at ZU, would be open to expatriates and new-learners interested in learning the language.

Speaking at a media briefing, Dr Sulaiman Al Jassim, Vice President of Zayed University, said: “There are several expats living in the UAE for decades but they can’t speak a word of Arabic. I believe it is our responsibility as an institution to encourage such people to learn the language.” He cited the poor Arabic skills of students graduating from public and private schools along with the cosmopolitan culture of Dubai for a decline in Arabic skills.

“If we make an effort to enhance the Arabic curriculum at a school level, we will get a better crop of students,” said Dr Sulaiman.

The new courses are designed in line with the Arabic Language Charter for the UAE, which provides a set of guidelines and directions to affirm the position of Arabic language in the country.

Students looking to learn Arabic can enrol for classes at the beginner, elementary or intermediate level. The elementary level courses are designed for students who have little or no knowledge of the Arabic language and wish to acquire the basics in order to be able to understand and communicate on a simple level.

Trying to learn a new language can be a tough task for learners but the courses are being designed to help learners at all levels.

For more information on the course fees and schedule, visit http://www.zu.ac.ae/cat.

muaz@khaleejtimes.com