Language is a window to culture and religion, and, above all, it’s a bridge to a better understanding of people we meet. The English language has dominated virtually all cultures because it’s the language of science and commerce.
But look at Arabic. It has taken a backseat to the practice of a global language and is more or less limited to geographical boundaries or as part of non-native Muslims learning it for religious purposes.
We, as Saudis and Muslims, take great pride with the high level of services we offer Muslims and Islam with the use of Arabic. But we have done little to promote the language as a primary tool to better understand Islam. Saudi Arabia, for example has few Arabic language institutes that teach Arabic to non-native speakers. The existing institutes deserve credit for preparing their students to start studying Islam in Arabic, yet the same schools don’t necessarily teach young minds to understand Saudi culture to help them assimilate into society.
The reasons are rather straightforward. These schools are associated with major universities and limited to students who intend to continue a career as preachers or Islamic scholars. These schools restrict enrollment only to Muslims. However, the problem many students encounter is the teaching methods and textbooks are quite old and don’t engage young minds.
Saudi language schools also teach classic Arabic, a dialect that is not spoken outside academia. This exposes students to sarcasm and ridicule from less enlightened individuals once the student starts speaking Arabic in casual conversation. Classic Arabic is especially difficult to understand among foreigners who acquire the language on the street.
My family lives in Madinah not far from the Islamic University, which makes it possible for my brothers to meet with many students there to learn Arabic and Islam. My brothers often meet them at the neighborhood mosque and supermarket and witness how students suffer once they attempt to interact with Saudis.
One student asked my brother if Saudis actually speak Arabic at all. This may give the impression it’s a Saudi problem that they somehow lost their mother tongue. That would be a topic for a separate column. But once again what have we done to help them to assimilate?
Do Arabic language schools take their students on tours to public schools where they meet with Saudi youths? Do they have social and cultural programs that give them a taste of Saudi Arabia like they do in the West?
Non-Muslim foreigners who are curious about our language and culture have few options to attend private schools to teach them Arabic as we speak it without the obligation of being Muslim or to study religion. It’s in Saudi Arabia’s best interests to teach Arabic in a more neutral and friendly manner. I know many westerners who are curious about Arabic and want to learn it, but have no way to learn other than expensive private lessons. We should offer summer schools with a worldwide enrollment to allow individuals to visit our country, get to know the real us and learn Arabic at the same time.
This way we can build bridges using our own language and have ambassadors who present the true picture of Saudis on a global scale. This would also encourage tourism that would contribute to the government’s efforts to diversify our country’s revenue and make us less dependent on oil and oil products. Saudi Arabia in one of the richest areas in learning about ancient civilizations. We have much to offer if we exert good planning and be more welcoming to those who do not belong to the same culture or religion.
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Email: sabria_j@ hotmail.com
