As the Ministry of Education and Youth plans to introduce compulsory Arabic courses up to Grade XII in public and private schools, the concerns of students and parents are growing.
All school students in the UAE, whether they are Arabs or non-Arabs, might be forced to write the same advanced examination in Arabic, a decision hailed and scorned at the same time by a cross-section of the people.
Gulf News interviewed a variety of residents, a majority of whom said that such a decision must be limited to primary school levels only. Otherwise, it might adversely affect the learning of non-Arab students, mainly in the 12th grade and wanting to pursue their higher education overseas.
John Sokolski, an American university professor, said: "I think that getting expatriates involved in Arabic language is important to a certain extent especially those who stay here for a long period of time.
"But I also believe that those who stay here for a short period would be affected if the courses became compulsory especially in private schools. Hence, Arabic courses should be limited to primary levels."
John, who has been living in the UAE for two years, added: "The idea of standardising examinations among all nationalities is a good one. But I think the educational curricula must also be standardised... The ministry should get more involved in what universities and colleges have to offer."
Diana Goulding, a British national and a mother of two children, said: "It's going to be something interesting. It's good to have compulsory Arabic courses in public and private schools, because if you live in a country for a long time you are obliged to learn more about its language and culture. This creates better understanding between different communities and cultures.
"However, a new language should start at primary levels because the younger generations can learn languages faster and better," she said.
Diana, an assistant at a primary school in Jebel Ali, stressed: "It doesn't hurt anyone to learn Arabic. But in regards of standardising examinations among all nationalities, I don't think that's really a convenient idea."
Having spent two years in UAE, Bianca Balfour, a Brazilian, said: "It's fantastic. I wish I had the chance to learn Arabic because it would simplify my means of communicating with others here. I started learning Arabic even though I am an adult now."
Bianca, manager of a furniture store in Dubai, added: "Compulsory Arabic should be introduced in schools at all levels because it's beneficial. But it should be optional in the workplace. As for standardising examinations, I think the choice should be left to the students to decide."
Tanya Scott, a British administrator, said: "Introducing such courses would be a sign of modernisation in the UAE. People will feel more a part of the community and the society. Teaching such courses should start at primary levels, as it would be a difficult to bring it into middle or high school levels."
Tanya, who has been in the UAE for the last five years, added: "I believe that even for those who are in the UAE for a short period of time, it would be of no harm to learn Arabic."
A UAE national dermatologist, Dr Ali Mohammed Hussein, said: "I suppose that the move could be unfair for non-Arabs. It could be a burden for people who are staying here for short periods. Therefore, it should be optional especially for high schools students who might pursue their higher education overseas."
Dr Hussein added: "Arabic must be compulsory for Arabs; specially immigrants. Those who come back from abroad should know their mother tongue. But regarding standardising examinations among all nationalities... I think it's something difficult."
Tian Mee, a Singaporean art student, said: "Those who come to live and work in the UAE should learn Arabic. I fully support such a decision... BUt the courses could be left optional for eighth graders and above."
Tian, who has been in the UAE for two years, added: "I believe that examinations must be standardised among nationalities. But only at certain years in order to keep the student away from being pressured."
Nadia Golubina, an Uzbek marketing executive and a mother of three children, said: "It's a good idea because it'll help my children learn Arabic.
"Arabic is a language which helps people get involved more with the society here and understand others. The younger generation will also learn how to adapt and live in the society... My nine-year-old son understands Arabic more than his 16-year-old sister. Both of them and their 14-year-old sister are learning Arabic at school. The younger you are, the faster you learn."
A Pakistani university lecturer, Subia Mujib, said: "Making Arabic compulsory is a good plan. Arabic is an important and beautiful language. I agree that it could be a bit of a problem for Westerners, but the language will help unite people of various cultures."
Subia, a mother of two and living in Dubai for seven years, said: "Exams should be standardised for all nationalities and should be consistent. Some people might face difficulties because Arabic has difficult letters. But I believe that learning any language is a great experience."
Ammar Jbara, a Syrian who has two school-age daughters, said: "It's an interesting and suitable plan. The UAE is an Arabic country and people should learn how to speak the native language. It represents an open invitation for non-Arabs to learn Arabic, just as there are millions of Arabs who speak English."
Ammar, a merchandising manager who has been in the UAE for five years, said: "Arabic courses should start from primary levels and after that it could be optional. Otherwise it will be unfair for a non-Arab, because they take the courses just to learn the culture."
Parag Sagar, an Indian businessman, said: "It's a brilliant idea, especially for expats who wish to stay here for many years. It's considered an asset to learn Arabic... School students at all levels must master Arabic because it helps them understand the pulse of the region."
Parag, who has a two-year-old daughter and is in the UAE for the past six years, added: "I'm going to make my daughter learn Arabic. That would help her avoid communication gaps and cultural barriers."
Gulf News
