Arabic is an asset
Arabic being the second most widely spoken language in the world does not hold any relevance in an expatriate student's conversational skills in Dubai, if he or she cannot speak the language ("Ministry of Education explores new methods of teaching Arabic," Gulf News, May 4). At school level, the entire emphasis is on reading, writing and understanding Arabic. Coaching for conversational skills in the language is usually minimal or nil. This may be one reason many people face difficulty in learning the language.
I know of individuals born and brought up in Dubai who are not very fluent while conversing in Arabic, despite taking tuitions and additional coaching in the language. Arabic is a very useful and rich language and if learnt well would be a great asset to an individual in any Arab nation.
From Ms Hiba Basheer
Dubai
Threat of extinction
It is hard to believe the comments made by principals of various Indian schools, blaming a lack of qualified teachers as the reason for not taking up Arabic as part of the school curriculum. This is absurd, especially since the schools operate in an Arab nation. Since the syllabus allows teaching Arabic as one of the optional languages, the Ministry of Education can persuade these schools to treat Arabic as an important subject, on par with any other language. This is especially relevant as otherwise the nation's language might get extinct and give way to other foreign languages in the UAE.
From Mr Salim Moan Panthod
Abu Dhabi
The benefit of age
I would like to comment on the excellent part played by Gulf News in bringing to light the importance of Arabic in Indian schools. I am a French pupil studying in grade nine and would absolutely love to take up Arabic as my second language, provided that my school offers it. I believe that we pupils can do better in Arabic if we are taught the language from an early age. Unfortunately, most schools including mine do not offer it. After reading the article in Gulf News, we have requested our school to provide Arabic as an optional language. Our principal says he will try his best. I would once again like to congratulate Gulf News for its efforts and hope that my school accepts our request.
From Ms Fatima
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Opportunity to prove
After raising my complaint with Gulf News about the delay caused by my driving school in issuing a test date, I am pleased to say that the problem was resolved immediately. The driving test date was revised 18 days ahead of the earlier date. I thank Gulf News for helping me out. At least I can now hope to appear for the examination.
From Mr Rajeev Sing
UAE
Page last updated 01 January 2020