Mehrsprachigkeit in Europa: Plurilinguismo in Europa ... - EURAC

Arabic Language Learning and Motivation
7. Studying material
In 2001, the University of Jordan published the fi rst level book of Arabic for non native speakers,
which contains basic vocabulary taught through pictures. The book is completely in Arabic
without any language translations. The main idea was that the book becomes the introductory
reference to all learners from all over the world, coming from different backgrounds and
various native languages. The book introduces writing skills by showing how each letter should
be written in all its forms and introduces the learner to simple grammar lessons gradually by
moving from letter to word to sentence with basic verb tenses. Grammar is introduced through
formats and not through rules. It is not easy for a beginner of Arabic to understand and follow
the grammatical rules except by following a rhythm and a symbol to get the sense of this
special language. By studying this book, the learner will have learnt more than 550 Arabic words
which s/he can write, read correctly, may use in simple sentences to express simple ideas, and
write a full page with few mistakes.
In 2002 the second book was published introducing the learner to texts on daily life
terminologies, and texts on Jordan and places to see in the country. By studying this book, the
learner will feel relaxed to express him/ herself in clear Arabic, to understand most spoken
Arabic and to write with very few mistakes.
This summer, publication of the third book is about to be completed. It deals with texts on
culture and opens the topic of the media to the learner by introducing texts on journalism.
By studying this book, it will be easy for the learner to read Arabic newspapers, discuss social
subjects in Arabic and to write correctly on any theme.
8. Conclusion
The interaction between Europeans and Arabs goes back hundreds of years and it has always been
stimulating. Although there have been periods of confl ict between the civilizations either side
of the Mediterranean, there nevertheless have periods of tremendous collaboration. Indeed,
numerous European scholars have admitted that had not been for the fl ow of knowledge and
culture into Europe through Andalusia or Muslim Spain, renaissance in Europe may never have
started around the 16 th century.
During the 20 th century, many Arabs were enthusiastic about learning English, French and
Dutch; especially as Britain and France were the colonial powers that dominated the Middle
East region after World War I. Now, learning Arabic by Europeans and Americans has been
gaining ground.
The LC at the University of Jordan strongly believes in teaching Arabic for non-native
speakers as a means to educate such a group about the Arab and Islamic worlds and to bridge
the divides that have been appearing between our cultures and peoples.
Multilingualism.indb 87 4-12-2006 12:25:39
87