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English Versus Arabic

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  • English Versus Arabic

    Arab News
    May 2 2004

    English Versus Arabic
    Bushra Al-Subaie - Al-Watan

    Many may think that the controversy about teaching English has ended. A
    decision has been made to introduce the language into our elementary
    schools. Contrary to that opinion, the argument may have now begun in
    earnest. Education should not be allowed to become subject to emotions,
    either by those who wholeheartedly object to the idea based on
    incorrect assumptions or those who think English provides a magic
    solution to all our problems.

    We ought to mention that the controversy over teaching English has been
    going on without the matter's ever having been debated scientifically.
    The result is the absence of any reliable conclusions on which actions
    and decisions could be based.

    I recently saw a study involving students at King Saud University in
    Riyadh and also at a Jordanian university. Students were asked for
    their opinion of English. Interestingly, 45 percent of the students
    interviewed said they would prefer their children to attend
    international schools where English was the language of instruction.
    Among the Jordanians 96 percent and the Saudis 82 percent thought
    Arabic was better for teaching religious and literary subjects while
    English was better for scientific subjects. They said this was because
    of the dearth of translation activity in the Arab world and the fact
    that scientific subjects are often written in English.

    Many may be unaware that such opinions about Arabic reflect
    psychological rather than actual attitudes. Countries such as Armenia,
    with a population of only three million, as well as Turkey, Indonesia
    and the two Koreas all teach scientific subjects in their native
    languages.

    While preferring to have their children taught in English rather than
    Arabic, the students also expressed the idea that English would broaden
    their horizons and allow them a better chance to excel in cultural and
    general knowledge subjects that do not rely on memorization. It is also
    important for the job market.

    >From a social perspective, people look favorably upon those with a good
    command of English. At the same time, Arabic has many advantages over
    English in certain areas; this was illustrated by a study of two groups
    of students, one studying medicine in English and the other studying
    medicine in Arabic. The study revealed that comprehension was higher
    among the students studying in Arabic.

    At King Saud University, 60 percent of the students said they were more
    comfortable and understood more if the lecture was in Arabic. Studying
    in English cost them more time and effort whereas teaching in Arabic
    would save them about half the time they spend in trying to understand
    the subject.

    The studies show that Arab countries are wasting huge resources trying
    to address the problem of weak performance by their students as a
    result of studying in languages other than Arabic. It is a matter that
    calls for a serious review of educational priorities.
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