Posted on 10/30/2009 4:58:12 AM PDT by Puppage
New Haven (WTNH) - Some schools are giving students the opportunity to learn how to speak Arabic and it seems that many are taking a liking to it.
The word "bedeel" means "options" in Arabic and that's exactly what Chris George, with the Integrated Refugee and Immigrants Services in New Haven, wants students to have.
"Languages are more important now, we need to globalize this country, we need to internationalize this country if we're going to compete," said George.
Arabic is now listed among the top languages that the State Department recommends that children learn. But only a few select schools offer it. George thinks there needs to be more.
He first became fluent as a Peace Corps volunteer, spending 25-years in the region. He's using that expertise now to encourage the youngest among us.
From the headdress called a kafia, to the wraps worn as pants, he even explained how it's only considered proper to eat or touch food with your right hand.
It is a message that seemed to resonate with the 100 students in one New Haven school. They created a display of Arabic-Americans who have impacted our country: Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, actor Keanu Reeves, born in Lebanon, Apple founder Steve Jobs.
Prathamesh Patil, in the seventh grade, used to take Spanish but has made the decision to switch.
"Arabic is easier than Spanish; Spanish is kind of hard and that's all," said Patil.
Others believe it will give them an edge in an increasingly international job market.
"Maybe like, since I want to be an ecologist, I might have to work with other places in the world so the language might be useful for me," said Ana Mohammad-Khairi, a sixth grader.
New Haven is among only a handful of districts in the state that offer Arabic and there are only four schools in the city that have those classes.
The four schools that offer Arabic classes are Hill Regional, Metropolitan Business, Mauro-Sheriden Science and the Engineering and Science University School.
Like the bedeel Arabic women have?
Yeah, I’m sure they luv it more than English. [/s]
Sometimes I wonder how much Saudi $$ goes to fund these propaganda articles.
..obviously a Sheryl Crow fan
he even explained how it’s only considered proper to eat or touch food with your right hand.
I would also bet that he did not explain WHY Arabs consider this. Hey, welcome to the 21st century, try the Charmin for Petes Sake.
I, for one, welcome our new Overlords.
On the bright side, some of these students may later on become CIA and military analysts and operatives.
Let me guess...Hebrew is too difficult to teach as is Italian, German, Greek and Russian. And how dare me to assume we should teach our kids proper English! Why, what an outrage. I guess it’s ‘cause we all knows our young ‘merican kids kin speek and right our own langwage all redy. (*sarc*) Oh, wait. [slaps hand to forehead] We don’t have our own language!
Yes, like, in places where they hire ecologists and stuff. Like in the Middle East, where they speak Arabic, and have a shining record of ecological achievements.
Agreed
My mother, God rest her soul, correct our English at every turn. It really made my brothers & I mad. 40 years later, I know why she did that & couldn't be happier that she loved us enough to do so.
Thanks Mom!
Yes, my kids get ticked off at me, too. They’ll be glad I did when it becomes an obsolete and dead language because we’ll all be speaking Arabic and eating with our right hand and cleaning up the mess with our left.
I need to stay away from the boards today. The more I read, the more upset I become.
And having a package of real bacon bits in your pocket will get you arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
;^)
LOL!
I KNEW as soon as I hit the enter button that it was incorrect & you'd correct me.
Thanks for the warm smile you gave me. I will feel it all day.
I look forward to the day when Arabic is spoken only in Hell.
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