Expats Learning العربيةDubai’s University of Wollongong (UOW) reports an increased number of UAE expats learning spoken and written Arabic.
Over the years the UOW says that the interest has steadily climbed with 236 students taking these courses in 2008.
The report comes as the UOW is announcing two intensive summer courses especially designed for expats holidaying in the UAE rather than taking off for other exotic destinations.
These courses will take place not only in the classroom but in places around Dubai where students will be introduced to different aspects of Arabic culture and customs.
Motivation
The primary motivation given for taking a course in Arabic is to improve employment prospects in the region. The other reason is for cultural understanding and social integration.
The UOW (email at this address for details CLCAdmin@uowdubai.ac.ae) is not the only provider of Arabic courses in the UAE.
Source: Arabic Language Courses Gain Popularity Among Different Nationalities, Dubai City Guide, 9 May 2009.
Other Articles on Learning Arabic:
Learning Arabic in the UAE and the Gulf, ETE, 8 November 2007.
Why We Should Learn Arabic, ETE, 17 June 2008.
Spoken Arabic Step-by-Step by John Kirkbridge, Reviewing Books and Movies, 8 November 2007.
Teach Yourself Gulf Arabic, RBAM, 22 November 2008.
Goodword English Arabic Dictionary, RBAM, 9 November 2008.
Don’t they Know it’s Friday, RBAM, 6 June 2008. (Great book on customs in the UAE and Gulf region).
Dr Geoff Pound
If you have writing assignments that require an experienced native English speaker, Geoff Pound is a freelance writer and can be contacted by email at geoffpound[@]gmail.com or on Facebook.
Image: Arabic Language.
