The study of foreign languages has developed into a major field in the United States. With events such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, a knowledge of foreign languages has become even more important. Arabic has become a more popular language in colleges and universities in recent years.
With an increased focus on Arabic in the United States, it is clear to see why the university has begun to teach Arabic classes. Currently, the university offers three Arabic language classes, but plans to incorporate Arabic as both a major and minor.
Khalil Masmoudi, the only Arabic professor at the university, said he is optimistic about the future of Arabic studies. Though he is unsure of the timetable or process in which the program will become a major, Masmoudi recognizes the importance of Arabic in the world today.
In the United States, Arabic is not as widely studied as in Europe where it is very important, Masmoudi said.
"They go there and study the Arab world, the Arab culture, the Arab language," he said. "There are between 250 and 300 million native speakers in the world and even more know parts of it because of their religion."
Arabic spans a large portion of the globe, as it is spoken from Northern Africa past India and even further around the world, Masmoudi said.
JuniorJessica Novick said she has taken the first two Arabic classes.
"It's a lot more fun than one would think. It's really strange when you start off, reading right to left and not left to right, but eventually I got used to it and now I really enjoy taking it," Novick said. "I just hope they keep building on the program and more people get involved. It's an interesting language to say the least."
Novick, a foreign languages, political science and Jewish studies major, said she feels like Arabic will help her later in life no matter what career she pursues.
Since Sept. 11, more and more job opportunities have opened up for individuals who speak Arabic.
Joyce Dennis Henderson, assistant director of the Bank of America Career Services Center, said she acknowledges the fact that Arabic can open doors for people.
"The CIA and FBI were here last semester looking for people who spoke foreign languages," Henderson said. "There are a lot of opportunities when you speak another language."
Henderson said she felt knowing another language, like Arabic, could be beneficial for jobs in the media, law enforcement and governmental libraries, as well as being a translator or interpreter.
Masmoudi said knowing some Arabic would also be helpful on other job searches.
"Even if you major in engineering and work in oil, it is important even to know a little bit," he said. "Political science, international relations, communications, anything you go into that you want to do."
While the university builds its Arabic program, other schools, such as Duke, Princeton, Georgetown and Middlebury, have larger Arabic programs, which teach Arabic and prepare students for the future.
"One day I hope we'll be there," Masmoudi said. "But right now, no, we're too small."
While the program is in its beginning stages, Masmoudi said he does see hope for the future.
"We have 24 students registered for the lowest Arabic class," he said. "Double digits in the next two courses. Hopefully we [will] add a fourth class soon."
Follow us on Twitter
Subscribe to our feed
Contact us through email
Be the first to comment on this article!