International School Community Blog

As a head of school I recognise the importance of Arabic language and culture in education working within the Arabic world.

I also recognise the fabulous wealth of opportunities and experiences afforded from the privilege of being a guest, in this intriguing and fascinating part of the world. A very welcome guest I feel too, from the enormous hospitality offered to expatriate visitors and residents.

I have led three IB schools integrating the Arabic Language in very different ways.

In Oman, Arabic was the mother tongue of the vast majority of students and around fifty percent of the teachers. We delivered a bilingual curriculum and all communication to staff and parents was delivered in both English and Arabic, all signage in the school was in both languages and the architecture of the school was a delightful Arabic design.

In Saudi Arabia, again, the students’ mother tongue was Arabic and part of the curriculum was delivered in Arabic. The IB coordinators in the school were bilingual as were a significant percentage of staff.

In Dubai we have students of multiple mother tongues including Arabic, but the importance of Arabic remains fundamental, both in language and culture.

It  is important that all students in an International Baccalaureate school, which emphasises intercultural understanding, international awareness and open-mindedness have an awareness of the country, culture, traditions – including language – of the culture in which they study.

For students to develop as well-rounded global citizens we emphasise tolerance and understanding, and look at ways to avoid ignorance or misunderstanding which is the cause of so many problems around the world.

I work closely with the Arabic department and it is sometimes challenging for them to work with students who want to speak English. My children also speak Indonesian, and some Arabic, but they are reluctant, sometimes, to speak Indonesian except when they are in Indonesia.

Of course research says it is extremely important to promote the continued daily use of mother tongue, be it Arabic, or another language. We always look to promote a school culture where students are proud to speak their mother tongue.

School libraries in IB schools play an essential role in promoting mother tongue by having relevant sections that reflect all the languages of the school community.

Why are young people often switched off reading in Arabic? One point is the look of the books. We need to find ways to spark their imagination and make reading Arabic books as attractive as reading in English. Often the look of the books, the lack of colour and attractive text is off-putting to young readers.

Ali Ezzedine, a vastly experienced PYP coordinator and workshop leader in English, Arabic and French, who has led superb bilingual workshops at my schools, has also written his own books in Arabic, which are stimulating in design and content with an awareness of the problem and looking to readdress the balance in eye-catching Arabic books.

Ali’s books can be viewed on his website:  www.4Generations4ed.com

We are always working to make learning relevant and challenging for students. This of course includes Arabic.  The Arabic department are continually looking at innovative ways to promote Arabic learning and to integrate learning Arabic with ICT, to develop new ways of learning respecting the new styles of learning for this generation.

The importance of Arabic language and culture needs to be recognised throughout the school year and its relevance reminded to all of our students as an integral part of their studies.

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This article was written by International School Community member Neil Bunting. Thanks Neil for such an important reminder and inspiring article!

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