interview

Hi Dr Ahmed,

Thanks again for your help with this. It would be great if you could send over some answers tonight - I would really appreciate it.

1)   Do you think Arabic as a language has been neglected in the past in the UAE? How?

  Yes…because there was no plans to impose the Arabic language ,beside the English language,in all relations ,activities and cultures in order to deal with the new changes and developments that surprised the whole area at all levels

2)   Do you think the Arabic language is being damaged by the various dialects here and the largely expat population?

   Yes..because the different cultures are left without order or attention,people of such cultures need help,they need free courses in Arabic in every city,village ,company,manufacture and area.Such courses should be obligatory for everybody,otherwise,he has no job.

3)   Do you think it’s a good thing that Arabic has now been made the official language for government correspondence?

  Yes…this is a good step,but solving the problem needs much more efforts.

4)   What affect will this have on the national identity?

   This will make a sort of balance in the use of  Arabic-English language in this  area.The Arabic language should be the official language in all the nation,but the English language should be present also because of the nature of  the multi-cultural society.

5)   Are more and more students now learning Arabic? Do you Emiratis speak good Arabic, or are they influenced a lot by English?

   In general…students are weak in both languages,they need help,there should be a national serious plan to improve students language:Arabic and English.This plan starts with free obligatory teaching courses in all parts of the country.

6)   How powerful is Arabic as a business language?

   If you are strong your language will be strong,and you can impose it,but for now,and to be realistic,using Arabic and English together in business will be a good start.

7)   Why else should expat residents learn Arabic? What other reasons?

   They should be part of the socity at all levels,not business and services only,they have to be coherent in culture,social life,and intimate relationship  ,because people of all cultures are living together with locals and other Arab people,Arabic language might be a great factor to bridge the differences and miscommunications. 

8)   Is Arabic a particularly difficult language to learn?

   No…I have many examples and long experience in this issue and I can assure you that learning Arabic is possible and will be easy with some patience and determination. 

Just call the numbers below if any of them need explanation!

Thanks again,

Becky