The Complexities of Learning Arabic in the 21st Century - Softcover

Schmitt

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1433157330 ISBN 13: 9781433157332

Publisher: Peter Lang, 2018

Synopsis

The Complexities of Learning Arabic in the 21st Century examines how of the four levels of difficulty and hundreds of languages spoken worldwide, Arabic is considered a category 4, which means it is among the most difficult languages to learn. While Modern Standard Arabic (Fusha) is most frequently taught, it is the native language of no country or people; however, the many regional dialects (Amiyya), often dismissed by educators, make up the living language of Arabic. Due to its linguistic complexities, educators are divided on how to teach Arabic in domestic language programs in the United States and in study abroad programs in the Arab world. An investigation into programs catering to Americans learning Arabic as a foreign language revealed a heavy emphasis on reading and writing in MSA, but scant attention given to speaking and listening in the real language of the people―dialects. In Complexities of Learning Arabic in the 21st Century, recommendations are made for improving pedagogy and materials so that students can gain genuine communicative competence in Arabic, which means not only understanding MSA, but also speaking and listening in at least one dialect, the language of the people.

About this title

About the Author

Genevieve A. Schmitt earned her Master of Education in instructional leadership and academic curriculum with an emphasis in world languages from the University of Oklahoma. Currently, she is researching social perceptions of Jordanian Arabic dialects after receiving a Fulbright research award.

Edition details

• Publisher: Peter Lang
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1433157330
• ISBN 13: 9781433157332
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 232