How does the Arabic culture participate in the learning of its language?
How important is the Arabic culture to the language proficiency?
Why do I have to learn a different culture?
All these are very good questions that come to one’s mind. Students and parents often ask these questions to understand the importance of learning about the Arabic culture. In fact, learning a language without its culture is just like having the same meal every day; no flavor, no enjoyment, no pleasure and eventually the one will reject eating and rebel. Culture represent the flavor of every day lesson and distinguish the usage of the language, promotes higher thinking skills, connections to the world, knowing other communities and comparison of thoughts. In our Arabic classroom we use culture in everyday lesson, otherwise we teach language through culture.
Our K students learned that most of the world countries uses the Arabic number system which was invented by Indians and Arabs and made connection between Arabic and English numbers in terms of shape and value.
Our 3rd graders have been learning about Eid (holiday) clothing and they have been trying authentic and cultural outfit to enhance the language using authentic materials. Expressing and describing the Arabic clothing while wearing them will support the long life learning goals and promote students’’ retention.
Our 4th and 5th graders are learning an authentic Badawi dance from the famous Arabic novel Antara Bin Shadad. Students are to sing with the song and perform their am authentic dance. History of the Arab world is presented through Arts develop a deep sense of connections and comparison between modern and ancient Arabic and American cultures.
Our 6th and 7th are learning Arabic calligraphy to learn about the different Arabic calligraphy and enhance their handwriting and writing skills in general. Calligraphy allows students to manage their language writing using proper positions for each individual letter and express the Art of Arabic writing throughout the different centuries.
Chicago Arabic teachers created an event to share and exchange our classrooms cultural activities at lindblom Science Academy and our Arabic students will exchange cultural knowledge with other schools on June 8th.