In today’s globalised world, proficiency in multiple languages is highly valued in fields such as diplomacy, national security, education, medicine, business and more, Julia Sylla writes.
As the new school year is approaching, talking about the reasons and motivations of students for learning languages feels more important than ever.
The recently released Language Trends Survey shows declines in language course enrolments across the UK and declining numbers of students taking the GCSE and A levels in modern foreign languages.
However, the number of students choosing to learn Arabic continues to climb, despite the slow growth of Arabic program offerings in schools. Why is that?
We should be opening doors to understanding
In the UK, as well as in the rest of Europe and the US, students are increasingly excited about learning Arabic, whether as a first/native/heritage language or as a modern global language.
This excitement stems from various motivations: Studying Arabic, along with Mandarin and other less-commonly-taught languages, is attractive to students who know that languages open doors to understanding the people and cultures of those who speak them.
Some students may be fascinated with literature or linguistic structures. Personal growth and self-confidence are also common factors; learning a language requires dedication and perseverance.
Finally, students may learn Arabic to unlock academic or professional opportunities that Arabic language skills provide.
“The more you learn, the more fun it gets,” Imara, a student of Arabic from Washington State in the US told QFI once, “and I think that’s especially true with Arabic. It connects you to such a beautiful culture.”
It’s not just the heritage speakers — on the contrary
Arabic-as-a-first-language speakers in Europe and the UK can sometimes learn it at school, as with mother tongue policies such as in Sweden. Others learn Arabic in weekend or afterschool programs for family or heritage reasons.
Learning Arabic formally in school-based programs allows them to celebrate and preserve their connection to their cultural heritage.