Arabic

Rationale and Aims

Rationale

Communication is a human imperative. Communication in Arabic involves interaction to convey meaning, as well as imagination, creativity and a broad understanding of ourselves and others. Language learning provides the opportunity for students to engage with the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world and its peoples, and to reflect on their experience in various aspects of social life, including their own participation and ways of being in the world.

Learning Arabic broadens students’ horizons in relation to the personal, social, cultural and employment opportunities that an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world can offer. The interdependence of countries and communities means people in all spheres of life are required to negotiate experiences and meanings across languages and cultures. A capability solely in English, despite its status as a world language, can limit global opportunities. A bilingual or plurilingual capability is the norm in many parts of the world.

Learning Arabic develops learners’:

• communication skills
• literacy skills in their first and additional languages
• intercultural capabilities
• understanding of, and respect for, diversity and difference, and openness to different experiences and perspectives
• understanding and appreciation of how culture shapes worldviews, and extends their understanding of themselves, and their own heritage, values, culture and identity
• critical and creative thinking.

Modern Standard Arabic is an official language common to countries in the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf States, where it is the language of media and official events. Modern Standard Arabic is one of the 6 official languages of the United Nations and its agencies, such as UNESCO and the World Health Organization. It is also the language of the Arab world, and is used in religious texts across the Islamic world.

Arabic comprises a number of dialects that reflect the cultural diversity of Arabic-speaking countries, regions and communities. Colloquial Arabic varies according to geographical location.

Arabic speakers have made a significant contribution in shaping multicultural Australia. Arabic has been taught in some Victorian schools since the 1970s and tertiary institutions since the 1980s. The influence of Arabic-speaking communities is evident in areas such as commerce, cuisine, education, industry, journalism, music and religion.

The Arabic language has evolved and flourished over time, as evidenced by its abundant literature. The Arabic-speaking world has a rich cultural heritage and history. It has influenced architecture, calligraphy, literature, mathematics and science, and it continues to have global economic, cultural and political significance. Learning Arabic provides opportunities for students to engage socially, culturally and economically in many domains, such as business, trade, technology, science, law, education, tourism, diplomacy, international relations, health and communications.

Aims

The 4 interrelated aims of the Arabic curriculum are to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to ensure students:

• communicate in Arabic
• understand the relationship between language and culture
• develop intercultural capabilities
• understand themselves as communicators.