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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Learning Arabic language in Nigerian universities and beyond
Author:Yaqub, Muhammad Olatunde
Year:2012
Periodical:Journal of Oriental and African Studies
Volume:21
Pages:121-137
Language:English
Geographic term:Nigeria
Subjects:Arabic language
language instruction
Abstract:This paper discusses the motivations of Nigerian students for studying Arabic and the way Arabic is being taught in Nigerian universities and other institutions, such as traditional Arabic schools and military schools. It classifies the motivations of students as 'integrative' (i.e., the student has a general desire to become acquainted with the Arabic language, culture and/or people) or 'instrumental' (i.e., the language is considered useful for a specific purpose, such as a job). The author signals a mutual mistrust between Muslims and Christians with regard to the study of Arabic: Christians discourage their children to study the language, and some Muslims regard Christians studying Arabic with suspicion. The author addresses the issue of how Arabic could best be taught in Nigerian universities and other institutions. A main question is whether the teaching of Arabic should focus on religious and classical texts, on modern standard Arabic as used in the news media, or on spoken dialect. The author also discusses resources and methodologies for teaching Arabic and suggests improvements through teacher training, the use of internet (e-learning), and collaboration and coordination (particularly) between schools and universities. Finally, he points out what causes Arabic, and also German and English, to be perceived as 'difficult' languages in Nigeria. Bibliogr., sum. [ASC Leiden abstract]
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