Shabait

Asmara, 9 April 2010 - A national workshop on Arabic language education in Eritrean schools opened today at Hotel Asmara Palace in the presence of Ministers, PFDJ heads, Army commanders, religious leaders and invited guests.  The workshop organized by the Education Ministry is being held under the theme: “Language: Asset of Centuries, Medium of Communication.”

In an opening speech, the Minister of Education, Mr. Semere Russom, pointed out that the Eritrean government’s policy rests on ensuring equal development and status of all the nationality languages and reflecting the existing linguistic pluralism in the country and the cherished national objectives. Besides, it is anchored on reinforcing national unity, identity and preserving as well as bequeathing cultural heritage on the one hand, and introducing and developing scientific cultural values in the Eritrean society on the other, he elaborated.  

Noting that Arabic is one of the 9 nationality languages in the country, Mr. Semere underscored that it is of vital significance as the Arabic language had deeply rooted historical, socio-cultural, economic and political role and influence at the national, regional and global level. As such, the task of strengthening Arabic language education in the Eritrean schools is both timely and strategic, the Minister added.

The coordinating committee on it part expressed appreciation to all those that made due contribution for the success of the workshop. It further indicated that more than 11 study papers would be presented by a number of intellectuals and experts.

Reports indicated that the national workshop being held in line with the strenuous endeavors being exerted to develop student-centered teaching-learning process would devise means and strategies that will enable learners to master the Arabic language and upgrade their competence to the desired level.

It further outlined that the objectives of the workshop focus on conducting situational analysis of Arabic language teaching and learning in the Eritrean schools, identifying the main problems hindering effective teaching-learning process and exploring the best practices of sound pedagogic approaches regarding second language teaching, particularly the Arabic language, in addition to  adopting recommendations regarding the introduction of strategies for effective teaching and learning of the Arabic language.

A number of study papers being presented by experts and intellectuals focus on the historical background of the Arabic language in Eritrea, teaching-learning process of the same  language in the Eritrean schools, the experience of some countries that teach Arabic as a second language, challenges of teacher requirements and possible solution, experience of the Asmara Teacher Training Institute as regards Arabic program, the role of the Arabic language in the daily life of Eritrean society, the role of the mass media in the promotion of Arabic language teaching and learning, the importance of the Arabic language as a means of communication in the region and the like.

Over 250 intellectuals and experts are participating in the national workshop that would continue until April 10.