The Vital Role of Arabic in Israel's National Security and Diplomacy

The Reality of Arabic in Israel - Classrooms in Conflict - Hezi Brosh

Hezi Brosh [+-]
U. S. Naval Academy
Professor Brosh is a distinguished scholar in Arabic Language Teaching and Learning, holding a Ph.D. from Tel Aviv University and an M.A. from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. His research primarily focuses on second-language acquisition, particularly in teaching Arabic to non-native speakers, with pioneering studies on the challenges and strategies encountered by Hebrew speakers learning Arabic in Israel. Professor Brosh has played pivotal roles in establishing Arabic language programs at the State Teachers’ College of Education and Seminar Hakibbutzim in Israel, as well as at Bard College in the U.S. Moreover, he served for many years as the coordinator of the Arabic Teacher Training Program at Tel Aviv University and held the position of director of the Arabic Program at the U.S. Naval Academy from 2017 to 2022. In addition to his work in language acquisition, Professor Brosh’s research extends into sociolinguistics, exploring themes such as language and conflict, identity, and contact. He has contributed substantially to language pedagogy, effective teaching methods, curriculum development, and cultural integration in language instruction. As an accomplished author, Professor Brosh has authored numerous Arabic textbooks and scholarly articles, with his work recognized in prestigious journals such as Applied Linguistics, Foreign Language Annals (FLA), and Studies in Second Language Learning and Teaching (SLLT). He actively participates in national and international conferences, symposia, workshops, and professional societies, sharing his expertise with educators and language enthusiasts. Professor Brosh’s ongoing dedication is evident through his affiliation with the Languages and Cultures Department of the U.S. Naval Academy, where he continues to advance the field and empower Arabic language learners worldwide.

Description

Chapter two highlights Israel's national security challenges, including threats from groups like Hezbollah and Hamas and regional instability from conflicts in Syria and Iraq. Proficiency in Arabic is crucial for diplomacy, intelligence, and counter-terrorism efforts, aiding communication and cultural understanding. Despite obstacles, Israel has improved relations with Arab nations, demonstrating the potential of linguistic and cultural bridges for diplomacy. Military Intelligence (MI) actively promotes Arabic language education, allocating resources and establishing units to enhance Arabic learning. Despite challenges, MI's efforts elevate Arabic's status, emphasizing its utility for national security while fostering understanding and dialogue. However, this approach must overcome negative perceptions of Arabic to realize its national security and peacebuilding potential fully.

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Citation

Brosh, Hezi. The Vital Role of Arabic in Israel's National Security and Diplomacy. The Reality of Arabic in Israel - Classrooms in Conflict. Equinox eBooks Publishing, United Kingdom. May 2025. ISBN 9781800505605. https://www.equinoxpub.com/home/view-chapter/?id=46241. Date accessed: 04 May 2024 doi: 10.1558/equinox.46241. May 2025

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