The Status of the Arabic Language

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 four delves into Israel's language policies, particularly regarding Arabic, tracing its legal recognition alongside Hebrew and subsequent marginalization. Despite legal mandates, Arabic needs to pay more attention to official communications, public services, and media, exacerbating inequality and exclusion for Arabic speakers. Discriminatory practices perpetuate Arabic's disempowerment, hindering its societal presence and cultural significance. The chapter explores Arabic language instruction in Israeli Jewish schools, focusing on the distinction between teaching Fuṣḥa (Modern Standard Arabic) and Ammiyya (colloquial Arabic). It discusses instructional goals, approaches, and challenges, emphasizing the sociopolitical context's impact and the dominance of a foreign language approach in teaching. The text discusses disparities in Arabic teacher training, highlighting separate tracks for teaching Fuṣḥa and Ammiyya, leading to inadequate language skills among teachers. It examines challenges in language assessment, focusing on standardized tests' impact on teaching methods. Additionally, it critiques the Arabic matriculation exam for its emphasis on grammar over oral skills and insufficient cultural content. The lack of focus on culture limits students' understanding and communication abilities with native speakers, perpetuating the perception of the status of Arabic as a foreign language.

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Citation

Brosh, Hezi. The Status of the Arabic Language. 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=46243. Date accessed: 04 May 2024 doi: 10.1558/equinox.46243. May 2025

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