The History of Arabic Teaching and Learning

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 seven offers a historical perspective on Arabic Teaching and Learning (ATL) in Israeli Jewish schools amidst the ongoing conflict. It spans from pre-1948 to the 1980s, portraying the evolving perception of Arabic from practicality and cultural significance to security concerns. Despite efforts to enhance Arabic education, challenges persisted, including teacher shortages and curriculum issues. Political leaders like Yitzhak Navon acknowledged the importance of Arabic for fostering understanding and coexistence, yet faced resistance from Jewish students. Despite policy changes, Arabic education has declined due to sociopolitical biases and the prioritization of other languages. This situation underscores ongoing challenges in ensuring the consistent enforcement and tracking of Arabic instruction across schools, casting doubts on the Ministry of Education's commitment to promoting Arabic education.

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Citation

Brosh, Hezi. The History of Arabic Teaching and Learning. 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=46246. Date accessed: 04 May 2024 doi: 10.1558/equinox.46246. May 2025

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