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Arabic courses grow in popularity among U.S. colleges
Jenna Gibson
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: News
While courses in Spanish, French and German are still the most popular foreign language courses among college students, a new study shows languages that aren't as common are gaining popularity.
A recent study from the Modern Language Association of America found Arabic has entered into the top 10 languages taught in post-secondary institutions for the first time in history.
In 2006, 23,974 students in the United States enrolled in Arabic language courses, a 127 percent jump since 2002.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha now offers an Arabic language program and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers two Arabic courses.
Thomas Gouttierre, the dean of international studies and the director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at UNO, said the university had wanted to offer Arabic and other non-traditional languages for a while.
This fall, funding from the Fulbright Program allowed UNO to start offering Arabic courses.
"It proved to be as popular as we thought it might be," Gouttierre said.
Gouttierre welcomed the findings of the language association's study.
"I think it's a healthy thing and I hope it continues to be reflective of reality in Nebraska as well," he said.
Gouttierre said he hopes UNO can fund the courses next year.
UNL's Department of Classics and Religious Studies has offered two Arabic courses since 2005 - UNL does not offer a full Arabic program because of a lack of resources.
Simon Wood, an assistant professor of classics and religious studies, teaches first and second semester Arabic at UNL.
The Department of Modern Languages and the classics and religious studies department have filed a proposal that would change classes from religious studies to official Arabic courses.
"There's a lot of interest in topics relating to the Middle East, including Arabic, and so we feel it's important to offer as much Arabic as we can," Wood said.
"We're conscious that other institutions are offering Arabic or increasing their courses in Arabic, and we want Nebraska to be competitive," he said.
A recent study from the Modern Language Association of America found Arabic has entered into the top 10 languages taught in post-secondary institutions for the first time in history.
In 2006, 23,974 students in the United States enrolled in Arabic language courses, a 127 percent jump since 2002.
The University of Nebraska at Omaha now offers an Arabic language program and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers two Arabic courses.
Thomas Gouttierre, the dean of international studies and the director of the Center for Afghanistan Studies at UNO, said the university had wanted to offer Arabic and other non-traditional languages for a while.
This fall, funding from the Fulbright Program allowed UNO to start offering Arabic courses.
"It proved to be as popular as we thought it might be," Gouttierre said.
Gouttierre welcomed the findings of the language association's study.
"I think it's a healthy thing and I hope it continues to be reflective of reality in Nebraska as well," he said.
Gouttierre said he hopes UNO can fund the courses next year.
UNL's Department of Classics and Religious Studies has offered two Arabic courses since 2005 - UNL does not offer a full Arabic program because of a lack of resources.
Simon Wood, an assistant professor of classics and religious studies, teaches first and second semester Arabic at UNL.
The Department of Modern Languages and the classics and religious studies department have filed a proposal that would change classes from religious studies to official Arabic courses.
"There's a lot of interest in topics relating to the Middle East, including Arabic, and so we feel it's important to offer as much Arabic as we can," Wood said.
"We're conscious that other institutions are offering Arabic or increasing their courses in Arabic, and we want Nebraska to be competitive," he said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Jason B.
posted 11/30/07 @ 12:16 AM CST
I am very proud that UNL is bringing Arabic language to the students here. I have been a student of Dr. Wood in the past and I commend him as a wonderful teacher. (Continued…)
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