Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has emphasized the state's interest in the Arabic language and its teaching in schools across the country. He stressed the importance of preserving linguistic identity and promoting reading. In line with these directives, there is a growing need to develop Arabic language curricula and enhance the role of relevant institutions, particularly the Arabic Language Academy.
Majda Bakri, deputy chair of the Education Committee in the Egyptian House of Representatives, stated that teaching Arabic requires a significant transformation from mere recitation to interactive learning and from memorization to production. She noted that the success of this endeavor depends on trained teachers, flexible curricula, and a stimulating educational environment that leverages technology without compromising the language's essence and identity.
Bakri highlighted several proposals related to the Education Committee's role in supporting the Arabic language. These include drafting a law to protect the language, monitoring the outcomes of the National Program for Developing Arabic Language Skills, which targets 490,000 students in 10 governorates, and reviewing teacher training programs and teaching methods.
The parliamentarian emphasized that there are clear calls for a comprehensive national strategy to promote the Arabic language. However, no formal tripartite mechanism currently exists between the Ministries of Education and the Arabic Language Academy. Instead, current programs are led by the Ministry of Education in cooperation with UNICEF, not the Academy.
Bakri revealed that the Education Committee and several representatives are interested in developing the Arabic Language Academy. They aim to introduce a draft law to amend the current Academy law, making it compatible with contemporary requirements and regaining its historical value and leadership as the first and most significant academy in the Arab region.
According to Bakri, meetings have begun with Academy officials and experts to produce a mutually agreeable draft law. She requested that the Academy play an active role in developing curricula and teaching methods for Arabic, making it appealing to students. The Academy's president confirmed that relevant studies are available and that he is prepared to collaborate with the Ministry.
The initiative aims to bolster the Arabic language's presence in Egyptian education, aligning with President el-Sisi's vision for enhancing linguistic identity and educational standards. Key stakeholders, including the Education Committee and the Arabic Language Academy, are working together to achieve this goal through legislative and institutional reforms.
Key points
- Egyptian parliamentarians urge a comprehensive strategy for the Arabic language.
- The goal is to improve Arabic language teaching in schools nationwide.
- A draft law may be introduced to amend the Arabic Language Academy's current law.
