The Integrated Approach to Arabic Instruction

Book excerpt: Leading teacher of Arabic, Munther Younes, explores the realities of teaching Arabic as a foreign language (AFL) and outlines his groundbreaking approach to instruction, tried and tested over many years at Cornell University. The Integrated Approach to Arabic Instruction introduces teachers to the features of an integrated Arabic program—one that simultaneously teaches the two varieties of the language, Modern Standard Written Arabic, fuṣḥā, and the dialect, āmmiyya, in a way that reflects the authentic practice of native Arabic speakers. This pedagogy, Younes argues, is the most logical, effective and economical method of instruction as it prepares students fully for the realities of the Arabic diglossic situation. Younes takes teachers through the following ground: Consideration of the current Arabic sociolinguistic situation and key debates in the field Outline of changing student goals and the needs of the modern AFL learner Overview of the Integrated Approach covering its rationale, features, implementation methods and usage of instructional materials in the classroom Response to objections to the Integrated Approach, outlining its advantages over alternative practices and clarifying crucial issues in practice The Integrated Approach to Arabic Instruction addresses a pressing issue deeply relevant to the world of Arabic language instruction, placed in the practical context of shifting attitudes among students and educators. It will be an essential resource for all teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.