November 12, 2010
Most Lebanese speaks French, English and Arabic.
The number of Lebanese young people who do not master the Arabic language is increasing, although born and raised in the countries in the Middle East region.
Teachers welcomed the government’s campaign to save the Arabic in Lebanon, called “You speak from the East and he answered from the West.”
“The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance to maintain the national official language of Lebanon,” said Amal Mansour, spokesman for the Ministry of Culture of Lebanon.
“We are encouraged to learn foreign languages, but did not leave the mother tongue.”
Arabic speaking countries
It’s heartbreaking none of our younger generation who can speak Arabic well. Arabic is the official language of the Lebanese, but the English and French is widely spoken. Most Lebanese speak French – as a French colony and the younger generation switch to using English.
The number of parents who enroll their children in schools that use the curriculum of France, England and America, and hopes one day will help them obtain jobs and an assured future. In fact, some of them speak French and English at their home.
Lebanese language also has the distinction of classical Arabic, the dialect and language.
Classical languages are almost never used in conversation – these are only used in the news, the official speech of its officers, and numerous television programs. Now, many young people of Lebanon should work to improve the ability to read and write in Arabic.
Similar problems occurred in several Arab countries that have more foreign schools – United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt and some North African countries.
Mustapha Safwaan philosopher once wrote that in classical Arabic theoretically no longer in use, such as Latin or ancient Greek.
The campaign is the first language of Lebanon was launched by Arab governments. Ministry of Culture set up a meeting at school to raise awareness among students about the importance of maintaining native languages and encourage them to use it proudly. Mansour, the culture ministry spokesman, said the government hoped to protect the Arabic language in Lebanon will keep the identity and heritage of the country.
Are these initiatives enough to change the habit of communicating with foreign language among the younger generation?
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