The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a culturally rich country, with a population from diverse backgrounds, comprising of Arab, Asian, and African communities. As the UAE continues to grow and diversify, the need to learn languages has become more urgent, reflecting the growing importance of acquiring skills in communicating with people from different cultures and backgrounds. Therefore, to prepare students to communicate with the diverse sections of society, teaching the language of the United Arab Emirates to students has become a necessity.
Teaching the language of the United Arab Emirates to students can positively impact their lives in many ways. First and foremost, it promotes intercultural communication between people residing in the country. The official language of the UAE is Arabic, and learning Arabic can provide students with an insight into the country’s culture, creating greater empathy and understanding. Moreover, students can develop better communication skills, and it can open up opportunities for future careers in various fields, such as diplomacy, translation, interpretation, and tourism.
Another significant benefit of learning U.A.E’s language is that it provides a sense of social inclusion, particularly for children who come from migrant families. Children who do not speak the national language may feel isolated at school and struggle to make friends, making it crucial to provide them with opportunities to learn the country’s official language. By doing so, they can overcome language barriers and positively contribute to their school community.
To teach students the United Arab Emirates language, educators should use a blend of modern teaching methods and traditional teaching techniques. For example, using interactive whiteboards, videos, and audio resources can help students develop their language skills actively. Additionally, engaging students in role-play activities, group discussions, and debates can help them build their confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding the UAE language.
Moreover, integrating the learning of UAE culture through language teaching can make learning more fun and engaging for students. As such, cultural dimensions of the Arab customs, celebrations, traditions, and art can be integrated into the UAE language curriculum.
