Does Learning Arabic Prevent Moral Decay?
So claims Akhtar H. Emon, president of an outfit called the Arabic Language Institute Foundation (or ALIF, which is the name of the first letter of the Arabic alphabet), based in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. His interesting argument can be found on a webpage from September 2002, “Bringing Arabic to U.S. / Canadian High Schools,” that begins by making the case for Arabic instruction for purely materialistic reasons: The necessity for a greater number of Arabic speakers is obvious, given the amount of trade the United States does with countries in the Middle East and that region’s growing economic importance in world trade. Many big companies have business over there, and all this requires knowledge of Arabic. As Arab nations gain more of a global presence, especially in non-oil related economic areas, knowing Arabic and understanding the Arab culture will be more valuable for American businesses seeking to tap that growing market. Knowledge of Arabic will promote investments here si
