Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 10/12/07 Section: Headlines

"The most important goal of this class is to bridge the gap between the American and the Arab world through examination of the (Arabic) language and culture," said Penelope Repko, program
manager of the Division of Extended Programs (DEP).

According to Repko, the language portion of the class will focus on basic Arabic: the alphabet, words, simple greetings and phrases, the numbers 1 through 10 and how to write your name in Arabic. Cultural aspects such as Arabic cuisine, stereotypes, prejudices and the roles of men and women will be included in the second portion and will constitute almost half the class.

DEP began investigating the feasibility of a Beginning Arabic Language and Culture course last year. Continual unrest in the Middle East, including the War in Iraq, makes the Arab world a timely topic.

DEP was looking for a teacher who not only was a native Arab speaker, but was also someone who had lived in the United States for a number of years. "Such a perspective could compare and contrast the cultures for our community in a meaningful way," Repko said. "We believe we have found that person in Azhar al-Sayegh."
Al-Sayegh was born in Mosul, Iraq and later moved to Baghdad where she received her education; eventually moved to the United States, where she married and raised her family.

Repko likened the Beginning Arabic Language and Culture course to DEP's ten-week Beginning Chinese Language and Culture course taught by a Beijing native. Repko cited the success of the Chinese Language and Culture class in predicting the response for the new Arabic Language version."The knowledge gained through both these classes will provide greater understanding of very different civilizations," she said. "We're very excited about bringing this kind of experience to Western Oregon University and
surrounding communities."
The deadline for course registration is Friday, Oct. 12. Students can register with a credit card by calling 503.838.8483
or by filling out a
registration form,
available through DEP's website and mailing the form along with a check.•

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