“Mom, I want to learn a new language, maybe Arabic or Mandarin.”
“Okay Ryann, whatever,” said my mom.
She was all too familiar with my desire to try new things and
it ending in the wrong ways.
She wasn’t a stranger to my attempts to learn a new
language, as I took Spanish in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th,8th,
and 9th grades, but I never really started to learn it until my
friend, Lydia from an earlier post, started speaking it to me on a daily basis.
SO, I waited and waited until new student orientation so I could make my schedule
and pursue my desire to learn a new language.
Of course making a schedule was last thing on the list. So,
at new student orientation, I patiently waited for the second day and the last
activity so I could make my schedule. Finally, after what seemed like forever,
my group was walking to the bottom level of Willard to make our schedule. We
were assigned two to an advisor. (Fun fact: This is where I met Sarah and probably
the reason as to why we have so many class together!)
Once I came back upstairs my mom was anxious to see my schedule
and was surprised to see that I had actually included Arabic. Every day I have
Arabic and learning is a struggle but I have had many opportunities outside of
class to explore the language and culture.
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend an “Arabic
social”.
The first man I spoke to was from the United Arab Emirates.
He explained to me that they own the tallest building in the world. They are
more westernized than many Arab countries, to include having the availability
to night clubs. Family life is kept extremely private. Dubai is one of the most
well-known cities in the Middle East and it is in the UAE. Also, he explained
that the Emirati society is divided into two social groups, the nationals and
the foreign immigrants. Men who are of Emirati decent wear a white robe and
white head cloth with a black rope. Women wear long dresses with a hijab and a
black cloak.
The last person I got to speak to was from Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to her was the most exciting because she understood that I was a new
speaker and went slow with me, therefore, I was able to understand most of what
she was saying! As she offered us coffee and dattes, she explained that her
country was big and beautiful. This is a very popular place for Muslims to
travel to, as Mecca is there and they must visit at least once in their
lifetimes. The citizens wear their different clothing which is traditional and
special to their country. Also, she spoke of the gender roles which included
women not being able to drive and that men and women are not allowed in dark
areas together, therefore, there are few to none movie theatres or things of entertainment
close to that.
Although these countries have their differences they are similar
in the fact that they are all under monarchy, they all speak Arabic (but in
their own different dialects), and are both Muslim countries.
Thank you for reading.
I like this post, it really connected with me and I was surprised that you were aware of the need to make Hajj. great post
ReplyDeleteLOL I remember I tried to sign up for Arabic that day too because my dad wanted me to and you actually took the last spot. But, its giving me the opportunity to go further in my French studies, so thank you. :)
ReplyDeleteomg, I did not know that!!!!!
Delete