I am an arts -lover and passionate debater still navigating my way through Dartmouth. I have also been, slowly but surely, adjusting to Hanover’s weather from Saudi’s constant heat (and learning the importance of layers and insulation). I draw editorial cartoons for The Dartmouth, our college newspaper, and am interested in everything and anything related to foreign affairs! This time of the year, you will likely find me gazing at the snow outside a window in Baker-Berry Library.
The incredible Professor Fishere's engaging teaching style made my initiation into the realm of politics unforgettable. The class gave us an overview of the Middle East's history and how it shapes (and explains) the region's current pressing political issues as well as how they are (or aren't) tackled.
Professor Lind is an amazing lecturer - I even took her to lunch at Pine! She is specialized in East Asia, so it was very fun to discuss how US relations with China and North Korea were developing from day to day.
Middle Eastern Studies Dept.: Arabic in a Changing World
As a student from the Middle East, I would have never imagined that I would go to the States to learn more about the politics and culture of my own region… Yet, ever since my first term at Dartmouth, I have already (1) taken a course in Middle Eastern Politics, (2) considered minoring in Middle Eastern Studies (MES), and (3) attended almost all of the MES department’s events (check out: “We Meet A-List Directors… for Class!”).
Despite it being a relatively small department, the MES department at Dartmouth has been very active, holding various events in which they invite renown authors, artists and scholars to hold panel discussions and give lectures at Dartmouth.
This past week, the MES department has especially shed light on the theme of “Arabic in a Changing World,” introduced by Mahmoud al-Batal,
Professor and Director of Arabic at the American University of Beirut and co-author of Al-Kitab and Alif Baa Arabic book series used in Dartmouth Arabic classes. In his lecture, we explored how different languages’ popularity fluctuates in light of major events relevant to the people or culture of that language. Specifically, since the Arab World is prominent in the news, the Arabic language has in turn risen in popularity. However, the dilemma he emphasizes is that Arabic teaching, in most parts of the world, is still very much archaic and strict, despite the effects of modernity on the language - making it somewhat inaccessible to foreign learners.
Another topic we discussed is the question of dialects. There are two main forms of Arabic: Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) - used formally and in writing - and the ‘colloquial’ dialects since Arabic is spoken differently in different Arab countries. The dialect, I personally speak in is Hijazi (of the Western Saudi Arabian region). As a drill instructor myself (click here to see my blog about ‘drill’), I have often wondered how students would apply Arabic in conversations and day-to-day use, so being able to discuss that with an expert in Arabic language teaching was absolutely informative. Prof. Al-Batal simply suggested: “Teach them your dialect!”
(left to right) Prof. Alaa Al Aswany, Prof. Ezzedine Fishere, Prof. Jamila Chahboun, Prof. Mahmoud Al-Batal, and Prof. Kristen Brustad
Of course, this multi-faceted, complex issue could not be explored in one session alone. The MES department held another event: a panel discussion with guest speakers Mahmoud al-Batal and Kristen Brustad, Prof. Al-Aswani, Prof. Fishere, and Prof. Chahboun. Each presented their opinion on the matter, after which the attendees - both students and professors from other departments - joined in on the debate.
The chair of the MES department, Prof. Tarek El-Ariss, reassured me that they have more events in store, and I am beyond joyful to hear that. Some of the MES department’s professors are authors of amazing Arabic literature that I studied in my IB coursework in high school! So, by being able to have meaningful conversations (and even grab meals) with them, trust me when I say that you will find yourself having ‘pinch-me’ moments every now and then!
Have you ever heard of 'drill'? John A. Rassias, a former professor at Dartmouth, developed an innovative language learning strategy known as the Rassias Method (or the Dartmouth Intensive Language Model) that we use in these drill classes.
Despite being a little apprehensive about group work prior to college, my time at Dartmouth has helped me realize just how much I have grown to love working with my peers on large, term-long projects.
As an international student, I really appreciate the opportunity to expand my academic horizons beyond the United States. Right now, I’m thinking of applying to Government programs in DC and London.
