What does it mean to share a language ?
There’s a common misconception that people are bad at learning languages, and that languages like Arabic are extremely difficult. This is only true if the curriculum and the methodology used is imposed from above by academics sitting in ivory towers, who have forgotten that it’s actually communication that is at the heart of successful learning. As teachers, we can make people feel things are hard by pushing new language on them, but what about drawing language out of the learners themselves? Sharing a language empowers the learners by acknowledging that even a beginner has something to say. Giving learners a voice can be incredibly motivating and engaging. Our language approach: We focus on the practical use of the Arabic language for today’s world. Through our holistic approach to language learning, we integrate communication skills with cultural elements to expose learners to the rich tradition of Arab language and culture. A key feature of our strategy involves teachers and learners sharing and exchanging their experiences of Arabic with one another. As such, Sharek’s language courses revolve around shared and complementary learning, putting the learner and the way they experience the Arabic language—in and outside the classroom—at the centre of our process. We also place a lot of emphasis on the practical results of learning; conversation is but a starting point in enjoying the language and understanding the diverse culture from which it originates.
