|
Using Arabic in the Home
By Maysoon Zaza
The prophet, Sallallaahu
alayhe wa sallam said, "Whoever pursues a path to seek knowledge therein, Allah
will thereby make easy for him a path to paradise." (Muslim).
The importance of teaching Arabic to our children at an early age cannot be over
emphasized. Arabic is the language in which both the Qur'an and Sunnah are
conveyed to the believers. In addition, one needs to know Arabic in order to
perform salah and make Hajj. Arabic also serves as a medium of communication
between Muslims. Allah, Subhanahu wa ta'ala, through his infinite wisdom has
given children the unique ability to learn second and third languages easier
than adults have. Therefore, it is important for parents to take advantage of
this "critical period" to teach and speak Arabic within the home to their
children.
When referring to native or first language learning, researchers are referring
to children who learn language (s) before the age of three. After the age of
three, the new language is considered to be a second language. Bilingualism
refers to the concept of a child learning two languages through exposure from a
primary caregiver from birth. Usually these follow one of two patterns.
The first pattern is "one-person, one-language" situation where one of the
parents speaks only one language and the other parent another language. The
other pattern is when both parents speak both languages to the child
simultaneously. This leaves the question-which style is better for the child?
Research suggests that the one person-one language style help the child separate
and learn the two languages. This is especially true if Arabic is not the native
language of one of the parents. However, consistency is the key.
Another situation is when neither of the parents are native Arabic speakers. Can
Arabic be used as the primary language in the home and the children speak Arabic
as their first language? According to Umm Sulaiman, the answer is "Yes" Both Umm
Sulaiman and her husband are native English speakers who have never lived
outside of the United States. Yet, their seven children speak only Arabic within
the home. In order to accomplish this impressive goal, Umm Sulaiman has offered
several suggestions for parents.
1. The most important point is to learn Arabic yourself. For Umm Sulaiman, a
commercial course with audio tapes was essential. For others, computer programs
that teach Arabic also accomplish the same goal. The main key is to stay one
step ahead of your children and use your new knowledge constantly in the home.
For example, once Umm Sulaiman knew that one of her children knew a particular
term or word in Arabic, she no longer responded to it in English for that child.
2. Another important aspect of Arabic learning is to immerse your family in
Arabic. Purchase and use videos, computer programs, and children's books in
Arabic. Arrange play dates for your children with other children who speak
Arabic. Play the Qur'an constantly in your home. Umm Sulaiman suggests "drown
them in the sound." Not only is this a very practical suggestion, but language
learning research suggests total immersion as the best method of second language
learning.
3. Teach your child Qur'an simultaneously with Arabic. Children have a unique
ability to memorize Surahs. Umm Sulaiman discovered for her children " the sound
of Tajweed, the ability to know the Makhraj or pronunciation of each sound when
learned correctly will also make the sound of Arabic just flow from their
mouths." Furthermore, memorizing Surahs with your child reinforces this act of
IBADAT throughout your child's life. Allah's messenger, sallallaahu alayhe wa
sallam, said, " If anyone recites the Qur'an, learns by it declares what is
lawful in it to be lawful and what is unlawful in it to be unlawful. Allah will
bring him into paradise and make him the intercessor for ten of his family whom
have deserved Hell." (Tirmithi)
4. Lastly, relax and enjoy Arabic learning. Usually adults have a fear of making
mistakes in second language learning. This can limit one's opportunities to
practice the language and learn new words and phrases. Furthermore. Children may
pick up on this fear of making mistakes and they themselves will start using
their native language in stressful situations. Adopt the motto: " If you are not
making mistakes you are not learning."
Back
|
