Arabic in the Malay World

Interview with Dr. Wan Rosli bin Wan Ahmad: Exploring the Horizons of Learning Arabic in Malaysia

Introduction to the Guest: Dr. Wan Rosli bin Wan Ahmad is an assistant professor and expert in Arabic and its teaching methods at the International Islamic University of Malaysia. He serves as the Vice President of the Islamic Literary Association - Malaysia Office. Dr. Wan has numerous publications and innovative research aimed at facilitating Arabic learning for non-native speakers. He is well-known for his creativity in developing innovative teaching techniques. For more about Dr. Wan, please visit this link: Wan Rosli.

Host: Dr. Wan, to begin with, how do you see the state of Arabic in Malaysia?

Dr. Wan: Arabic in Malaysia enjoys significant attention, both from the government and non-governmental institutions. It is taught in religious schools and Islamic schools, and there are institutions specifically established to teach it as a second language. However, Arabic is still considered a foreign language here and has not yet reached the level of English in terms of daily usage.

Host: What are the main challenges facing Arabic education in Malaysia?

Dr. Wan: One of the main challenges is that Arabic is often taught in an academic framework within classrooms and not used practically in daily life. Additionally, there is a lack of teacher training and qualification in modern teaching methods. Moreover, the duality between Classical and Colloquial Arabic presents a significant challenge. There is also considerable confusion between religious education and Arabic education, as many teachers believe that those who can teach religious knowledge can also teach Arabic.

Host: How can these challenges be overcome?

Dr. Wan: We need to bring Arabic out of the classroom and into the community. This can be achieved by using the language in media such as radio and television, as well as through interactive activities like plays that help students speak fluently. Additionally, we must focus on training teachers and equipping them with modern teaching techniques.

Host: What has your personal experience been in learning Arabic?

Dr. Wan: My journey in learning Arabic began at an early age when I would read the Quran and wanted to understand its meanings. I attended religious schools and then the International Islamic University of Malaysia, where I met professors from various Arab countries. I always sought opportunities to communicate with Arabic speakers and created a personal learning environment by practicing the language in daily life.

Host: Do you have innovative methods you suggest for learning Arabic?

Dr. Wan: Yes, one of the most effective methods I’ve tried is using Arabic plays. By acting out plays, students learn reading, listening, writing, and speaking in an enjoyable context. I also believe that imitation and mimicry through watching educational videos or real-life conversations significantly enhance language skills.

Host: How do you view the role of Arabic poetry in promoting Arabic learning?

Dr. Wan: Arabic poetry is a vital part of Arabic culture and significantly enhances language skills. Personally, I am deeply passionate about Arabic poetry and consider it a powerful tool for understanding the beauty of the language and artistic expression. I often sought out poetry that addressed religious and social themes to improve my understanding of the language and expand my vocabulary.

Host: What impact has this passion for poetry had on your personal experience?

Dr. Wan: Arabic poetry has made me more connected to the language. I would search for poetry collections and try to memorize verses. This greatly improved my ability to express myself and write. I believe integrating poetry into language curricula can have a significant positive impact on learners.

Host: How can educational institutions support the spread of Arabic?

Dr. Wan: Institutions can play a significant role by developing comprehensive curricula that focus on communication skills, not just grammar. They can also organize interactive activities such as competitions, speeches, and plays that encourage students to use the language naturally. Additionally, poetry can be used as part of creative activities to inspire students.

Host: Finally, what message would you like to convey to the Malaysian community about the importance of learning Arabic?

Dr. Wan: Arabic is not just a religious language; it is rich in culture and knowledge. Learning it grants individuals a special status in the community and contributes to strengthening Islamic identity. I encourage everyone to learn and promote it by all possible means.

Host: Thank you very much, Dr. Wan, for this enriching discussion.

Dr. Wan: Thank you and the Faseelah platform for this opportunity. May Allah grant everyone success.

With the above recommendations, Arabic learning can be enhanced and its transmission to future generations ensured.

To watch the full interview on YouTube, visit our channel at this link: https://youtu.be/EwXHPcTlVAA