UAE | Education
Schools 'are to blame'
UAE-based sociologist Dr Rima Sabban says a large number of Arabs and Emiratis are unable to write, read and speak Arabic.
- Staff Report
- Published: 23:54 March 20, 2008
- Image Credit: Supplied Picture
- Dr Sabban
Dubai: UAE-based sociologist Dr Rima Sabban says a large number of Arabs and Emiratis are unable to write, read and speak Arabic.
"This generation is the result of the school system, mostly students of private schools who did not pay much attention to Arabic," she said.
Dr Sabban said a shortage of public schools has forced many Emiratis and residents to send their children for a private education.
Bilingual
Dr Sabban said: "The 'profit-driven' schools have failed to develop a bilingual curriculum. They have instead focused on the needs of the market, largely made up of expatriates who see English as the most important language.
"The problem is growing faster than the Ministry of Education [can handle]. The market is becoming the driving force of education and it is driving the country into losing its language and possibly its identity."
Latest news
- Sharjah boy tops Indian board's class 12 exams
- Dubai number plates auction raises Dh27m
- Youngsters dance and raise cash for charity
- Dubai departments upgrade services
- Get yourself a free test for diabetes
- Ensuring a safety net for intellectual property
- Reader's issue addressed
- 5,552 illegals held in Dubai this year
- Man cleared because he took drugs in France
- Man charged with trafficking women
- Auditors to probe Mizin graft case
- Breaking down cultural barriers with photographs
- Abu Dhabi Crown Prince visits Islamic centre
- Smart e-Gate system launched
- Cyber infidelity creeping out of virtual domain
Community Reports
-
Mirror, mirror show me the way
Driver on Salam Street had so many boxes and fruits piled into car, he would not be able to view rear or right side mirrors
-
Parents should be more vigilant
Reader's picture highlights risk of negligence by caretakers
-
Warming up to ‘Mobilise the Earth' theme
Dubai school dedicates a whole week to celebrating Earth Day with can-collection drives, sapling plantation and painting competition among others
-
Drivers using mobiles put others' lives at risk
Speeding is dangerous for the driver and other motorists
