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USING ARABIC IN THE HOME
The Prophet,
sallallaahu alayhe wasallam 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 helps 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 has 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."
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