Brazil Wants to Learn Arabic
Learning the Arabic language is gaining significant momentum in Brazil, where more and more people are keen to know the foreign language millions worldwide speak, and understand the Arab culture that is increasingly popular in the Latin American nation.
“We were surprised when students started to pay visits to our schools asking for Arabic,” Pedro Augusto Medeiros, owner of CLB Language Institute in Brasilia, told.
“After numerous information calls, we decided to look after a teacher.”
Enrolment in Arabic classes across Brazil has been significantly growing in the past few years.
Many language schools like Medeiros’s have raised their interest in offering Arabic classes after an increase in students searching for a place to learn the language, which was rarely available in educational centres previously.
In Sao Paulo, Curitiba, Brasilia and Goiania, numerous schools and centres are offering Arabic language courses.
Teachers are hired among Brazilians born in Arabic countries like Lebanon, Syria and Palestine.
Classes vary from US $200 to $300 per semester but could reach as high as US $700 in some institutes.
“In the first class we opened last summer only 10 students were attending,” asserts Medeiros.
“But today, one year latter, we have four classes with more than 20 students each,” he added.
“I believe that it is enough proves that Arabic language interest is more than expected.”
Business
One main reason spurring many to seek learning Arabic is the recent growing business increase between Brazil and Arab countries.
“Brazil exports tons of meat, sugar, coffee, rice, ores, iron, steel and vehicles every year to Arab countries and each day it becomes more necessary that business experts be aware of this language,” says Gilberto Alencar, specialist in foreign trade and member of the business chamber in Brasilia.
“Those who dominate the language will have more chances.”
Many in Brazil want to learn Arabic as much as other languages key for their businesses as English, Spanish and Chinese.
Alencar says he is a case in point.
“I studied Arabic for three years and although I can speak slowly and write with difficulties, I can say that many doors opened for this reason.”
Julia Oliveira Duarte, 25, also was keen learn Arabic so that to have a push in her carrier.
“There is no doubt that Arabic is getting a large space in the international commerce,” said Duarte, who recently graduated from international trader college.
“Learning the language will open the doors for any professional that wants to run an international carrier.”
Duarte already joined an Arabic class six months ago.
“I’m aware that I need many more months to be able to use the language to gain space professionally, but it is a matter of time.”
Business with Arab countries is increasing and my future chances to get a good job are elevating too.”
Popular Culture
Not only for business. Arabic language is booming thanks to the popularity Arab culture has in Brazil.
“Arab culture has been part of Brazilians’ life for centuries,” said Talita Golveia Brandao, spokesperson for the regional secretary of tourism.
“It is getting a large space in many areas that previously was inexistent.”
Golveia affirms that besides the business topic, Brazilians get excited to know more about the Arabic culture and knowing the language is one way to it.
Everything from Arab food to Arab art is also popular among Brazilians.
“People are keen to understand such language and are happy to pay for it.”
She believes that Brazilians and Arabs are close in their nature, and this is one reason for the tendency of learning Arabic.
“We see some violence in some Arab countries, but it has nothing to do with their real personality that is very close to ours: friendly and receptive; qualities that help in the increase of interest in Arabic language,” she added.
The majority of Muslims in Brazil, estimated at around one and a half million, are descendants of Syrian, Palestinians and Lebanese immigrants who settled in Brazil in the nineteenth century during the World War I and in the 1970s.
Bianca Vieira da Silva, 28, has her very special reason for learning Arabic.
She is to get married to a Lebanese living in Brazil and will go to live with him in Beirut.
“I joined Arabic classes hoping that when I get there I can communicate with his family and have an easier life.
“I love the Arab culture and it has been a pleasure to learn the language. Maybe one day I will dominate the language, but until then, I will be glad to play with my friends with the new sentences I learnt.”
Sarah Khan
Pakistan Daily