We find ourselves in a generational struggle with radical Islam, yet don’t really know our enemy. Part of the problem is a shortage of Arabic speakers and Islamic experts.
The government has recognized the problem and designated Arabic a “strategic language.” Funding has been increased for relevant international programs, but so huge an educational deficit isn’t redressed overnight. Last year, of 291,000 books published in this country, just 49 were translated from Arabic. As of 2000, only .5 percent of all language instruction in the United States was in Arabic.
The Modern Language Association says 10,000 college students took some Arabic in 2002, but a shortage of qualified teachers prevents rapid expansion. In K-12, only 37 schools in 12 states have been identified teaching Arabic and 21 of those are Muslim religious schools.
When asked, the Department of Public Instruction could point to none offering Arabic in North Carolina. Duke offers an Asian and African language and literature major. A major is newly available at Chapel Hill and minors at N.C. State and UNC-Charlotte. To its credit, Coastal Carolina Community College responded to a need and has given 1,500 Marine and Navy personnel a fast introduction to the language.
Obviously, more needs to be done and an opportunity presents itself. Federal funds are available; jobs await. Unfortunately, the aforementioned lack of teachers is an issue and Arabic is notoriously difficult for English-speakers, so hordes of students may not line up for instruction.
Still, just as the Cold War opened doors to speakers of Russian, so the continuing conflict with radical Islam will make the ability to speak Arabic valuable for the foreseeable future. North Carolina schools should do more to rise to the challenge.