Arabic aspirations
Though the university's pilot course in introductory Arabic is going well, the fate of the program remains uncertain.
CMU should continue offering - and even expand - Arabic courses.
Demand for Arabic speakers is exceptionally high. The U.S. remains intertwined with nations in the Middle East, and the government needs employees who are able to speak the language.
The Department of State, partnered with other organizations, has even created Critical Language Scholarships to send students overseas for intensive study in critical need languages; Arabic is one of them.
By offering Arabic, CMU will provide another avenue through which students can find rewarding and worthwhile jobs.
Students with an understanding of Arabic will be especially appealing to employers, and it will be a valuable asset in a tough economy. Arabic is useful not only for government jobs, but businesses with ties in the Middle East can use Arabic speakers.
The program's fate hinges on student interest. Those involved with the current Arabic course - both students and faculty - should spread the word the best they can.
The language may prove challenging, but students should not be dismayed by that. Its value, both as a tool for cultural understanding and employment, outweighs its challenges.
Supporters of the Arabic program need to make a concerted effort to make students aware of and interested in the courses. An Arabic minor would be a positive step, but starting it will require sufficient student interest.
A spike in interest would provide a signal to administrators that they should continue to fund the courses.
Though the university's resources may be tight, an Arabic program provides too much for students to be cut.
