Gallagher, K. 2011. Bilingual education in the UAE: Factors, variables and critical questions. Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, 4(1), 62-79. doi:10.1108/17537981111111274
Gallagher states the purpose of this study was to analyze the reasons behind and benefits of implementing mandatory bilingual education in all Abu Dhabi public schools, which began during the 2010-2011 school year. The author contends that English is not unfamiliar to the region due to its historical relationship with the United Kingdom, as well as current political and economic relationships with English speaking nations and popular culture. English is also the primary language of tertiary education in the UAE. However, Arabic is the …show more content…
Gallagher notes that Emirati children are already hampered with learning three registers of Arabic, which already impacts levels of learning. The addition of English, which is linguistically dissimilar, can lead to difficulty attaining bilingual status. This program is required for all students attending state schools in Abu Dhabi to begin bilingual instruction (mathematics and science instruction in English and Arabic and history instruction in Arabic) in kindergarten. It is problematic for families who do not have English speakers to support students at home, and full immersion is not possible when English is only used at school. However, Gallagher offers research to support the probable success of the program along with the preservation of Arabic. Research also shows that students in bilingual immersion programs develop at the same rate as unilingual peers, they benefit linguistically and cognitively, and are exposed to diverse perspectives and are generally more tolerant. The author concludes that bilingual education is a natural progression toward a complex, modern …show more content…
As previously stated, the majority of tertiary educational instruction in the UAE is conducted in English. Gallagher asserted that the majority of students leave the system non-proficient in English, which makes them unprepared to succeed in post-secondary education taught in English. Gallagher cites a study that revealed one-third of the tertiary budget is spent on teaching students English so that they can successfully complete their program. While early immersion in the English language may be beneficial for students, especially once they reach college, the mandatory aspects of the program raise several questions. Some could be concerned about domination of the English language and Western culture, even thought it is a reform instituted by the Abu Dhabi Education Council. These students arguably will be better prepared for post-secondary education and more competitive in the job market. However, what impact will this have on the culture?
Hilal, K. T., & Denman, B. D. 2013. Education as a tool for peace? The King Abdullah Scholarship Program and Perceptions of Saudi Arabia and UAE post 9/11. Higher Education Studies, 3(2), 24-40.
Gallagher states the purpose of this study was to analyze the reasons behind and benefits of implementing mandatory bilingual education in all Abu Dhabi public schools, which began during the 2010-2011 school year. The author contends that English is not unfamiliar to the region due to its historical relationship with the United Kingdom, as well as current political and economic relationships with English speaking nations and popular culture. English is also the primary language of tertiary education in the UAE. However, Arabic is the …show more content…
Gallagher notes that Emirati children are already hampered with learning three registers of Arabic, which already impacts levels of learning. The addition of English, which is linguistically dissimilar, can lead to difficulty attaining bilingual status. This program is required for all students attending state schools in Abu Dhabi to begin bilingual instruction (mathematics and science instruction in English and Arabic and history instruction in Arabic) in kindergarten. It is problematic for families who do not have English speakers to support students at home, and full immersion is not possible when English is only used at school. However, Gallagher offers research to support the probable success of the program along with the preservation of Arabic. Research also shows that students in bilingual immersion programs develop at the same rate as unilingual peers, they benefit linguistically and cognitively, and are exposed to diverse perspectives and are generally more tolerant. The author concludes that bilingual education is a natural progression toward a complex, modern …show more content…
As previously stated, the majority of tertiary educational instruction in the UAE is conducted in English. Gallagher asserted that the majority of students leave the system non-proficient in English, which makes them unprepared to succeed in post-secondary education taught in English. Gallagher cites a study that revealed one-third of the tertiary budget is spent on teaching students English so that they can successfully complete their program. While early immersion in the English language may be beneficial for students, especially once they reach college, the mandatory aspects of the program raise several questions. Some could be concerned about domination of the English language and Western culture, even thought it is a reform instituted by the Abu Dhabi Education Council. These students arguably will be better prepared for post-secondary education and more competitive in the job market. However, what impact will this have on the culture?
Hilal, K. T., & Denman, B. D. 2013. Education as a tool for peace? The King Abdullah Scholarship Program and Perceptions of Saudi Arabia and UAE post 9/11. Higher Education Studies, 3(2), 24-40.