http://www.altalang.com/beyond-words/2009/08/12/language-in-the-arab-world-more-thoughts-on-arab-literacy-and-translation/ Beyond Words explores our experiences with language, culture, and the world through our day-to-day interactions. Fri, 12 Mar 2010 02:20:56 +0000 hourly 1 http://www.altalang.com/beyond-words/2009/08/12/language-in-the-arab-world-more-thoughts-on-arab-literacy-and-translation/comment-page-1/#comment-885 Tamas Lorincz Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:31:08 +0000 http://www.altalang.com/beyond-words/?p=3246#comment-885 Fantastic article, Thanks Jes. Although I have worked and taught in the Middle East for over 5 years, I would not have been able to write such a brilliant, objective, engaging article on the state of education. On comment I have is that it's very difficult to suss out the real value behind well-publicised token gestures for education. The rich desert states are used to immediate results and success, they find it difficult to accept that education is a long-term commitment that needs to be followed through. There are false starts in educational reform every 2-3 years. Great projects start, get all the publicity and support until someone decides (based on dubious data) that it's not successful, the project gets scrapped and another project is started. It's all motivated by the best intentions, I'm sure, but that's not enough. What I am disappointed about is that I was hoping that the rich Gulf states will use their educational success to help their less fortunate Arab brethren by providing them with good education in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, North Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan you name it. We'll have to wait for that.... Thanks again for the great read. Fantastic article,
Thanks Jes.
Although I have worked and taught in the Middle East for over 5 years, I would not have been able to write such a brilliant, objective, engaging article on the state of education.
On comment I have is that it’s very difficult to suss out the real value behind well-publicised token gestures for education.
The rich desert states are used to immediate results and success, they find it difficult to accept that education is a long-term commitment that needs to be followed through. There are false starts in educational reform every 2-3 years. Great projects start, get all the publicity and support until someone decides (based on dubious data) that it’s not successful, the project gets scrapped and another project is started.
It’s all motivated by the best intentions, I’m sure, but that’s not enough.
What I am disappointed about is that I was hoping that the rich Gulf states will use their educational success to help their less fortunate Arab brethren by providing them with good education in Palestine, Syria, Lebanon, North Africa, Pakistan, Afghanistan you name it. We’ll have to wait for that….
Thanks again for the great read.

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