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| info@alefb.org | +1 301 9194481 | www.alefb.org | |
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As the year 2015 comes to an end, we are looking forward to starting the year 2016 with innovative projects and renewed confidence about our 20-year long commitment to the Arabic language and culture for children. Mayssoun Olabi, a parent from our Washington D.C. location, acknowledges the difficult times we are going through, and reminds us of the importance of keeping our language alive, as the vehicle that defines our cultural identity.
عام جديد يقف على الأبواب، تاركا وراءه عام ملئ بالتطورات والأحداث. عام شهد هجرة أعداد كبيرة من العرب إلى الغرب، إما لظروف سياسية أو اجتماعية أو مالية.. ومع زيادة هذه الهجرة عاد السؤال الأزلي المقلق للمهاجرين يظهر على السطح: كيف نتواصل مع جذورنا وهويتنا الثقافية؟ ولعل هذا السؤال يكون أكثر إلحاحا عندما يتعلق الأمر بأطفالنا الذين أبصر كثير منهم النور في المهجر.. ولا شك أن اللغة هي الوسيلة المثلى لربط الناس بجذورها وأصولها الثقافية.. واللغة العربية بالإضافة إلى غناها اللغوي والبلاغي هي منبع ثقافة وعلوم استهل منه الغرب قرونا طويلة عندما كان العرب في أوجهم الحضاري.. وتعليم أطفالنا تلك اللغة يتيح أمامهم فرصة التعرف على ذلك التراث الغني من مصادره الأصلية.. ولعل العام المقبل يكون فرصة لتجديد العهد مع اللغة العربية وتعليمها لأطفالنا عبر أساليب جديدة مبتكرة تساعدنا على تجاوز صعوبات تعلمها.. وبذلك نهدي أطفالنا هدية تبقى معهم طوال العمر وتشعرهم بالتميز والفخر والاعتزاز وكل عام وانتم بخير ! Mayssoun Olabi - Alefb parent, journalist, producer and interpreter.
REGISTER NOW: JOB OPPORTUNITIES: REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC:
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas? Visit our Facebook page to access more inspiration and online educational games here.
GIFT IDEAS: Natakallam: This holiday give the gift of Arabic Conversation. Natakallam pairs Arabic natives from the Middle East with students learning Arabic for conversation-focused classes over the internet.This platform caters to a specific need within the Arabic learning community interested in the spoken Levantine dialect. Lamsa: Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of games, e-books and videos to enhance your children's Arabic skills through this online platform specializing in Arabic edutainment for Arabic speakers and learners. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES: QFI: Watch this video to learn more about why other children are excited to learn Arabic. Madar El Huruf: Check out this free mobile app with your children to explore the secrets of the Arabic alphabet. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, and help them type it in Arabic. CULTURAL AND COMMUNITY RESOURCES: Share our Arabic culture with your children. Here are some ideas and events coming your way: New York: Washington DC: Paris: STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
Randy was born to Lebanese parents in Washington D.C. Despite understanding the language, and although Arabic was primarily spoken in his household, Randy, like most heritage kids, preferred to answer in English. His parents traveled to Lebanon with him and his sister almost every summer. While Randy and Nadine would come back to the United States excited to continue practicing their parents' native language, a couple of months attending a public American school was enough to re-immerse them in this new environment, in which it was easier to forget about Arabic. Until one day, they discovered Alefb! When Randy first enrolled in Alefb, he did not know how to write his name in Arabic. Merely three years later, he started studying for the International Baccalaureate at Jeb Stuart High School, with Arabic as his first language! His teacher was afraid he would not be able to succeed: she thought that Arabic was too difficult, and she did not want to risk a failure for the school. With Alefb's help, and with the support of his parents at home, Randy is now on the path to success: he writes IB level essays, speaks, and presents with total confidence. He will be one of the first students to obtain an International Baccalaureate with Arabic as a primary language in Fairfax County. More than that, Randy has founded an Arabic Club at his school, in which he is joined by fifteen other students from different nationalities interested in the Arabic language and culture. Today, Nadine is following in his footsteps, as well as are many students who are eager to embrace the Arabic language and culture. Indeed, Randy, Nadine, and all of their peers in the Arabic club have an unusual superpower: they can all speak Arabic! Hopefully, Randy's story will inspire many more students and their parents. Together, we can empower our children to become the role models of tomorrow... We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org. Our Team wishes you a very Merry Christmas |
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| Alefb... The playful way to learn Arabic language and culture Phone: 1.301.919.4481 |
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Please meet 18 year-old Randy - Alefb Alumni, Washington D.C. Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
Ahlan wa Sahlan To Alefb Newsletter!
As our colleague Samar, from Alefb - Paris says, wherever we are in this world we do carry our language with us either consciously or not, as it is a fundamental part of us.
We are looking to move forward into 2015 with renewed energy and confidence about our commitment to the Arabic language and culture.
لُغتي في غربتي
في تجلّيها تُسوِّغني
تَصُوغني
تحكيني حين أحكيها
........
أأكونُ كًونَها أم كوني
كامنٌ فيها؟
ما هي حروفٌ
تَتلوى رقصاً
على نغَمٍ
من نواميس القواعدْ
هي وقْع الروح
لُقياً أميّ
وعيناً أبي
على أعتاب الفرائدْ
أنشودتي في غربتي
ومهجتي رسالة مفروشة على المدى
كلمات....
...........
ملاذي في غربتي
هوية حملتها في حِلّيّ وترحالي....
غربتي عنكِ
مرارة غربتي عن أميّ
غير أني
أحمل أمي في قلبي
وأحملكِ وعي أنت ولاوعيّ
د.سمرمحمد سعد
مقطوعة مهداة إلى لسان حال مَن يحملون لغة الضاد في حقائب سفرهم...هَوّية قرأتها في عيونهم كما اقرؤها في عيون تلامذتي الذين يبحثون أيضاً عن انتمائهم في هذه اللغة القريبة البعيدة. أبثها أيضاً إلى الذين التقيتم اليوم، في اليوم العالمي للّغة العربية الذي أُقيم في مقر منظمة الاونيسكو في باريس.
Like every year since 2012, the world celebrated World Arabic Language Day this December 18, in the UNESCO headquarters in Paris France, Dr.Samar Saad reports.
NEWS from Alefb:
Since the launch of our website in June 2014, we are proud to count more than 10,000 visitors! Thank you!
Three months into our Alefb school year, we are thrilled to let you know that our students have accomplished great progress.You can read all about our weekly lessons and see pictures here.
By popular demand, we worked hard to add more features to our website so that our teachers provide timely information about our classes, online. Please make sure you check our website every week for updates.
Now is the time to enroll or re-enroll your kids for our second session. Deadline is January 2, 2015.
We will be opening new classes in Millbrae-CA, and we are looking for dedicated teachers. Our training program is available to our potential candidates on an ongoing basis. This program is meant to equip our team members with the tools and methodology to become successful teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language, using the unique Alefb curriculum.
We are recruiting and would like to hear from you.
Teachers are our core asset, however we also need to be able to rely on volunteers and interns to activate our social media strategy, and build on the momentum created by the endorsement granted to Alefb by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lebanon. Please contact us now.
Finally, we are looking for board members who share our vision, and would like to be part of a rewarding mission. If you feel you have the drive, the interest and the time, please drop us a line.
Together with a strong team and a solid curriculum, we believe that culture is inherent to the learning of a foreign language. In that regard, Alefb, partnered with the Arab Film Festival to organize the San Francisco premiere screening of Lebanese movie Heritages/Mirath in the presence of film maker Philippe Aractingi. Close to 300 spectators were present for this one evening only event, at the San Francisco French School on December 4, 2014.
We also plan on organizing our first field trip to the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. Road to Arabia exhibit is closing on January 18, 2015. Please send us your name and contacts, if you would like to join a guided Alefb trip in Arabic, here, before January 5 .
ALEFB HINT TO REINFORCE YOUR CHILDREN'S ARABIC LANGUAGE AND CULTURE:
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Take time during this holiday season to cook with your children in Arabic. You can get some inspiration here.
Did you know that it is part of the Lebanese tradition to prepare Meghli at Christmas, in Lebanon? Learn how right here. Send us a picture of your preparation and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
FROM AROUND THE WEB:
WHAT YOU CAN DO to motivate your kids to learn the Arabic language and culture?
Arabic is classified as a Less Commonly Taught Language in the US, and it is one of the most taught foreign languages in France. However, Arabic does not enjoy the appeal of other foreign languages and more often than not, is related to pejorative ideas.
I'm sure you all heard this before:
"I want my son to be proud! When he was 12, my son , Mike, walked into our living room and said to me , "Dad, I hate Arabs." I was shocked. My parents' background is Lebanese. I though I'd taught Mike to be proud of his Arab heritage. Of course, like most kids born here, he thought of himself as American, period.
I asked why he hated Arabs."
Here's how Casey Kasem, famed American Top 40 countdown DJ speaks about how to fight stereotypes: here.
Three ways to motivate our children to learn Arabic:
- Immerse in an Arabic speaking environment, once a year
- Read to them in Arabic, watch movies and youtube videos in Arabic with them but always be careful to screen those before.
- Enroll them in a once a week Arabic activity -- Alefb would be a good choice :)
Children learn a language when they have either an emotional interest or a value related interest. Emotional often comes from the desire to please a loved one (in the case of heritage kids, it would be the parents, it could also be the teacher). On the other hand, some kids would like to see what value there is for them to learn this language, be it to communicate in order to be understood, or just a material reward.
Finally, check out a kid's guide to Arab American history as a resource to help you motivate your children.
Educational Resources:
Use this fun website to create art with Arabic words. Ask your child for his favorite word in Arabic, or English (you will translate it for her in Arabic), type it in Arabic using a visual Arabic keyboard (learn how to add Arabic to your Microsoft office suite, here) and copy paste the word in the appropriate box. Pick your style and your font and let the magic work... Send us a picture of you masterpiece, and we will post it in our next Newsletter.
Cultural and Community resources:
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
We can't but pay tribute in this newsletter to the great poet, writer, playwright and language reformer Said Akl, who passed away at 102 years old. Said Akl promoted the use of the Lebanese dialect written in a modified Latin alphabet rather than the Arabic one. More here.
ردني إلى بلادي مع نسائم الغوادي
مع شعاعة تغاوت عند شاطئ و وادي
ردني إلى بلادى
سعيد عقل
Take me back to my country...with the ongoing breeze...with the light dancing on a coast and a valley... Take me to my country...
Watch Song Video performed by Feyrouz on Said Akl's poem here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that all the "Rindala" and "Yara" owe their original names to Said Akl who created them?
Another giant of the Lebanese and Arabic culture passed away this month: Singer and actress Jeanette Feghali, also known as Shahroura or Sabah, died at age 87. Read more here. Listen and watch Sabah singing a Dabke song (traditional dance) with your children here.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Sabah's career spanned 60 years and she created more than 90 films and thousands of songs?
Choose the best gift for the holidays from this collection of good reads and good views for children and adults, about the Middle East.
You can also choose from up to five games to enhance your children's Arabic skills.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
"Dourak" is an online shop specializing in language games for Arabic speakers and learners.
Share with your children our Arabic culture, go out to the museum, to the movies. Here are some ideas and events coming your way:
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
If you would like to share an event please let us know at info@alefb.org
- Newseum's exhibit on ethnic media tells The Arab American News’ story. More here.
- Wendell Phillips Collection:Through a selection of unearthed objects as well as film and photography shot by the exhibition team, the collection highlights Phillips’s key finds in South Arabia (present-day Yemen), and recreates his adventures and conveys the thrill of discovery on the last great archaeological frontier. October 11 through June 7. Sackler Gallery,Washington, D.C. More here
- Nasta’liq: The Genius of Persian Calligraphy. through February 22. Sackler Gallery, Washington, D.C. More here.
- Roads of Arabia: Archaeology and History of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: October 24 through January 18. Asian Art Museum of San Francisco More here.
- Pearls on a String: Art and Biography in the Islamic World (San Francisco). June 21 Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. More here.
STORIES FROM OUR ALEFB ALUMNI:
If you once took part in the Alefb adventure, as a parent or a teacher, please share your story at info@alefb.org
Let's celebrate... Alefb Teachers of Arabic as a Foreign Language.
Kan ya ma kan, once upon a time, there was... Rafah….
Rafah is a mom, a friend, and a teacher like no other...
She came to Alefb in its Washington DC early days, bringing her enthusiasm, rigor and special education degree. She was eventually interested in teaching her son the Arabic language and culture. Rafah has a special education background but she never taught Arabic as a foreign language to children before joining Alefb. Yet, she rolled up her sleeves and got on the job.
About 6 school years of teaching part-time, developing two levels of curricula and nurturing more than 50 children, Rafah is now working full-time, managing grants for teachers of foreign languages all over the world.
Today,Rafah gives back to the community by training Alefb's teachers on our curriculum, either here in the US or in Paris, France. She enjoys it as much as her first days of teaching.
From an educated mom to a fulfilled professional and role model, Rafah was able to raise her son in the Arabic language and culture as well as contribute to Alefb's non-profit educational mission.
In the same manner, every Alefb teacher, in Paris-France, Washington DC or San Francisco is contributing to preserving our Arabic heritage.
Dedication and commitment are key.
Whether we are parents or teachers. How many of us are willing to do this for the sake of our children and the future generation?
How many of us can claim to have made a difference in a child's life?
How many of us do not want to hear this much too often heard blame from older teen-agers: Mom, Dad, why didn't you teach us Arabic?
Shouldn't we all be teachers, educators, nurturers in what we know best?....
We are looking to hear from you on this topic at info@alefb.org.
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
Share your experience and join our team of parents/educators.
WE NEED YOU:
- If you have stories to share, please send them our way at info@alefb.org
- Please propose field trips in your area that are relevant to the Arabic culture and language.
- Come to our classes and perform one of your talents or just read a story, tell us about a traditional holiday, or about your job.
Our Team wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Linguistically- Culturally Wonderful 2015!
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