The present status of Arabic language teaching in the state schools of Eravur, Batticaloa district

Abstract

As the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Mohamed (saws) in the Arabic language which was spoken and understood by him and the people he first addressed, Arabic language is so important for Muslims and they have try to learn at least the basics for better understanding of holy verses. As such Sri Lankan Muslims also give high priority for learning Arabic language and it has been taught in state schools since long time. But, in recent years, there has been a falloff in Arabic language teaching among the state schools in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the present study was designed to reveal the present status of Arabic language teaching in the state schools of Eravur, Batticaloa District. Principals and teachers from selected state schools of Eravur, Batticaloa District were randomly selected and subjected to personal face to face interviews to collect information from them. Descriptive and analytic techniques were used to collect data. Microsoft Excel was used to analyze and interpret the data. The present study confirmed that there has been a falloff in Arabic language teaching among the state schools of Eravur, Batticaloa District. Lack of capable teachers to teach Arabic language, lack of proper syllabus for Arabic language, lack of Arabic language text books and library facilities and non-conducive learning environment were the key factors contributing to this falloff. As such, there is a strong need to appoint capable teachers to teach Arabic language in state schools, to establish a proper syllabus for Arabic language and to create awareness among the Muslim students and teachers.