Arabic to become compulsory in Israeli schools

[kaya'08]

The Israeli authorities are introducing a new scheme to make Arabic-language classes compulsory in state schools.

The programme, which will start in 170 schools in northern Israel, will make lessons mandatory for fifth graders.

What do you think? Good or bad?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-11075326

 

[Orion]

Given that military service is mandatory in Israel, that will come in handy later when these children grow up to become state soldiers.

 

[Laila]

Considering where they live ... I'd say it may be a useful skill

 

[Apocalypse]

Given that military service is mandatory in Israel, that will come in handy later when these children grow up to become state soldiers.

Indeed, so far only basic Arabic was compulsory.
Those who've chosen to take it as an additional language have always had an advantage in the sorting to the various intelligence units in the IDF.

 

[ido_]

What do you think? Good or bad?

BBC News - Arabic to become compulsory in Israeli schools

Good ofcourse, the more languages you know the better, especially of those who are your neighboors.
Today you have to learn a 3rd language (after hebrew and english) at junior high school, usually its either Arabic or French and some continue to learn it in high school.

 

[ludahai]

Why would I have a problem with that. That is an Israeli issue. It is completely up to them...

 

[spud_meister]

Given that military service is mandatory in Israel, that will come in handy later when these children grow up to become state soldiers.

good point.

 

[Tashah]

Many Israelis can speak Arabic and many Palestinians can speak Hebrew.

Most Israelis are bilingual and many are trilingual. I think it's a good idea, and it's not all that difficult to learn Arabic if you already know Hebrew and vice-versa. Both are Semitic languages with many commonalities.

 

[kaya'08]

Like Selam.
Which is ironically Turkish too. Well, it is now, i think we stole it off the Jews/Arabs.

 

[Tashah]

I'm fluent in English and Hebrew, fairly fluent in Russian, and I can converse in basic Arabic but I am not very good at either reading or writing it.

 

[ido_]

I'm fluent in English and Hebrew, fairly fluent in Russian, and I can converse in basic Arabic but I am not very good at either reading or writing it.

ha! I can read but will have no clue what I'm reading

 

[GI Joe]

Good ofcourse, the more languages you know the better, especially of those who are your neighboors.
Today you have to learn a 3rd language (after hebrew and english) at junior high school, usually its either Arabic or French and some continue to learn it in high school.

The more languages you know is certainly better.

I can flip someone off in over 15 different languages.

I can also ask for sex in many languages.