Live the Beauty of the Arabic Language with a Native Speaker - In-Person Lessons Available in Dublin! From Beginner to Advanced

Find out more about Aya

• Do you speak this language fluently because of your origins or because a teacher inspired you to learn?

  I am originally from Egypt where the community and schools place great importance on the Arabic language. This not only helped me to learn the language but also fostered my love for it. I was always eager to improve my language skills, even from a young age. I remember constantly working on increasing my reading speed and choosing books of higher quality to read. Thanks to these efforts, I was able to speak fluently and attain a high level of proficiency in the Arabic language.

• Can you name a living, historical or fictional character that you think is the emblematic representative of the language's culture?

  Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was not only the messenger of Islam but also a pioneer of the Arabic language. He was renowned for his eloquence and profound use of language in conveying his message. His teachings and sayings have greatly enriched the Arabic language, and his legacy has inspired generations to pursue the study of Arabic literature and language.

• Is there a typical word, phrase, tradition or behaviour in the language that you particularly like?

  It's an Ayah (verse) in Quraan that says, "ادفع بالتي هي أحسن فإذا الذي بينك وبينه عداوة كأنه ولي حميم" which means "respond to a bad action with a good action and the person who was once an enemy becomes like a close friend". It's a beautiful and wise approach to conflicts and can help to diffuse tension and build bridges between people.

• Why does speaking this language matter to you?

  Arabic is more than just a means of communication, it is an integral part of our relationship with Allah. For this reason, it is crucial for me to learn and teach the language. The wider its reach, the greater my sense of fulfilment. Knowing Arabic allows us to understand the holy scriptures and traditions of Islam in their original form, enabling us to deepen our connection with Allah and our faith. As a result, it is a lifelong pursuit for me to improve my Arabic language skills and share its beauty with others.

• What is the main difficulty in learning this language and what can help the process of learning?

  As a teacher of Arabic for many years, I have come to realize that the language is not as difficult as it is beautiful and fascinating. Behind every perceived difficulty lies a wonderful secret that, once understood, can be easily overcome. The key to success is to let go of any expectations and approach the language with a sense of wonder and appreciation for its unique beauty. Rather than viewing learning Arabic as a task, it is essential to immerse oneself in the language and to live it. Only then can one truly master the language and unlock its secrets.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your language learning or your days at school.

  I remember one day in school, I was eager to participate in a poetry reading competition. I had written several poems, but I was still a beginner. However, when I approached my teacher about competing, he told me that I needed to improve significantly before I could be considered. Hearing this feedback was both frustrating and disappointing, but it also motivated me to work even harder on my skills and to learn as much as I could to surpass my peers.
  
  The following year, I found a grammatical mistake in an official school textbook, I returned to that same teacher to correct that grammar mistake, and he was very surprised. At that moment, I realized that I no longer needed anyone else to evaluate my skills or validate my progress. I made the conscious decision not to participate in the competition, as I was already satisfied with the growth I had achieved on my own. This experience taught me the importance of self-motivation and the value of recognizing one's own accomplishments, regardless of external validation.

• How has travel or a specific trip helped you to increase your skill and knowledge of the language?

  During my childhood, I lived in Saudi Arabia for five years, and this experience greatly enhanced my language skills and broadened my perspective on the Arabic language. Living there enabled me to master the Saudi dialect, which closely resembles traditional Arabic, and improved my pronunciation and understanding of the language's grammar. The exposure to different aspects of the language during my formative years was instrumental in shaping my passion for Arabic, and I remain committed to developing my skills in the language to this day.

• What makes you a Superprof in language?

  I think that the Arabic language is like a vast ocean, and the more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. This awareness has enabled me to teach others effectively, as I always approach the language with the mindset of a student. I am constantly learning and am filled with a sense of wonder as I uncover new aspects of the language. Ultimately, it is my love and dedication to the language that keeps me loyal and committed to mastering it.