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العربية
Did you know the bible has been translated into Arabic? Just because someone has a T-shirt with Arabic-lettering on it, it doesn't mean they're a Muslim.
Since 2001, there has been enough time for the President to train arabic linguists. This President should explain why he is not willing to ensure the Arabic-language bibles are not backed by the greatest testament: An example of civility from the Oval Office.
If you enjoy your values and Christian heritage, make sure American values are ones the world will celebreate. America's example does not inspire respect. Leadership, not arrogance.
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Comments (13)
Al Arabie- I can only read it phonetically
June 2, 2008 8:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Valuable points all. Thanks.
June 2, 2008 8:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
As always...outstanding.
Facilitatrix...what is that picture of? I keep looking at it but can't make it out.
Live Frankly
June 2, 2008 9:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's a spider on a web. Just some clip art I found, but I liked the subtext of how any vibration at the outer edges of the web—no matter how slight—affect the center. Okay, whatever walks onto the web might get eaten, but it will have an impact before that happens.
June 3, 2008 1:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
I make t-shirts with arabic writing on them and it amazes me how utterly ignorant some can be about the whole thing.
"B-b-b-but that's the Muslim terrorist language!! Evil!!!!"
It makes me put my face in my hands.
June 2, 2008 9:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, of the things I understood in your post, I disagree with pretty 90% of it. What does this mean:
Whaaaa? I can't diagram this sentence and I can't figure it out.I take it you think we can convert Muslims? Why should we? They have a religion they are perfectly happy with. You may personally want to change other peoples' beliefs but it certainly shouldn't come from our government!
And anyway, do you honestly think saturating the middle-east with Arabic translations of the bible will accomplish anything? The bible is at least as violent a book as the Koran, so even if people followed it blindly it sure wouldn't bring peace to the world!
And how about the insult factor? What if we were suddenly given millions of English-language Korans? What do you think the reception over here would be? Joy at the priviledge of learning a new perspective about our Muslim brothers and sisters? RIIIIGGGGGHHHHHHT!
Yes, we should encourage language studies in the US, but the Arabic languages aren't the only ones; Japanese, Chinese, and others are also important for us to compete on the world stage.
I disagree completely that the bible is some kind of example of the America we need to present to the world. It is our Consitution that made our country great, and the trashing of it that has made our country weak.
The bible, and its word-for word worshiping of it; if anything has abetted the loss of our Constitutional protections with the insidious creeping of a particular religious ideology into the political structure of our government.
Without Jesus, George Bush is just an ex-(?) drunk. His so-called faith is what got him elected. How's that working out for us? Thanks, but no thanks!
June 2, 2008 10:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
I don't think testing is out to convert anyone.
But there's value in having the chance to learn about another culture's foundational beliefs.
For example, European literature up into (and even beyond) the 19th century can't really be understood without at least a passing knowledge about the Bible and Christianity. They are part of the culture, and they influenced every English, Irish, French, German, and Italian writer, unconsciously or not.
America's foundations were also informed, if not directly influenced, by the Bible and Christianity. Until the Chinese and Japanese began to immigrate in large numbers to the US, the "melting pot" shared a common text for their belief system, whether it included both Testaments or not. It wasn't just language differences that caused problems with Asian immigrants, it was also the lack of that common foundation.
There's more to be gained from understanding differing belief systems than not. Publicizing the fact that there is an Arabic translation of the Bible could lead to Arabic-only readers taking a look. Providing Bibles for free opens up the possibilities even more.
I've read English translations from the Koran, and they've given me a greater insight into the cultures that believe in Islam. Whether I use it as an academic exercise or I embrace teachings that resonate with me doesn't matter.
What matters is that there's a little less ignorance in the world with every bit of knowledge and understanding I or anyone else takes in. And it's ignorance that is the greatest enemy. Just look at the last seven-and-a-half years for evidence of that.
June 3, 2008 2:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, the guy can hardly speak English; how could he train arabic linguists?
PS: I know what you meant, I just thought it was funny!
June 2, 2008 10:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Testing,
you're just having fun, right?
June 2, 2008 10:32 PM | Reply | Permalink
We have trained enough Arabic speakers since 2001.
Problem is, we keep kicking them out of the military because they're gay.
June 2, 2008 11:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
There are many people who learned it while in college because it's such a challenge. Pretty too. Specially the old version. I was always grateful to just manage the literati version.
June 2, 2008 11:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
In 1984 - last time I checked - the US State Department had 38 good arabic translators for 22 Arabic nations !! Way to go, USA! ( I think when the government is reoriented, that taking languages should be a freebie even for us language-impaired types, just like it is in the United Kingdom. (Of course they do that so they can recruit SPIES, but still .. ) LOL
Hey, free English language Korans ? Sounds great to me. Do alot more good than Condi's diplomatic "efforts" ..
Poll:
How many English/Arabic linguists are working on the DoD emails and the McClellan book?
a. less than 50
b. more than 50
c. the sky's the limit
June 2, 2008 11:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Al-Arabia(tun-female sig)?
The Bible translated into Arabic. (*sigh)
And underneath an advert for ArabLounge -a dating service?
Sheeets!!!!
June 2, 2008 11:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
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