ORGANISERS of an Arabic course hope it will help counteract harmful stereotypes caused by recent world events.
A group of adults, aged from 18 to 60, from the Redcar Adult Learning Centre have learnt to communicate in modern standard Arabic as well as having a taste of Arabic culture and society.
They will soon complete the course, funded by the Learning and Skills Council Tees Valley, which began last September.
Jennifer Jackson, languages organiser with Redcar Adult Learning Service, said:
"The lack of Arabic speakers in Britain has led to the language being traditionally overlooked as a choice on the adult education curriculum.
"I am convinced of the importance of this course, not only for people wishing to travel or work in Arab countries, but also as a means of helping to counteract harmful stereotypes which are the product of recent world events".
The success of the beginners course has prompted Jennifer and course tutor, Ossama Abdalla, to plan an intermediate level course for 2004/05. They hope many of this year's students will continue their studies.
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