Justification of Arabic/Persian language teaching at secondary stage:

Justification of Arabic/Persian language teaching at secondary stage:

The exponents of ‘New Syllabi for Schools in Bihar-(IX-X) session 2009-11) write:

A.

“Arabic is one of the most important languages of the world which enjoys the status of the second greatest language to be spoken and understood at the international level. With reference to India, Indian people have been acquainted with this language since IndoArab relationship at the level of trade only. But when this language made an abode in India both the countries got so close to each other that in the process of interacting with each other regarding exchange of civilization and culture both successfully contributed a lot in the fields of education, science and literature and the treasure in Arabic language introduced India to other nations of the world. Through the ages the treasure of knowledge and natural science grew enormous to help expansion of human development, civilization and culture. Arabic language with other languages of India became so rich and fruitful that it became the symbol of national integration and cultural harmony.

Teaching of Arabic language in India holds importance in many ways. One of them is that the history of the evolution of Indian civilization itself is hidden in it. In this age of printing and publication the stock of knowledge and science abounds in Arabic and are basic sources of science, engineering, medicine and other subjects which can’t be brought in light without the teaching of this language and which will cause an irreparable loss to the world.

In the contemporary world the importance of Arabic has tremendously increased after its being a job oriented language. India’s relationship with Arab countries is very rich and their agreements for trade and other affairs have made them closer at one side, and the number of persons going to the Gulf countries for employment is increasing day by day at the other side. In this context the importance of teaching Arabic is as evident as a sunny day. The migration for employment in the Gulf countries is not only better for the advancement of economic condition of the individuals but for the economic development of the country itself also…

… Urdu which is accepted as the symbol of the Ganga-Ymuna civilization of the multi lingual country is a beautiful composition of Arabic, Persian and other languages of India. The teaching of Arabic helps the learners of Urdu in true understanding of the language…

Therefore, the decision of the Government of Bihar to teach Arabic from Class VI is historic…”

                                                                                                                      (Pages 52-53)

B.

“It won’t be out of the context if India is called the second native country of Persian. The history of this language and literature in this country is both ancient and powerful. It has been the official language of this paradise like country for a long time and goes on reminding the sisterly relationship of Sanskrit and Avesta. With the passage of time the dominating status of Persian  underwent changes, but it is a fact, that in relation to Urdu it makes  us feel its impact, importance and necessity by all means especially in those states where Urdu enjoys the status of being the second official language….

… impact of Persian manifests its presence in many great regional and state languages of India and can be said with reference to Aryan linguistic relationship that any attention to Persian teaching is true attention to strengthen the language and vocabulary of various regional and state languages…

The relation of Persian with India is neither ordinary, nor less impressive nor less useful. Whether it relates to education or the language of instruction, strengthening all the components of national integration through ethics or spirituality in India, in every aspect the historical and cultural impact of Persian is an accepted fact…

Therefore, for cultural and political relations and to make use of the manuscripts and cultural heritage and inscriptions inland and abroad the contemporary necessity and importance of this language can’t be denied…

If we review the affairs within the country, the importance and need of Persian is obvious in order to read and understand archives, deeds, judicial papers, important Faramin (royal decrees/ orders) and records of various natures…”                                                (Pages 57-58)