Brief study on Practices of Arabic Language in Sri Lanka

Abstract

This paper studies the history of Arabic language culture among the Muslims of Sri Lanka since 9th A.C. The Arab merchants’ relationship with Sri Lankan empire has become a major turning point for the Arabic verbal communication development in early period. Before the colonial era, Arabic language was commonly used, which lead to the establishment of institutes for Arabic language teaching and learning even after the independence. Today there are five types of institutions offering Arabic language courses in Sri-Lanka. The Government schools conduct two types of examination certification in Arabic language subjects. While Madrasas (Religious base schools) offer eight years sharia certificate courses in Arabic language, government established universities offer such courses at degree level. The Jamia Naleemia, a private university also offers degree courses in Arabic Language. However, with all these establishments, language skills among the students specific are very much inadequate. Lack of developed Arabic Language curriculum, teaching material, teacher capacity and good learning environment are some of the reasons hindering the progress. The descriptive analytical study results suggest that the language curriculum and human resource development should be the main focus so as to improve the students’ language skills development for them to be in Arabic language as a foreign language. This would be a qualified product toward institution as well as country contribution.