The arabicisation of higher education: The case of Khartoum University

Abstract

The change to the use of Arabic as a medium of instruction (henceforth Arabicisation) at the university level has given rise to controversy in many Arabic‐speaking countries. It has presented a considerable challenge to policy‐makers and to those directly affected by the language medium change. This paper is a contribution to the ongoing debate on Arabicisation. It focuses on the situation in Khartoum University, Sudan.

First, the paper describes the Arabicisation programme in Higher Education in Sudan and the moves that have been made towards implementation. It then reports the main results of an attitude survey‐carried out in Khartoum University. The survey showed that most of the teachers and students surveyed were favourably disposed to the principle of Arabicisation. However, the survey also indicated that the respondents were concerned about the manner in which the changeover to Arabic was being implemented.

The last part of the paper discusses the implications of the survey findings. It is argued that the use of English as a medium of instruction has negatively affected the teaching/learning process. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a clear, long‐term plan for gradual implementation of the Arabicisation programme.

Notes

An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Sociolinguistic Symposium No. 7, York University, April 14–16, 1988. It has also appeared in Lancaster Papers in Linguistics, No. 64. I am indebted to Dr Marilyn Martin‐Jones for her extensive comments on both the earlier version and the present one. My thanks are also due to Professor M.H. Abdulaziz and Dr H. Devonish for their comments and feedback.