Egyptian professor tells about a language spoken by millions, his book, and Ukraine

Among the various foreign language textbooks that are accessible in Ukraine, a new one has just appeared and immediately stands out. It deals with Arabic and belongs to Prof. Atef A. Amer. What makes it different is that it is meant for English— and Ukrainian-speaking students. Until now all those wishing to learn Arabic have had to make do with Russian textbooks. Prof. Amer undertook the project after being sent to work in Kyiv by the Egyptian Fund for Technical Cooperation with the CIS, Islamic, European, and newly independent states. The fund also aims to disseminate Arabic and Egyptian culture. Dr. Atef Amer has spent four years in Ukraine, teaching at the International Institute for Linguistics and Law as well as collaborating with the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Now that his mission in Ukraine is drawing to a close, Prof. Amer, a noted scholar, author of Arabic textbooks reprinted a dozen times, and poet, has written verse dedicated to Ukraine. He has also kindly consented to an interview with The Day.

What were the main tasks of your mission in Ukraine?

Prof. Amer: The main one was training teachers of Arabic, and I am convinced that Ukrainians make the best ones. Regrettably, Arab expatriates in Kyiv previously lacked the required qualifications. Some (engineers, for example) even lacked basic academic training, meaning that they had studied Arabic only at school.

My other task was to write a book. I should point out that it teaches literary Arabic. This is important, considering that various Arab countries use different dialects, but literary Arabic is understood all over the Arab world.

I am writing a book on the theory and practice of Arabic translation. I hope Ukrainian experts will find it useful.

What do Egyptians know about Ukraine?

Prof. Amer: We used to be on friendly terms with the Soviet Union, so we regard Ukraine as our friend as well.

The Soviet Union practiced a single language of international friendship, Russian. It is still understood in many countries. Now you have written a textbook meant for English— and Ukrainian-speaking students...

Prof. Amer: Arabic textbooks meant for Russian-speaking students have become obsolete in many respects and mine is the first one meant for Ukrainians. It contains Ukrainian explanations of grammar, Ukrainian equivalents of Arabic words and texts). I have noticed that people using Russian-Arabic textbooks know primarily the rules of classical grammar but are practically unable to hold discussions.

Ukrainian is your official language, so I wrote my textbook bearing this mind. I also used English because, first, it is a universal language, and second, its grammar is comparatively simple, it will help those with a poor command of Ukrainian or Arabic.

Among those that assisted with my textbook are Prof. Roman Vertelnyk, Ms. Natalia Dzubyshyna-Melnyk, both topnotch experts in Ukrainian. They contributed words from Ukrainian dialects, so, for example, students from Western Ukraine will find expressions they know only two well.

Arabic is spoken by over 300 million, and it has a variety of dialects. Also, Arab countries are known to have repeatedly divided on important political issues. Can we discuss a united Arab world today?

Prof. Amer: Literary Arabic unites all Arabs. Everybody understands it. We are also united by our culture and religion. In this context political differences are of minor importance.

The main task for the Arabs today is to uphold peace and well-being. Egypt is a major Arab state. We have constantly stood for international peace; we are an intermediary between Palestine and Israel. Hopefully, our peaceful aspirations will come true. It is also necessary for all Arab states to take a united stand.

Hebrew and Arabic are both Semitic languages of the Hamito-Semitic family. But when will the Jews and Arabs come to terms?

Prof. Amer: Words like shalom and salam are understandable without translation. Our languages indeed have something in common. Let’s hope that we will achieve peace among ourselves before long. The Jews and Arabs are living through a crisis of trust. We are cousins, and cousins, unfortunately, often lack mutual confidence.

Yet this crisis of trust should not be reason enough to become suicide bombers and kill their fellow man. Don’t you think that the Jihad complex is acquiring a disastrous scope?

Prof. Amer: In fact, there is no such complex. Egypt had spent more time warring Israel than any other Arab state, but then we signed a peace treaty, and there is an Egyptian embassy in Israel and an Israeli one in Cairo; we maintain normal relations. In addition, Egypt acts as an intermediary in the course of Palestinian-Israeli talks. Egypt is an example of how enmity can be overcome. Of course, that crisis of trust is not the only reason for what’s happening in the Middle East. People have for many years been driven from their native land. The Palestinians want the right to self- determination.

How do you feel about Ukraine?

Prof. Amer: Your country is very beautiful, I mean the environs, and you have very beautiful women. Ukrainians are friendly and open- hearted. I have seen a lot of middle-aged people continuing to work in Kyiv. I will always remember and respect your industriousness.