My Journey to Learn Arabic In Palestine: My name is Bianca. I’m 22 years old and come from Switzerland and Italy. I recently completed a 4-week intensive Arabic course at the Excellence Center. Though I don’t have a university degree yet, I have a keen interest in social work and languages.
Discovering the Beauty of Arabic and Pursuing Language and Social Work
During my time volunteering with refugees in Greece, I discovered the usefulness and beauty of the Arabic language once again. This motivated me to delve deeper into Middle-East studies during one semester in Switzerland. However, I realized that I wanted to learn not only the formal standard Arabic (Fussha) but also a dialect, and I believed immersing myself in the country would make the learning process more enjoyable and effective. This journey marked my first time in the Middle East, and it allowed me to learn extensively about the culture, struggles, occupation, and the Arabic language.
Motivated to Learn Ammia with a Kind and Supportive Teacher
The Arabic lessons were a delightful experience. Initially, we were just two students, later joined by a third, and all of us were highly motivated to learn and grasp the local dialect (Ammia). Our teacher, Haya, was incredibly kind and well-prepared, making the lessons engaging and insightful.
We covered grammar, vocabulary, and conversation, and Haya always made sure we understood everything and encouraged us to improve continuously. While I made significant progress, I also realized that mastering this language takes time. Nevertheless, I’m highly motivated to continue my language journey and explore other language classes.
Expressing Thanks and Best Wishes to Haya and the Center
I am immensely grateful to Haya for her energy and encouragement during the classes, and I wish her all the best for her future endeavors. The classes were held from Sunday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, and we always enjoyed a pleasant breakfast at the center with all the participants and volunteers. The teachers and organizers were all friendly and approachable, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere at the center.
Living with a Palestinian Family and Experiencing Generosity
Living with a Palestinian family was an enriching experience. They were incredibly kind and hospitable, inviting us to share in their traditions, such as Maklube or even attending their daughter’s wedding. These experiences provided me with valuable insights into their society and the challenges they face. I had wonderful conversations with my host siblings, further deepening my understanding of their lives.
Palestinian people, especially here in Hebron, are warm, interested, and incredibly generous. Coming from Switzerland, which is a wealthy country, I was deeply moved by the level of generosity and genuine interest people demonstrated here. For instance, during a visit to the old market, some local boys offered us drinks, while others gave us bananas or falafel sandwiches.
Appreciating the Beauty and Navigating Tension in a Divided City
Hebron, though beautiful, especially the old city, is a city of contradictions due to its separation into Israeli and Palestinian sides, leading to tension and unique experiences like passing checkpoints and encountering Israeli soldiers. Additionally, it is a conservative city with limited places for leisure, such as parks or nightlife spots. Nevertheless, we discovered some lovely cafes to study and enjoy a “limununana” (iced lemon and mint).
Exploring Ramallah and Falling in Love with Bethlehem’s Charm
During the weekends, I had the opportunity to explore other nearby places, like Ramallah, which was distinct from Hebron in its less conservative atmosphere, allowing for a more relaxed experience, such as enjoying a beer. I highly recommend visiting the Yasser Arafat museum while in Ramallah. Bethlehem was also a favorite destination of mine due to its charming narrow streets.
Learning About History and Occupation from Mahmoud and Nisreen
One of the most impactful activities during my stay was our visit to H2 with Mahmoud, who shared the area’s history and current situation. Following that, we visited Nisreen, a Palestinian artist residing near a settlement. This encounter opened my eyes to the oppression and discrimination faced by the Palestinians due to the occupation.
I am grateful to have met Rahel, my roommate from Germany, who inspired me to learn Arabic. She introduced me to some amazing Palestinian people, including Jalal, a talented musician from whom I took oud lessons. He also sold me an oud to bring back home, serving as a cherished reminder of my time in Al Khalil.
Before coming to Hebron, I was unsure about the situation in the city, and I had concerns about safety and tension. However, my experience here has been quite different. The people have been respectful, and while I may get some curious looks or hear friendly shouts of “welcome,” I never felt unsafe. The occupation’s impact was more noticeable when traveling to other places or entering H2, but within H1, life seemed relatively unaffected.
Expressing Thankfulness and Wishing the Best for Palestine
In conclusion, I am profoundly thankful for this enriching experience, the wonderful people I met, and the stories they shared. I hope to return one day to continue my Arabic language journey and deepen my connection with the Palestinian people. I also extend my heartfelt wishes for the best possible future for all Palestinian people.
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