Why Arabic

Publication Year
2012

Type

Book
Abstract

Recently, Arabic writings in the form of slogans on banners and bill boards carried by protestors or sprayed on walls have acquired even more loaded associations for those watching the political developments around the world – from hopes for democratic change to fears of an incipient Islamic extremist takeover. The sheer quantity of baggage that Arabic has acquired on its travels through the Western consciousness is unique. That the West’s complex and intricate relationship with the language is now characterised above all by fear is a special tragedy, argues Arabist and papyrologist Petra Sijpesteijn in  Why Arabic?

In this vigorous defence of Arabic and the long tradition of Arabic studies, Sijpesteijn shows what can be gained by engaging with this extraordinarily fertile language and culture, and how insight and understanding can be found in the most unexpected places. Arabic’s endless riches continue to surprise and reward.

Table of Content

  • Why Arabic?
  • What is Islam?
  • Reading the Revolution
  • Hoezo Arabisch?
Series Title
Debates on Islam and society; LUCIS lectures and occasional papers
Publisher
Leiden Publications
City
Leiden
ISBN
9789087280956
Category