Call for reforms in teaching Arabic

“Academically, the Arabic language is not doing very well. Students speak in a different slang, and networks and media houses are having difficulty in correcting the speaking style of students when they join them. This perhaps is one among the biggest challenges among youngsters who want a future in the media. Lack of proper language skills,” said Amiri. He noted that because they are weak with language, the organisation has to spend and make effort in rectifying that. “It can have been easily taught to them at a school-level. This needs to change at a very grass root level,” he added.

Even though about 35 per cent of all media graduates find jobs in the media field, Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Anchor at Sharjah Media Incorporated said: “Some 600 UAE nationals graduate from media departments of universities in the UAE every year. Where do they go?”

“We have to admit that there are some shortfalls in what we are taught in universities. Teaching is only theoretical without practical training. Mostly journalism is taught, but not much is taught about the many other jobs in media such as technical aspects of a cameraman, or production or public relations,” said Suwaidi. He called for media curricula in universities to be changed to suit the requirements of the workplace.

Amiri said that credit has to be given for the incredible growth in participation of Arab journalists in the coverage of international events. “When I was young, we had only two journalists covering world-wide sports events. But now we are covering everything from the English Premiere League to the Olympic Games. Last year I attended the games in London and I happened to interview Usain Bolt. A few years back this was only a dream, but today we are partaking in several international events and taking huge leaps forward,” said Amiri. The anchor and other media persons spoke to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the 12^th Arab Media Forum.

“Up until a few years ago, even watching the Olympic Games live was out of the question, but today as Emiratis, we are covering these events,” noted Amiri. He credited the increase in use of technology and increased interest among youngsters as two of the main reasons for this growth.

Saoud Al Kaabi, TV Anchor at Dubai Media Incorporated added that women are playing an increasingly important role in the media field. “No longer is the participation of women in media considered inappropriate, but they are encouraged and provided equal opportunities,” said Al Kaabi.

Al Amiri suggested that media organisations must open the doors to more Emiratis for internships. “This will encourage them and provide a kind of training before they actually start working,” added Al Amiri.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE