NAN-H-8
Languages
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Oct. 31, 2016 (NAN) Dr Muhammad Sani-Ibrahim of the Department of Arabic Studies, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria has urged Nigerians to intensify efforts at learning international languages, for their personal security.
He stated this at a `Walima’ (forum) organised by a student of Arabic at the Islamic Trust of Nigeria (ITN), Malama Hauwa’u Isma’il-Muhammad, on Sunday in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Sani-Ibrahim said: “He who learns others’ language is free from their harm, hence the need for us to strive hard to learn languages.”
He said that language as a means of communication, compiles, preserves, protects and projects culture.
The don said that it was very difficult for one to single out one language globally and say it was better than all others, in all ramifications.
He encouraged the students to redouble efforts toward learning Arabic, saying that it would go a long way in shaping their lifestyles.
In a remark, Prof. Mohammed Mustapha-Gwadabe of the History Department, ABU recalled that late Dr Bala Usman had advised them to learn Arabic and French.
“Late Bala Usman told us that nobody will benefit from the History profession until he learns other languages, especially Arabic and French.
“Bala said there is lot of secret in these two languages; therefore, as historians, you will not be complete until you learn them,” he said.
Responding, the organiser of the forum appreciated God for the opportunity to complete and defend her thesis for the Master’s Degree in English.
She lauded the efforts of the tutors for what she described as a wonderful job, adding that Arabic was key to learning Islam.
Malam Muhammad Inuwa, the Principal of the school, charged the students to be committed to their studies, to improve on their religious and social lifes.
Inuwa appreciated the students for their courage, understanding and patience, and urged them to sustain the tempo. (NAN)
KLM/YMU/JPE/PIO
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Edited by Joseph Edeh/Idonije Obakhedo