The Next Step

Well, it looks like I won't be returning to the Middle East this summer. Instead I'll be studying Business Arabic during the summer term here in Ann Arbor. Spring term will give me a chance to sort through my heaps of possessions and pack for a move to Washington, DC at the end of August.

It was a real shock to be accepted to Georgetown University, because they have such a wonderful Arabic program, with specialists in dialectology and lots of classes that I am looking forward to taking. The ultimate goal (so far as I know) is a Master's degree in Arabic Literature and Linguistics, with linguistics being my area of interest.

"In the course of studying the Arabic language, my interest in the Arabic language has grown. The dialects, the vocabulary, the experiences of Middle Eastern culture, have all converged to increase my motivation to learn Arabic. Yes, the more Arabic I learn, the more I want to do a Master's degree in Arabic, with the goal of speaking Arabic fluently and being prepared to use it in the professional world (where I could earn money). Arabic as a language has so many interesting linguistic features. I want to contribute to the great task of writing Arabic dictionaries, designing Arabic curriculum, and more!" You see how writing numerous Statements of Purpose could eventually craze someone, especially a susceptible person like me.

The only hitch right now is that I need to find someplace to stay for part of July and August, someplace close to downtown so I can easily get to and from class. My landlady sadly is not extending my lease for a month to make my life easier...

In case you're wondering what Business Arabic involves, I will be learning more than I ever wanted to know about Islamic banking procedures. Business correspondence, advertisements and transactions will also be involved.

In the meantime I have my last exam on Thursday and am planning a baby shower for Friday. I've been tutoring a few people in Arabic this semester, which is a lot of fun and keeps me interested in the language after I've been numbed by the detailed grammar in Syntax and Semantics.

There are several posts I've been planning to make, and hopefully it will happen soon- different topics from last summer.