As April begins to release it’s blossoms, let’s ready our classes to uplift Arab voices in celebration of Arab American Month. Mi gente, join me in a cultural deep dive that impacts our target language and cultures that we teach–not only for this month but for a year-round celebration of diversity and inclusion!
So…quiz time!
What is the origin of the word “almohada”? What about “Alfombra”? “Aljedrez”?
They are all of Arab origin. Approximately 4,000 words are of Arab origin in Spanish. Many start with “al-”, which is equivalent to the article “the”.
Trick question: All of the above! Saffrón, almonds, dates, ginger, aniseed, cloves, tamarind, and more were native to Arab cultures and brought to Spain. They then became part of daily cuisine.
Which ingredients are not native to Spain, but were brought to the peninsula by Arab cross-cultural influence: for example, saffrón, almonds, and dates?
Which of these three majestic works of Spanish architectural art are influenced by Arab style: La Mezquita (Córdoba); La Giralda (Sevilla); La Alhambra (Granada).
Which of these three majestic works of Spanish architectural art are influenced by Arab style: La Mezquita (Córdoba); La Giralda (Sevilla); La Alhambra (Granada).
Trick question: All of the above! The arches, the lavish gold and craftsmanship, the tilework, and more all point to various forms of Arab artwork such as arte múdejar and mozárabe.
Diversity Enriches Learning:
Just as paella is incomplete without a medley of flavors, our Spanish classrooms are enriched by the diverse voices and perspectives of Arab Americans. Many students may not learn during their K-12 years, that Muslim Moors, part of the Arab world, held control over vast sections of Spain from 711-1492: leaving behind a rich blend of foods like alfajores, spices such as cinnamon, influences on our flamenco melodies, and stunning art & architecture exemplified by La Alhambra in Granada. By spotlighting Arab voices in our Spanish classes, we open the door to a world of cultural exchange, fostering empathy, understanding, and appreciation among our students.
Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers:
Highlighting Arab voices isn’t just about celebrating diversity—it’s about building bridges and breaking down barriers. By embracing the stories, traditions, and contributions of Arab Americans, we send a powerful message of inclusivity and solidarity to our students, fostering a sense of belonging and empathy that transcends borders and boundaries.
Empowering Advocates of Change:
Education is a catalyst for change, empowering our students to become advocates for a more just and equitable world. By incorporating Arab voices into our curriculum, we equip our students with the tools they need to challenge stereotypes, combat prejudice, and promote cultural understanding and acceptance. From dissecting media representations of Arab Americans to engaging in dialogue about the complexities of identity and belonging, our classrooms become incubators of critical thinking and social consciousness.
As we embark on this journey of celebration and exploration, let us remember that Arab American Month isn’t just about dedicating 30 days to spotlighting Arab voices—it’s about embracing a mindset of inclusivity and openness that extends far beyond the confines of a calendar month. So let’s raise our voices in celebration, not just in April, but every day of the year, as we continue to build bridges, break barriers, and cultivate a more interconnected and compassionate world, one Spanish class at a time. ¡Ojalá que el futuro sea más inclusivo y diverso!
Looking for ways to celebrate in your class? Check out this engaging and student paced digital notebook below! Available on my site! Click here or on image below!
Want more content? Check out my YouTube Playlist including the two new videos below on the topic!
A brief exploration of Arab culture in our Spanish classes! https://youtu.be/CJM1IyIcNO4
Video below on five ways to incorporate Arab history into your Spanish classroom! https://youtu.be/tMOcP2rBtpU
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me!
-Allison
theculturalclassroomtpt@gmail.com
