Problems experienced with the teaching of Arabic to learners in muslim schools in Uzbekistan

This article discusses a number of problems that are unique to the teaching of Arabic in schools in Uzbekistan. Specific attention is given to aspects of teaching that mean that learners are unable to reach a level of communicative competence in Arabic or to understand the Koran (despite the fact that this is an important goal in teaching Arabic). An investigation conducted with the aid of questionnaires revealed that Arabic teachers do not have confidence in their own language proficiency or their ability to speak Arabic fluently. It seems that teaching is largely based on the Grammar-Translation method: learning of new vocabulary and grammar rules. It also appears that most teachers believe that learners study Arabic for religious purposes (to be able to read the Koran) so they are not so much interested in developing communicative skills as in extending their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar so they will be able to understand the formal language of the Koran.