The Usage of Direct Method in Learning Arabic at Home

Abstract

Arabic language is amongst one of the most important languages in the world. Its importance is accentuated in the business world as Arab countries are known for their economic prowess and ingenuity. In the Muslim world, learning Arabic becomes farḍu ʿayn or compulsory because it is the crux of the Islamic religion which uses the Quran as its main reference for guidance.  Learning Arabic strengthens the understanding of the Quran and Hadith. Children in Malaysia are now learning Arabic in schools but the teaching and learning of Arabic is limited in the classroom and hardly used outside school. Consequently, the learning of the Arabic language is not so successful in Malaysia because this language is taught using Bahasa Melayu as a medium. Hence, drastic steps must be taken by parents to encourage the use of the language outside the classroom using the direct method. Syllabus should be revised to include the use of Arabic language as communication language.  Hopefully, this step will propel the successful learning of Arabic language as a second language in Malaysia.