The Rocky Mountain Collegian

Issue date: 3/25/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Aaron Montoya Khaleel Alyahya is a Ph.D. neurobiology student and author of "Let's Speak Arabic," an alternative textbook for students studying Arabic that he says students prefer because it is more engaging and interactive than the traditional text. Alyahya, who has taught several Arabic courses at CSU, hopes to have the CSU Bookstore carry "Let's Speak Arabic" starting this summer.

Khaleel Alyahya says teaching the world about Arabic culture -- the beliefs, values and language -- is key to bridging the gap between Arab and American cultures.

In his latest attempt to bridge cultures, Alyahya and his co-author Fatmah Assiri created a handbook, titled "Let's Speak Arabic," written to make learning Arabic and about Arab culture easier.

"It's not about language only; it's about culture; it's about people," Alyahya said. "My value is to appreciate this culture, and the American people here. I try to have something for them."

Alyahya said he hopes that by providing a more graphic and interactive handbook, students will seek to better understand the Arab culture and create a more open community and unite.

"When you see Arab people, come to them, understand them. Try to clean out the misconceptions that you receive from different media," he said. "We are human. We like other nations, other cultures, other people."

Alyahya said that he believes it is his duty to educate different cultures about Arab values and beliefs so cultural understanding goes beyond the media's presentation.

Since coming to CSU in 2000, Alyahya has earned his master's in adult education and human anatomy. He has been president of the Muslim Student Association and the Saudi Student House and established two organizations that reach out to Arabs in the U.S. and students interested in learning about Arab culture.

In 2005, Alyahya established the Saudi Forum of America, a group with a current membership of 20,000 from across the U.S. The organization gives members an opportunity to communicate online and to inform students about American schools, culture and ideas.

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