An English dictionary for Muslim learners: is there a need?

Othman, Khairiah and Engku Ibrahim, Engku Haliza (2009) An English dictionary for Muslim learners: is there a need? In: Proceedings of the VIII Worldwide Forum on Education and Culture 2009, 3rd-4th December 2009, Rome, Italy.

PDF (p. 10-17) - Published Version Restricted to Registered users only Download (2MB) | Request a copy

Abstract

This paper aims to highlight how meanings in English dictionaries differ from the meanings held by Muslims, hence, a need for teachers of English to highlight the differences when they teach English to Muslim learners. The presence of many English words and concepts, as conveyed through the English language, have meanings different from that which Muslims have ascribed to them has been highlighted by many Muslim scholars (al- Attas, 2001; al-Faruqi, 1986; Sa’Adeddin, 1996; Ratnawati, 1997; Abdussalam, 1999). Al- Faruqi (1986) for instance, advocates the use of Islamic English due to the fact that many English words do not convey, and unable to convey, the meanings that Muslims intend to convey. This is because many Arabic words are not translatable into English. Many of the meanings of Arabic words and phrases are of divine provenance and may not be separated from their Arabic forms. A study was conducted by 21 M.A students to find out how words in an English dictionary differ from the meanings held by Muslims. This paper has pedagogical implications for ESL teachers who teach English to Muslim learners.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Plenary Papers)
Additional Information:	2043/1681
Uncontrolled Keywords:	English language, pedagogy, teaching, English dictionary, Muslim learners
Subjects:	P Language and Literature > PE English P Language and Literature > PR English literature
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) Centre for Languages and Pre-University Academic Development (CELPAD) > English Language Division
Depositing User:	Dr Khairiah Othman
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2011 11:13
Last Modified:	21 May 2020 11:51
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/1681

Actions (login required)

View Item