Students enjoy speaking a new language

New Haven (WTNH) - Some schools are giving students the opportunity to learn how to speak Arabic and it seems that many are taking a liking to it.

The word "bedeel" means "options" in Arabic and that's exactly what Chris George, with the Integrated Refugee and Immigrants Services in New Haven, wants students to have.

"Languages are more important now, we need to globalize this country, we need to internationalize this country if we're going to compete," said George.

Arabic is now listed among the top languages that the State Department recommends that children learn. But only a few select schools offer it. George thinks there needs to be more.

He first became fluent as a Peace Corps volunteer, spending 25-years in the region. He's using that expertise now to encourage the youngest among us.

From the headdress called a kafia, to the wraps worn as pants, he even explained how it's only considered proper to eat or touch food with your right hand.

It is a message that seemed to resonate with the 100 students in one New Haven school. They created a display of Arabic-Americans who have impacted our country: Health and Human Services Secretary Donna Shalala, actor Keanu Reeves, born in Lebanon, Apple founder Steve Jobs.

Prathamesh Patil, in the seventh grade, used to take Spanish but has made the decision to switch.

"Arabic is easier than Spanish; Spanish is kind of hard and that's all," said Patil.

Others believe it will give them an edge in an increasingly international job market.

"Maybe like, since I want to be an ecologist, I might have to work with other places in the world so the language might be useful for me," said Ana Mohammad-Khairi, a sixth grader.

New Haven is among only a handful of districts in the state that offer Arabic and there are only four schools in the city that have those classes.

The four schools that offer Arabic classes are Hill Regional, Metropolitan Business, Mauro-Sheriden Science and the Engineering and Science University School.