Work in Progress

As an Arab-American, I find it encouraging that Brendan Work ’10 (spring 2017, “Speaking the Same Language”) is teaching Arabic in Missoula, Mont. I strongly believe more Americans should be exposed to this beautiful and globally important language. 

And yet, I’m concerned that Work would call Arabic an “enemy language” even in jest. Such phrasing, even if it seeks to diffuse the stereotypes students have of Arabs, does not seem to be in the Quaker spirit. Work’s heart is in the right place. I hope he will consider this letter merely a constructive note.

—EMAN QUOTAH ’95, Rockville, Md.