The first of its kind, the documentary film on Arabic heritage speakers I Speak Arabic is a timely contribution to the field of heritage language teaching and learning. The film was created by Diana Scalera, who teaches Spanish to heritage students at the High School for Environmental Studies in New York City.
Reviewed by Heritage Language Journal
Volume 2, Number 1, Fall 2004
The review is available for download with free registration with this online journal. The title of the review is: Documentary Film Review: I Speak Arabic: The Immigrant Experience in American Schools Through the Eyes of Arabic Speakers. (www.heritagelanguages.org/)
(a) powerful documentary ... one-of-a-kind look at the Arab-American experience.
BERTELSMANN MEDIA WORLDWIDE
The film is wonderful. I think it should become part of the standard education for teachers because it is eye-opening as to the problems of heritage learners of all languages, not only Arabic.
Hope Freeman, World Language Teacher,
Marlboro Memorial Middle School,
Freehold, NJ
This is a great short film. It is empowering and humane. Much love and compassion went into making it.
Maher Awad, Coordinator, Arabic Language Program,
University of Pennsylvania
The film presents must know information that should be a part of teacher training programs, professional development days, and superintendent meetings!
Anita Vogley
Spanish Teacher
Binghamton High School
Binghamton, NY
This film will help to unlock the door hiding various cultures and home-taught languages and allow our American culture to become further enriched ...
Connie L. Lais
French Teacher
Johnstown, High School
Johnstown, NY