Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
2007
Annual Newsletter
Issue No. 2
efiL
Is it the other way around ?
Prophet Mohammad
P e a c e
& Blessings
be Upon Him
no
oDictionaries
Dictionaries in
in Exams!
Exams!
• If you have any suggestions or comments, please be free to send us an e-mail to : english_squ@hotmail.com
• English Group’s website: www.englishsqu.net
InInThis Issue
This Issue
Efil Poems 5
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous
Did You Know 8
ANightmare 37
Friendship 45
O Moon efiL
Listen to my sad voice, The sky is blue
The trees are green
To waves woe in sunset,
The air is there
When they all go, Though it’s unseen
And nothing is left
But hope and so. The sea is still generous
The waves embrace the sands
The flowers still blossom
I hear you laughing out there, in all kinds of lands
Without a praise,
I shall say at last, How vague people are!
“I am crying for old days; We live to complain
that life is changing,
My buried past”
and life causes pain.
5
“the gift of language is the single human trait that marks us all genetically, setting us apart
from the rest of life”
Lewis Thomas
Poems
6
“carve every word before you let it fall”
Oliver Wendell Holmes
Poems
7
“we know somewhat, and we imagine the rest”
Samuel Johnson
Poems
DID YOU KNOW ?
When the Night Came
When the sun died 1) Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch procejt at
Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosnt mttaer waht oredr
the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng
The sky became a widow is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.
Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey
Its cheeks from sadness blushed lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe!
No cry, no sorrow, not even a sigh 2) During your lifetime, you’ll eat about
60,000 pounds of food, that’s the weight of about 6
Yet, everything was still elephants
Surprisingly, the moon replaced the sun soon 5) The fear of animals is called zoophobia,
and the fear of numbers is called arithmophobia,
As if nothing sad had happened ‘Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia’ is the
fear of long words and Didaskaleinophobia is the
He was happy and shining fear of going to school!!
8
“we should study literary criticism and the theories of literature for the same reason we read
literature, to forever alter our perspectives, to escape our own vanities, and to extend the horizon of
our limitation” Lynn Jordan Stidon
• Love coquers
• A state of lonliness
• A musician
Short Stories
Love Conquers
By: Ferial Al-Majrafi
S
he desperately looked at her engagement ring, then put it back into its golden box. Her black eyes reflected the
three glowing heart shape diamonds thrust in the ring. She smiled, but quickly drew a frown between her eyes.
It had been the third day since she left the village; yet, he didn’t call though she asked him not to. She wanted to
settle down in her new accommodation before going back to work. She was sent on a course for two months, after which
she would be promoted as a chief executive, the position she held for ever since she was first employed in that company.
He couldn’t go with her; he was still the same accountant who had informed her about her financial status in the company
they both worked in.
Though she asked him not to call until she called him herself, she still hoped that he’d behave as ever. She was
expecting to receive a phone call from him at any time, even two minutes after she had left the village, but nothing
happened.
“That’s just so him,” she said to herself, wiping the gentle tears that flew all along her rosy cheeks. He had always
been so, ever since she knew him. What he liked was his priority. His friends used to call him, “man of the moment.” He
wouldn’t delay something he thought of doing, no matter what. He always said that things were most exciting when you
did them the moment they came to your mind. If you delayed them, the excitement would just go. Well, this caused him
trouble trying to keep a girlfriend. Most girls he met wanted somebody who loved to take care of them and be taken care
of. They asked for a memory guy, one who’d remember their birthdays and first date, and remember their favorite songs.
For eight months she had seen him dragging his legs to work, as if burdened with life’s worst hardships. “Another breaking
up?” His workmates would ask him. “Another silly girl,” he would reply. “These are girls, dude. We love them because
we enjoy making them happy. Such gestures are what keep a girl with you as long as possible,” was all he got from them.
“Come on, guys,” he would ask, “Are we short of adventure girls?” But nobody answered his question, nobody was
willing to. She listened to that conversation almost each time it happened, but she never took part in it. Perhaps she sensed
that among all the girls he knew, she would win him.
She, then, headed to the silvery mirror in her room. Looking at her reflection, she smiled, knowing that she’d got all
that those girls missed. Unlike them, she didn’t mind his behavior; she adored it. The way he changed his plans captured
her feelings. The thing that kept girls away from him was what she thought would keep them together ever after. She even
found herself falling in love with everything he liked. Before she met him, she wasn’t really interested in baseball. To her,
it was but another guy’s game. However, she wouldn’t say that anymore. She didn’t pretend to love baseball; she really
loved this game. To her, this is just the effect of love.
He didn’t know this, simply because he didn’t know her well. To him, she was only the person whose office was
opposite his. To her, he was the man of her dreams, the love of her life. She determined to have him. That wasn’t difficult
for a 23 year- old girl; he was only three years older than her. Circumstances helped them get closer. He had a car, she
didn’t. Her apartment was nearer the company than his, and they were both in the same direction. Also, there was a sweet
corn shop close to her apartment. They used to go home after work together. By chance, they both worked in a night shift.
That made the way home more charming and the sweet corn even more delicious. They had these informal dates for about
two months until he asked her on the 13th of February to be his valentine date for the next day’s party. Finally, she was
there, somewhere in his mind, and perhaps his heart as well. This was probably the first romantic gesture he’d ever made
to any girl. Happiness tears danced in her eyes as she nodded.
10
The two years she’d spent with him as his girlfriend made her sure that he’d call her whenever he missed her, even
if she asked him not to. She left the village clutching on this hope. She would have felt very happy for he broke a rule
they put for her. She didn’t ask for more than once in which he changed a plan they’d agreed to commit to. They’d
always changed their plans because he wanted to do something he just thought of. They even missed a friend’s wedding
because, in the last moment, he thought of buying a pet. He said, “A pet is a sign that two people are going to live
together. This is much more important than attending anybody’s wedding.” Because she wanted to be with him forever,
she agreed. She knew that if she said no, he might not mention that again. However, they didn’t buy any; he didn’t want a
cat, and the dogs there weren’t his type.
She unpacked her third bag, which had her photos, girly accessories and breakable gifts. She laid each in its new
place, still thinking why he didn’t call. She wanted him to call and say that he couldn’t help thinking of her, and talking
to her. She didn’t ask for good excuses. Hearing his voice would prove that he didn’t think of himself only and that for
a time in his life, he showed that he cared about her. She knew that he loved her; he’d said it a million times. She just
wanted to feel taken care of by the man she was going to marry. Only this can prove that other girls were wrong about
him.
Honestly, she wanted to call him the moment she stepped out of the taxi. Yet, she waited for him to call first. Two
days passed without hearing anything from him. She lied on her bed thinking of all the memories they shared together.
She smiled, shed tears, and smiled again. The two years they spent together flashed before her eyes. She wondered
whether this could be the end to the love story they had. It wasn’t her fault that he couldn’t keep it, nor was it his. He
needed a special girl to stand all that he did. Perhaps she wasn’t the one. Perhaps the feelings she had for him weren’t
enough to keep them together. She stood, went to her ring box in the drawer, and wore the ring. It was funny that the
moment she thought of breaking up, she wore the ring. “Anyway,” she said to herself, “everything will be settled down
when I go back.”
Just then, somebody knocked on her door. She opened it, not even having any idea of who the visitor could be. To
her surprise, she saw her fiancé. But he came to say “I know what you’re going to say, but I don’t care. The hell to a
promise that prevents me from talking to you. I missed you and wanted to see you. I’m sorry.”
11
A State of Loneliness
By: Saif Al Kindi
Translated by: Jabir Al Battashi
I
woke up in the early morning. I checked my wristwatch; it was eight o’clock, Thursday. My daughter and I usually
go on a picnic every Thursday.To awake her up, I headed to the bedroom., Shad’s, mother had left her and departed
with one-way ticket to another inaccessible world. I had not yet forgotten the tears I shed when Shahd’s mother
passed away. She left me with a little baby in my lap, a baby whom I did not know how to bring up.
When I pulled the door open, an air rich with the perfume. Shahd’s mother used to hit my face. The pleasantly scented
perfume I later used to put on Shahd’s cloths to remind her of her mother. But the smell did not last for a long time
and faded away the moment I realized that Shahd was not in the room. How strange! Her dolls and toys were scattered
everywhere. I had taught my daughter to tidy away her toys before going to bed, and she always did so. What was
different about today? What had happened?
I thought for a moment, perhaps she woke up early, played in the room for some time and then went out, I told myself.
But that did not make any sense for I remembered that she couldn’t open the door.
‘Oh...,’ I remembered that she used to sleep beside me in my bed every night. ‘How could I forget this? What a
careless father I am’, I said to myself. ‘I left her behind me in the bed.’ So, I hastened to my room, but I found no one.
She was not there! ‘Where might this naughty girl be going? Maybe she is hiding under the bed.’ I bent my body to see
under the bed, but I could not find her. When I stood up beside the bed, I was surprised to see it was still tidied. There was
even no trace of any one having slept on it. ‘Oh, where are you darling Shahd? Where are you hiding from your father,
Sweetie Pie?’ I called her but there was no one to answer me except the walls. It was at that point when I remembered
that I was alone in the house. I fell on the bed and covered my face like a child who has lost his or her parents. Then I
remembers; Shahd had gone and would never return.
At that point, I recalled one of our picnics when I was sitting on the beach with Shahd. She was glowing with her
charming smile whenever I looked at her. I was sitting in one of the deckchairs beside her when she said,’ Daddy.. look at
that woman. She is Mammy. Let’s go with her.’
‘Poor Shahd. You will never know that your mother was selected by Providence and I was left behind with you,’ I said
to myself.
‘Daddy.. Look, she is Mammy.’
‘No, sweet heart she is not. Your mother flew to a faraway place and she will never return. I told you, you’ll meet her
when you grow up.’
‘Oh, right daddy. I forgot that.’
Shahd readily believed what I told her. She had not thought for a moment that she would never see her mother on this
earth.. Not anymore. I am the only one she has. And that was what made me more committed to the vow I made of never
leaving her alone after her mother died the night she was born. I took her wherever I went and gave her what she asked
for. We also used to go for a picnic every Thursday.
12
This was all before I came to know that Shahd had the same disease that killed her mother. I hadn’t thought that our
picnic were going to come to an end. That day, she fell down as if shot through the heart. She looked strangely like her
mother when she was dying. Her breathing became slow and heavy and her body was shaking terribly. Then, it was
obvious to me that she had the same disease. Instantly, I took her to the hospital before it was too late.
The last moments for me with her were those when I was hearing her dying. Her little breathing was much louder
than the whine of the car engine. The moment I stopped the car near the hospital’s door, her voice had stopped, and all
of my hopes and dreams went up in smoke. I carried her in my arms and stepped out of the car thinking that she might
survive. When the doctor examined her, he hugged me and said in sympathy,’ It was too late.. too late. I’m sorry. God
bless you and your daughter’s soul.’
I had an eerie feeling that moment. Loss and dizziness. I was not sure what really happened. I asked my self,’
Why should I have all this desperation? Why should I always be the only one who loses? Why... God?’ I had nothing
to do than to take my daughter in my lap, kiss her, embrace her and shed tears. I whispered in her ear:’ Goodbye my
little angel. Now you can rest in peace away from this unfair world. It is really a mercy that you die at this age. I have
nothing to do except being patient. Go.. Join your mother and wait for me. I will join you soon. Very soon.’
When I came to from my memories, I found my tears wetting the bed’s mattress. I kissed her bed and went out for a
walk alone, as if I was the only man in this dreary vast universe.
13
A Musician
S
leep is rare these days, she thought. Her eyes decided to stay open all night, which she could not control; she sighed
exhaustedly while looking at the fan hanging from the roof whose three arms look like a monster’s. She sat terrified
when she heard a strange voice; she looked right then left as if she were in a forest expecting danger. It was her
sister talking in her dreams. A comfortable feeling arose in her face and she stood stretching her arms moving slowly toward
her sister’s bed. She covered her with a green blanket with a smile in her shadowing face.
The night was still but she could hear the rustling of leaves outside and the whoooing of the white owl, a sound she
liked in particular. She listened with pleasure imagining herself in a dark cold theatre listening to a musician in his white
jacket bowing his golden violin. She was the only listener. He stopped. Splendid, she thought. An idea just surfaced in the
girl’s mind. Why could she not go to the kitchen to drink a cup of hot milk that her father brought the night before from the
farm? Maybe, this would bring sleep back to her stubborn eyes.
She proceeded towards the door, moved the copper-colored handle cautiously. When she opened the door, a cool
breeze slapped her face, made her shiver. She stood there for a while warming her body, then she put her left bare foot in the
first step of the straits and arose quickly. Cold. She smiled and tried again, successfully this time. For a minute, she looked
at the floor searching for a pair of slippers. A torn slipper stood near a big basket which was full of rain water from last
night. Ah! She quitted the idea of slippers and went forward forgetting about her numb bare feet. She looked up at the sky.
Moonless night. Suddenly, a white thing laced the sky like lightening, it was the musician.
She moved towards the kitchen. The black leaves under her feet were warm and soft like a mat in a glass palace and
an endless line of servants on both sides just to complete the image she thought and smiled. She reached the kitchen, dark
and dim. She did not want to switch the lights on. Darkness is a threat for some and a retreat for others. She halted for a while
looking around in the dark kitchen, her mind was empty. A bit of refreshing wind found its way through the house, it was soft
wind but it fiercely stole many leaves from their mother which was asleep, unaware of what was happening; they fell one by
one in zigzag motion in the air. Despite the darkness, she saw something shining by the oven. She moved toward it and knelt,
touched it. Cold too. It was her brother’s rife, maybe he forgot to take it she thought. She was about to stand up to reach the
light when she heard smashing leaves.
Steps, yes steps, she thought; so, she decided to keep quiet until she knew whose steps they were. She was not the
only one who stood still, the wind, the sleeping trees and even the owl, the musician, all stopped gazing and listening to the
new visitors.
They were three. She heard them clearly now and one moved toward her, towards the kitchen. Other steps joined the first
ones. Her blood froze. She became a statue of ice, except for her heart, still beating like the beatings of crazy drummers.
“I will shoot them,” she reassured herself after her senses returned.
“I will blow them to pieces” . They came, deaf of the pounding of the girl’s heart.
“I will shoot them,” she said again to herself.
They stopped at the stairs.
As if the statue of ice turned into fire, she stood holding the rifle and fired through the little window of the dark kitchen.
14
15
•Eve Dairy
“We suffer a lot from strict procedures and impolite manner that
come sometimes from some supervisors..
Investigations
“
When will I graduate Science. One student says, “Let me assignments, we as well are busy in
and reach the end of my deal with whoever says that a student’s marking their submitted works.”
suffering?” is a question that life is any easier than the employee’s. Everyone wished, at least once,
is being asked by almost all Of course, not. For all what a student to be a physician. Doctors earn a lot
of the university students. suffers, who dares to say that he is of money and they do not have to pay
Well, is this the way things are going? living an easy life! After the employee for a car for the rest of their lives.
In other words, is life after graduation finishes his duty, he returns home to What a perfect life they have! This is
easier than the life before? All of these have some rest, while a student has what one of the students says. While
questions gave us the motivation to a double time duty. Starting with the Dr. Abdullah Al Jadidi, a medical
search for answers. In the light of morning and afternoon classes and doctor, said: “ In my career, I have
this, my friend and I decided to do ending with a full night studying.” to study and learn all the time about
a research about that. So, we wrote a Another believes that, “employees the new developments in medicine
questionnaire of ten questions. After do not live under stress and so many day by day”, which means that they
very hard work we came up with very worries for eight months like students are in a daily study case beside being
surprising statistics. do. A student has to worry about tests, employees. Another one said: “This
Can you imagine that 83% of results, which teacher to take a course is a big misconception. Most of the
the students believe that life after with and even what course to take. “ time, it is very hard work and not just
graduation is better and much easier. Not only do they believe that they receiving salary for doing nothing.
78% of them agree that the students’ are suffering, but they accuse working After you graduate you will SEE what
responsibilities are larger than the people that they have an easy life. “RESPONSIBILITY” really means.”
employees’ ones. Some say that teachers’ make students Other workers like security
This is what students say about suffer and they just have an easy life guards, nurses and employees of the
them being students and their opinions while students are struggling with private sector agree with what both
about those who have jobs. A student the assignments that they are giving. teachers and doctors say. Some say
from the College of Arts and Social This was the students’ point of view that a student has full control of his
Sciences agrees that “graduation and towards this idea. choices. One of the simplest choices
getting a job is the end of the students’ is related to his sleeping hours. He
suffering. No more assignments, tests On the other hand, teachers can remain awake the whole night by
or stress.” An engineering student says have their own point of view as well. his own choice, while we stay awake
“a student’s life is so tiring and tough, Dr Bala, a teacher in the for the whole night, simply, because
while having a job is comfortable English department, assures that, “this we have to. And sometimes we have
and a relief.” His colleague strongly is a wrong belief and both students’ a full day’s duty. This is all because of
believes that, “if I am given the and employees’ lives are equally the obligations of our jobs. The funny
chance to continue my higher studies, challenging, each in its own way.” thing about all that is that almost all
I will not even think about taking it. Miss Ameera, an Arabic teacher, of them envy students for their lives.
After five years of struggling, I cannot says “both students and employees 85% of them say that if they are giving
imagine myself being a student again suffer. For those who accused us of the chance to be students again, they
and facing everything all over again.” having rest after our duty, I would will immediately take it.
The most shocking sayings were like to make them know that while All in all, my friend and I believe
the ones of students of the College of the students are busy in doing their that being a student is not easier than
17
18
T
the dictionary. I had little time to focus what I think is appropriate. If there is a
he use of the dictionary on ideas and organization. It was truly a dictionary I will always be searching in
had been a controversial waste of time! But when I got rid of the it and will never trust my knowledge of
issue for two semesters chains of the dictionary, I concentrated English. Not using dictionary in tests
until was finally banned. This issue more on the way I presented my ideas will help me to rake my brain for the
is still a sound ground for argument and the way I organized my essay.” answers. Moreover, dictionaries are a
and discussion for many students and Then we met (S.B.) another waste of time in exams.”
instructors. Between the faculty who education student who commented on For some professional points of
set this policy and the students who the same policy: “I don’t agree with view, we met two language teachers
are subjected to it, we have decided to this policy for many reasons. First, in the English Department. When we
give them all the opportunity to express the policy has been implemented too asked the first one: “do you agree with
their opinions. late, we are fourth year students and this policy or not? And why?” Ms.
We have searched for the truth and we got used to dictionaries. Second, Kaija Penttinen talked to us saying:
these are the facts. We leave it to you teachers have started to ignore “I am with this policy because
dear readers to decide if this policy evaluating students according to of many reasons. First of all, future
was taken for the students’ advantage content, organization and structures. employers will want to know what SQU
or not. They concentrate more on spelling graduates from the English Department
more than on standards. Third, students are able to do on their own, and what
- Language Courses: sometimes want to use new words but their real level, knowledge and skills
because of the fear of making spelling in English are. If an employer needs
We have met some students from mistakes they use low-level words.” someone to communicate orally for his
the Collage of Education majoring Then, we asked (S.B.) whether job, he is not going to employ someone
in English. (A.S.) said regarding this dictionaries save time or not, she said: whose skill depends on dictionaries.
policy: ” it does save time because students Our marks are expected to reflect the
“It is very hard for a student like spend a long time trying to remember students’ real knowledge and skills.
me to admit that this policy is very the spelling of some words they Second, not all students are able to
effective and the truth is that, yes, know. Therefore, they spend time buy fancy sophisticated dictionaries,
I am with this policy. It is horrifying remembering synonyms and hesitate so those using only pocket dictionaries
for a student to think of being deprived whether to use words they spell well or would be immediately disadvantaged.
of using dictionaries. A dictionary to use new words with wrong spelling. Third, many students are mistaken
for a student is the safe shore that Because of this policy, students’ when they think that a dictionary will
increases her\his chances of survival. creativity does not function in exams. make a huge difference in their exam
Most students, if not all, believe that Most students prefer to write simple results. Exam time is limited. There
it is nearly impossible to write without words to guarantee the spelling.” is not much time to use a dictionary
using a dictionary.” Then, (A.S.) Student (H.A.) said: effectively. Also, to use a good solid
added: “When I used to write with a “I agree with this policy, because it dictionary effectively, the students
dictionary, my mind was all the time helps me to be more confident. It forces need to have a pretty high level of
thinking of how, when and where to use me to stick to my vocabulary and write English already.”
19
Our second question to Ms Kaija expect this from 2nd language students?” issue a policy based on generalization.
was: “What is the difference between (B.J.) added:” It is proven that students One has to think before making such
your students’ work before and after who use dictionaries effectively, and I a statement (students waste their time
applying this policy?” stress the word “effectively”, get high in selecting words and putting them in
She answered: “I have never allowed marks in exams, whether this exam is a their sentences).”
my students to use dictionaries in any translation, writing or comprehension We then moved to the other
exam.” one. The excessive dependence on faculty members to know what are
We also interviewed Dr. Janet dictionaries is disastrous though. It their opinions regarding this new
Holst and asked her the same questions. consumes time if the student uses a policy. We went to Dr. Habib Kahlawi,
Her answers were as following: dictionary for almost every word.” a translation instructor, he says” I am
“Dictionaries should always be used (T.M.), another translation student against allowing dictionaries, because
in class (for reading and writing classes) talked to us about this issue saying: in translation we don’t test grammar
and in take-home assignments. Our “When I first joined the English only but sometimes the focus is in the
students do not use dictionaries when Department I was told: “A translator is vocabulary, so we can’t see the students’
they should. They submit assignments not a walking dictionary”. However, it effort in the exams.” He emphasizes, “I
with spelling mistakes all the time. seems that they want to make us so. First always prevent my students from using
Students must use dictionaries, but of all I would like to tell you that I am dictionaries whether they are translation
exams and tests are meant to assess against this new policy simply because students or education students, because
students’ knowledge of the language. as translation students, we know exactly dictionaries are most of the time
No dictionaries should be allowed at when and how to use dictionaries. Now, misleading.”
language tests.” we are in our last year and through To find out some facts about this
Answering our second question Dr. these years we have learned how to issue we met the Head of the English
Holst said: use them properly and not in away Department Dr. Nafla Al Kharusi and
“I have noticed an improvement in that wastes our time during exams. we had this conversation with her:
the students’ work after applying this Secondly, unlike English literature
policy. My students started to focus on students, we spend almost more than - What are the reasons that led you
the structure and the organization of 7 hours a day translating so, how come to set this policy?
their writings. There is an improvement we are still not aware enough about
in the spelling as well.” the use of dictionary as some people “In terms of language courses, there
claim? In studying translation, people is not a single respectable institution
- Translation courses: do not judge your storage of vocabulary; seas over that allows students to use
they look for your choice of word in dictionaries in exams. Therefore,
Then, we moved to other students the correct context. The translator is for us to be a credible university we
who are affected more by this policy, the judge. He has to think (when to should follow the criteria of respectable
the translation students. We have use X word, in X context, to convey X universities.
asked the student (B.J.) about his meaning). So, what is the purpose of not Regarding translation courses, we are
opinion regarding this policy, he said: allowing dictionaries during exams?? still looking at the issue. We want our
” Sometimes you miss the meaning of a What these people are not aware of is students to graduate with a reasonably
keyword in a text you translate making that they are making the task somehow good level of English. We want to
you almost confused of what the text easier for translation students, simply train them to be analytical and able to
is actually about. Indeed, you get the because they provide us with the best guess the meaning from the context.
meaning through the context, but what equivalent for a given word. In this case, We should not forget that in translation
if you cannot understand the context they could not judge the student’s ability tests teachers are supposed to provide
in the first place? A native English of choosing the right word in the right a glossary of the difficult words with
specialist cannot comprehend all the context. What I want to say is that using their different senses. The professor is
words in a dictionary. How can you dictionaries is a SKILL. And one cannot not supposed to give the right definition,
20
21
Eve Dairy …
Within SQU’s Boarder & Beyond
U
niversity life is usually I met a girl, who has not yet Check-in signing
the turning point for completed three years at the
the lives of individual university, coming from one of the
regardless of their gender. It scientific college. She disclosed The night has not finished…
holds within its pages a chapter to me one of her worries, and I It is 8:30 pm, half an hour before
of challenges and struggles. listened to her. She said excitedly the alarm is triggered. The
Students’ daily life is confronted that life in the hostel is exciting supervisor will take the student
with difficulties and obstacles, except one negative social aspect, attendance signature, said an
especially when they move from which is being away from home Eve to her colleague. I took the
their environment (home) into and family. There are a lot of opportunity to listen closely to
a new one (university). This educational and recreational her daily life in hostel.
situation does not only apply activities and events taking place
on Adam but also on Eve. She inside the hostel or in the halls. She said that she loves
has her share in this experiance. attending activities that are held
According to Eve, this experience in the evenings. “I consider
is very unique; it carries a lot “Perhaps, the only grave
problem I face is the hostile them to be an important factor
of social vibes (psychologically to release the pressure from the
and mentally) especially when supervisor who is known for her
unstable mood. Sometimes, she academic study and missing
Eve is away from her family home. We have a lot of fun which
and relatives. Through this is so friendly that makes a good
relation with the students, but helps us to forget our worries
investigation, I tried to put Eve’s related to our study and other
word under the scope to reveal it is only a matter of time that
her mood changes to the other social problems like being bored.
what is inside her and to bring to
the readers the real image of the extreme to destroy all she tries
Eve’s social life of Eve inside and to build with the students,” she “We suffer a lot from strict
outside SQU. explained procedures and impolite manner
that come sometimes from some
She said that the facilities supervisors. However, some of
Investigated by Turkey Ali the procedures are necessary.
AL-Belushi provided in the hostels are
acceptable, and homesickness is For example, attendance taking
not a big deal. is very important to keep female
Translated by: Mohammed students safe and make sure that
Hilal Al-Hajri they are in the hostel. It shows
that those responsible are caring
for Eve’s safety,” She added
A Moody Supervisor smilingly
22
23
Last Drop
24
27
Ignorance is bliss:
Possible interpretation: What you do not know causes no worry or sadness.
Movie Reviews
This is an autobiography
about an American
woman who married an
Iranian and was forced
to live in Iran against her
will. Betty married a man
she loved and respected,
but finds herself
trapped in a country
where women have no
rights. This story shows
a woman’s courage and
devotion to her daughter
when she tries to escape
her husband, who later
became abusive, and his
family. It’s a compelling
drama that would leave
you anxious to know if
she will be able to reach
her homeland safely
and most importantly
with her daughter!
28
Click
(2006) Comedy/Drama/Fantasy
29
Drama
By:
Ali Al-Belushi
Ferial Al-Majrafi
Saif Al-Kindi
Drama
!
The Cast
Salim
Salma
Father
Salim’s friend
Salma’s friend
Teacher
Scene 1
The father is sitting in the living room (the majles) when his son, Salim, enters.
The daughter, Salma, enters staggers as she hears what Salim is saying.
Salma: The Eiffel Tower in China? No way, dad. Don’t listen to him. The Eiffel Tower’s in France.
FATHER: (sarcastic) What do you know about the Evil Tower?
Salim: (to his father) Let me remind her of it. (To his sister as if lecturing a child) The Evil Tower is that
building which looks like a Pepsi can about to fall.
Salma: That one’s called the leaning Tower of Pisa and it’s in Italy not in France or China.
FATHER: Ha ha, what?? Hey, I began to hear France and Italy. Your brother said it’s in China. You’re just
mixing things up. I don’t know why I let you go to school. You should be at home washing clothes and cooking
for us.
Scene 2
Salma: One day you’ll see me in the street tearing my hair and throwing stones at people.
Salma’s Friend: Why? Have you decided to go nuts instead of being a nurse?
Salma : No, but my brother and father are driving me crazy. They just think I’m stupid and only believe in the
power of men.
Salma’s Friend: Wait. Are you talking about modern men?
Salma: Come to my house and you’ll see for yourself.
Salma’s Friend: What on earth happened to frustrate you like this?
Salma: Yesterday after school, we were all together watching TV—
Salma’s Friend: Aha, watching that episode on Channel 5?
31
Salma: I don’t know. I wasn’t watching it anyway. Just sitting with my family.
Salma’s Friend: You missed a lot. The young boy is now 20 years old, but still as arrogant and self-centered
as ever.
Salma: Sounds like my brother. He’s totally arrogant and self-centered. He always-
Salma’s Friend: Thank God my brother’s still a kid.
Salma: Let me tell you about my brother. Yesterday, I heard him telling my father—
Salma’s Friend: That must be when I was calling you. Now I can see why nobody answered. How come you
didn’t hear your phone ringing? I thought you were all out, maybe for lunch. I called five times. You spent all
that time talking with your family?!
Salma is angry. She gives no answer but just looks at the floor and shakes her leg.
Scene 3
Salim’s Friend: Ugh, I could hardly get away from the house.
SALIM: What?? What happened?
Salim’s Friend: My father, he’s always making me finish all my homework before coming out.
SALIM: Really?! Why would he care?
Salim’s Friend: He wants me to be a genius. “Study well. Do this. Do that. Read this. Read that. Write your
homework. Don’t forget to study for tomorrow. I want you to be the best”.
SALIM: Why don’t you lie to him? Tell him you don’t have any homework or you’ve finished it.
Salim’s Friend: Uh, it doesn’t work that way my friend. Besides, I wouldn’t like to do that to him.
32
Scene 4
The family is sitting outside the house having dinner
FATHER: Hurry, Salma. Take all the dishes to the kitchen. It’s not polite to keep somebody waiting at the
door.
33
The Teacher: How are you Mr. Omar? I’m your son’s teacher.
FATHER: Oh, you’re welcome, sir. Come in, please. If we’d known you were coming, we’d have cooked
Chinese food for you. (Proudly) You know… Like the kind they make at the Evil Tower.
The Teacher: (laughing, but doesn’t know why) Sorry, but I didn’t get the joke.
FATHER: Didn’t get the joke? Who mentioned jokes? I was just welcoming you.
The Teacher: But you mentioned the Eiffel Tower and China. How are they connected?
FATHER: Ah! I get you! You’re testing my general knowledge. Well, I know that the Evil Tower’s in China.
(With a challenge) What do you think?
The Teacher: Ha ha. What, sir? The Eiffel Tower is in France, Paris.
FATHER: Who told you that?
The Teacher: Everybody knows it!
FATHER: OK. What subject do you teach?
The Teacher: I teach space science!
FATHER: (His voice fading): But Salim said it’s in China. He was so sure.
The Teacher: Really?! And what does Salim know? I mean besides jokes and football?
FATHER: Ah, he knows many things. He’s just told me where the moon’s light comes from.
The Teacher: Salim, come and listen to your father. You’re our star. You can’t just leave like that. Now, Mr.
Omar, where does the moon’s light come from?
FATHER: Don’t say you don’t know about the people responsible for switching the moon’s light on and off. I
expected you to even know their names.
The Teacher: (laughing) Oh, God. Who told you that? The moon only reflects light that it absorbs from the
sun.
FATHER: But Salim...
The Teacher: Come on, Mr. Omar. Let me tell you something. Your son’s a buffoon. A dunderhead.
A numbskull. An ignoramus. A feather-brain. A giddy goat. A wastrel. A thickhead. A duffer. A blockhead. An
oaf. A dolt. A goof. A bird-brain. A dunce. And many other things I could call him. He’s one of my laziest
students. He doesn’t attend most of his classes and has problems with all his teachers.
FATHER: Oh dear! I’ve been assuming that Salim’s one of the best students in your school. Isn’t he? (Fading)
I was so sure about that.
The Teacher: I’m sorry. I thought that you should know a few facts about him. And now I should tell you that
he’s been expelled from school.
FATHER: I thought that boys were better than girls. Oh, poor Salma. How wrong I’ve been about her!
The End
34
•The night
They finally confront the problems they have been ignoring all day long..
36
37
T
he sun sets, the sound fades, and the movement slows down. It is getting dark. Here comes the night.
Oh, night, what are you?
Most people say you are darkness and calmness. But I believe you are more than that. There is much
more in you than a mere romantic view.
Simply, you are the end of the day and time to go. People go home. Animals go to their enclosures. Just like Thomas
Gray’s description in his elegy:
“The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,
The lowing herd wind slowly o’er the lea,
The plowman home ward plods his weary way
And leaves the world to darkness and to me”.
Moreover, you are the confrontation time. People have finished their work and all they need now is to take a rest.
But it is a rest they don’t get because they unintentionally confront reality. They finally confront the problems they
have been ignoring all day long. During the day, they have some work that helps them to forget, pretend to forget,
their problems. But when you come, there is no way to evade them anymore. The only thing they can, and should,
do is to face reality.
In the village, you are dauntingly silent; yet, stunning. Except for some sounds like the beetles’ and the owls’.
Simply, you are the time to stop and go home. You are the time to sleep.
However, in the city you are the lovely king. You are decorated with millions of lights and the place is just alive.
People still move as if the sunset shows no change. I think those people in the city love you. Why wouldn’t they
since you don’t show them your whole face? Your darkness and your dreadful silence hide behind the lights and the
noise.
You are the time of betrayal and crime. Those burglars and robbers rarely commit their crimes in the morning.
The night is their time. That is when everybody goes to bed and the place is still and dark. And the girl which has
promised her parents not to betray them won’t resist you. She waits until you come, until her parents go to sleep
and then she breaks the promise. You are the only time she can achieve her wicked goal. She leaves the house. She
betrays the two most important people in her life to be with him. Her “lover”!
I don’t know why but you, night, seem to be the favorite time for people to betray and sin. There is that strange
connection between you, the sin, and tomorrow.
You also have some relation with death. The death of the sun, the death of pretending. And the death of
achievement. When that great person ages and weakens, it is you that we use as a metaphor for aging and weakness.
When another person dies and with him die the energy, the beauty, and the compassion, it is also you that we use as a
metaphor for that decline and fade. Your blackness embodies death.
For the people who care, you are the time of evaluating the self. They try to recall what they have done during the
38
day. They see how much sin and guilt they have committed. Then, they punish themselves and promise not to do them
again. In this case, you are the time when they see the certificate of the day.
You are the favorite time for those sensitive people who are called poets. Only at night does the inspiration come
and the pen move in an unusual way. You show them, through your darkness, the real meanings, of the concepts and
the sentiments. There is no pressure, no stress or force. They write smoothly and naturally. There are no obstacles that
prevent them from grasping reality and truth. Only at night can they analyze those emotions and notions they couldn’t
interpret during the day. Your darkness is the ink that inspires them. It enables them to analyze, interpret and see
without much suffering.
But what do Palestinian children think of you? Probably, you are the ugliest time for them. At night, they expect
calmness and rest, just like children all over the world. But the opposite occurs. Their hearts beat incredibly, horrified
that a piece of silly metal called a “bullet”, or worse a “bomb”, shatters their dreams. To those little men, you have
a gloomy face. You are the time in which they desperately wait for the sunshine. The time of slight hope mixed with
a huge amount of despair. You have no better impression on another group of children. Those children who can’t sleep
because high and angry voices are heard from their parents’ room. It is almost a daily event for them. They try to ignore
the intensity of arguing and shouting. But they can’t. They believe that you come and bring with you the urge and
reason for quarrelling and conflicting. Their ultimate wish is the death of something called “the night”.
The lofty meaning of you is that you are the time of the real love. It is not that unusual love among people; it is the
ultimate love between a person and his Creator, Allah. Only a few people taste this kind of love. They are the ones
who have incredible longing reflected in loyal tears and abandoned sleep. It is only at night that they feel that peaceful
closeness to Him. They pray with Owe, Confession. But, most importantly, with Hope.
For some people, you are the father of melancholy and sibling of tears. But I have to confess, it is only during your
time that people can see the marvelous moon and the glittering stars.
But that doesn’t make you perfect, poor night. You are still helpless. Your darkness covers everything, but it can’t
prevent the fragrance of flowers from spreading. It can’t stop the river from flowing. It can’t assassinate the echoing
happy sounds of the past. You are not always the victor. And that is the consolation.
39
Charity begins at home:
A person’s first obligation should be to help the member of his own family before he
can begin thinking of talking about helping others.
Articles
I
f you don’t believe me, don’t read this composition
please. I’m warning you in advance. I know you
want to go mad…It’s what you are eager for: to
live in the world of sorrow, and feel the pain of regret. You
wish to experience the taste of sadness and the warmth
of tears. Please, don’t hesitate. This is your chance,
your guide to misery, so why don’t you read further.
40
Dead men tell no lies:
Often used as an argument for killing someone whose knowledge of a secret may
cause one loss or get into serious trouble.
Articles
S
ight is a wonderful gift. It ancient Romans, a red flag was a signal and gray gives mood of gloom. Also,
allows us to understand great for battle because of its visibility; stop the artists combined to create different
deal about the world around sings stoplights, brake lights and fire moods. For example, the colors yellow,
us and fills our lives with richness and equipment which painted all in red. In orange and red combine to create
beauty. The miracle of vision results China, red is the color of good luck and a warm mood, while green, dark, and
from combination between light and it is used as holiday and wedding color. violet combine to create a cool mood.
eyes. This combination leads us to see Chinese babies are given their names at The importance of colors expands to
the colorful world. Everything around a red-egg ceremony because they think change behaviors and feelings. The
us has a color. Color is a powerful red frightens the devil. Red used to take physician can use colors to get rid of
feature which gives us the sense of the attention in most cases. Also, red is the psychological diseases like worry,
world. Ten million is the numbers of color most commonly found in national insomnia, some confusion, depression
different colors that can be distinguish flag. and fear. The roles of physicians came
in our lives. That huge number of colors Another example is green. The in the treatment as the following:
affects us deeply. For thousands of ancient Egyptians colored the floor of putting the patient in a room painted
years, people have tried to make their their temples green because they think with calm colors or furnished with
lives more meaningful by coloring their green symbolized vitality. In ancient special furniture which helps the patient
clothes, cars, homes, environment and Greece, green symbolized victory. In to be relaxed and express his feelings or
even their faces. People interact with Scotland people wore green as a mark making the patient himself wear calm
color not only as a source of beauty but of honor and faith. In fact, green is the clothes which affect him in a positive
also as source of discovering personality color of nature which is considered way.
and psychology. as a healing color. Moreover, black
There are a number of opinions often stands for secrecy. The ancient The personality is affected by colors
about the meaning of colors. When and Romans used black for grief. The in different ways. Most people who love
you look at color, you may feel or ancient Egyptian believed that black blue color is diplomatic with people,
remember something special. Your cats had great power. Some people used clam, and analytical, conscientious,
eyes may speak to you and try to give black heart expression to indicate that a work indecently and think logically.
you the meaning of what you see. In person is an evil. Even the expression Also, they tend to take things too
your own special language color takes of blackmail means getting things by seriously, careful in planning and censor
on meaning through you. Overall the threat. In India, yellow is the symbol for new ideas. People who love green are
world, people agree on some general a merchant or farmer. Also, the Hindus consoling in others, cooperative,
meaning of colors. Purple means wear yellow to celebrate the festival of sacrifices personal goal for others, trust
a romantic, imaginative and fantasy. spring. To holistic healers, yellow is the quickly, remain silent and fail to speak
Green means growth, abundance and color of peace. up. Also, they are reacting emotionally,
vitality. Orange means happiness, Color is a powerful weapon. Color is reassure convincingly, and avoiding
courage and success. Yellow means the first thing we notice and often is the competition. People who love yellow
enthusiastic, playful, and optimistic last thing we remember. Color plays an are models of enthusiasm, wise, get
while blue means tranquil, intuitive important role in our life and when we bored easily, fail in keeping promise,
and trust. Pink means the outrageous, understand the meaning of colors and and adapting quickly. Almost they are
imaginative and innovative. However, the vibration frequencies associations loyal, immature, and attract attention of
if we go farther, we will discover some steaming from tradition, nature, and others. People who love red tend to be
differences in meaning of colors. In personal experience includes: red gives more energetic, ambitious, confident,
many countries, colors used to express mood pf passion, yellow gives mood of challenger, and sensitive.
feeling and language. For example, for cheerful, blue gives mood of peaceful,
41
“we were in class one day when to it. This is because of the tremendous
some members from the E.T.S came influences that the society has in every
to introduce the society. He told us member’s life.
about the society and it’s activities
and I directly attended.” At first, he The end of the trip…..
was the head of sub-groups. Then he He advises students to demonstrate the
became the head. As a president, he best of what they can in the society.
found it difficult to manage his time Also, they should be motivated to
between his study and responsibilities give it the best of what they can
for the society and here the challenge afford. Waleed guides them to reject
began…. the idea that the society is a waste of
time because in the class they gain
“
And the trip continues….. knowledge. However, in the E.T.S,
In the English and they have the chance to practice what
Since sometimes there were conflicts they have gained and the opportunity to
translations society we
between the members’ ideas in the enhance their social skills
respect each other as
activities, he tried hard to make all
brothers and sisters; we
of them focus on the benefits to the
care for each other.” He was
society. Also, he tried hard to be as
and still is one of the most effective
active as he could to develop the
members of the English Society . His
society, and he did.
ambition to reach his aims in life led
him to work hard and to become one
The station of the impact…..
of the most successful presidents of
the society. The success he achieved
“I owe to the society 70% of who
in the society impacted his personality
I am today.” Waleed said this with
and contributed to his life. Waleed
obvious gratefulness. He admitted
bin Swaid bin Salim ALShukaili is
that the society has enhanced his
one of the elite students at S.Q.U. He
personality greatly. Due to the society
was looking for away to get benefits
he became a sociable, confident and
from his abilities and he found his
creative person.
way when he joined the E.T.S in 1997.
He reached his aims and he became
The station of the loyalty….
one of the most effective presidents
of the society within two years. He
Even though he graduated in 2002,
is still building on his success and
he still devotes his time and effort
achievements. Now he is doing his
to benefit the society. He always
master degree in the Department
helps the members of the society and
of Curriculum in the College of
guides them by his wise experiences,
Education at S.Q.U.
suggestions and ideas. He believes
that every member should be faithful
His trip with the society……
43
Every cloud has a silver lining:
If you say that every cloud has a silver lining, you mean that every sad or unpleasant situation has
a positive side to it. If you talk about silver lining you are talking about something positive that
comes out of a sad or unpleasant situation
Interviews
Interview about:
S
ultan Qaboos University Hanan is very proud of her acting AL-Shukaili who replied: “In my
added a success to in this play. opinion, the play was one of the
its history. The play The other main character most interesting plays I have ever
A Doctor Inspite of Himself is Hammal AL-Belushi who seen. It represented the creativity
is an example of successful performed the character of the students who acted it to
activities done by students. Sganerelle. We asked him what amuse their audience as perfect
It was performed by students he has gained from acting in as possible. What I liked more
from the Department of English this play in front of hundreds about it are the actors who played
in The College of Arts and of people. He said: “acting in their roles like professionals.”
Social Sciences. It comes after the play helped me a lot, not Jawaher AL-Zeidi, one of
last year’s creative production only in the field of acting but in the big fans of the play and her
Pygmalion. Both works were other life activities as well. It was actors said that she liked it very
directed by Ms.Fatema Al good to work as a team. Also, much and she thinks that it is a
Rubaiey, a demonstrator in I learned what it means to have a perfect work. She was amazed
the English Department. We responsibility and do everything by the time between the scenes
interviewed two main characters to make it a success. In fact, I which was well organized and
in the play: Hanan Qasem lived the role and tried hard to controlled.
and Hammal AL-Belushi. show it in a perfect shape.” Reem AL-Wahaibi added:
Hanan talked about her roles We also met the stage “I enjoyed the play very much
enthusiatically: “I played two manager, Rasha AL-Mamari and I was impressed by the
roles in the A Doctor in Spite of and asked her about her part in performance of the actors. In
Himself, one is main, Martine, this play. Rasha said: “My role fact, the students did a brilliant
and the other is minor, Jaqueline. in the show was a stage manager. job. Their performance showed
Martine is an uneducated and I was responsible for clothing and us that the university has
ugly woman. She tries to attract make-up. Plus, I took care of the outstanding students. I encourage
her husband but she fails. financial stuff, and I monitored them to continue in this field and
She is the wife of the main the rehearsals in case the director we are expecting more from
character in the play, Sganarelle, was absent. On the date of the them in the future.”
a lumberjack. Because of his show, I received the guests and These points of views should
carelessness, Martine always organized behind-stage activities encourage those who have the
fights with him. Unlike Martine, such as entering and leaving of talent to dig deep in this field
Jaqueline is a wise and a beautiful the actors and set changing.” and never hesitate because they
person; however, she is a low How did the audience judge will find the trust and the support
class woman. She is the nurse their work and what were their they need to begin.
of Lucinde, the king’s daughter.” reactions? We interviewed Zahra
44
you to put your life at risk for someone who has probably
died,” he added.
what his boss said, and came back after an hour carrying
“Of course sir, when I found him he was still alive and he
said to me: I was sure you would come!” the solider said
45
Eat to live, but do not live to eat:
Man was created for a divine purpose and he has a destiny with his Creator - he was not born
just to enjoy food.
• Italy..
Tourism is a major source of income for the Italian economy..
•Oman..
Every traditional art presents a story with certain events..
Get a green game..
Countries
S
urrounded by Austria,
Switzerland, France and Milan is a city that is well
Croatia, Italy is located known for shopping and fashion.
in the south of Europe. It is very Any woman’s dream is to go to
well known for many things such as Milan and shop for designer’s
pasta, its amazing cities, shopping brands. Milan is also home of two
and football. It’s capital is Rome. famous football teams, AC Milan
and Inter Milan, it is also home Peninsula” as an antonomasia). Italy
Tourism is a major source of of the church Santa Maria delle shares its northern alpine boundary
income for the Italian economy, Grazie which contains Leonardo with France, Switzerland, Austria and
since many tourists go to Italy DaVinci’s famous piece of art, Slovenia. The independent countries
and visit cities like Venice, The Last Supper. Milan is also of San Marino and the Vatican
Florence, Milan, Pisa and Rome. home of The Duomo, which is City are enclaves within Italian
the second largest cathedral of territory, while Campione d’Italia
There are many places to visit in the world and the world’s largest is an Italian exclave in Switzerland.
Italy, as stated above. These places collection of marble statues. Milan
attract the tourists. In Rome you is a part of the Lombardia region Italy is also home of the very
can find the famous Colleseum, The in Italy. Situated in the north well known artist Leonardo DaVinci
Museum of the Unknown Soldier, who is very well known for his
The Vatican City and many more. The Italian climate is famous painting, The Mona Lisa.
uniquely diverse and can be It is also known for another artist,
Whereas in Pisa, there is the far from the stereotype of the Michelangelo. In Science, Italy is
leaning tower. In Venice, the “land of sun”. The higher areas well known for Galileo. Other notable
romantic floating city that can be are cold, wet, and often snowy. Italian scientists and inventors include
traveled in by boats referred to The coastal regions, where most Fermi, Cassini, Volta, Lagrange,
by the Italians as Gondolas. The of the large towns are located, Fibonacci, Marconi, and Meucci.
city floats on a salt water Lagoon. have a typical Mediterranean
climate with mild winters and However, many people now
Florence is well known for its hot and generally dry summers. recognize Italy as the Champions
buildings and statues. Many people of the World, as they have won
refer to Florence as a romantic Italians also call Italy lo Stivale the last World Cup, which was
city. Florence is a part of Toscani. (“the Boot”, due to its boot-like hosted by Germany in 2006, after
This is a region in Italy. In shape), il Bel Paese (“the Beautiful beating France in the penalty kicks.
Italy, Florence is called Firenze. Country”) or la Penisola (“the
47
48
49
Home
It had been years, maybe twenty
or more. I can still remember
those beautiful scenes, the
breath of fresh air, the sweet
familiar smell coming from the
chimneys…
‘Where are you going, sir?’, the
driver asked.
I paused for a long time before I
told him!
By: Ibtisam Al-Kharousi
50
www.englishsqu.net
51
52
• E-learning at SQU
Innovations and challenges..
•Language death
when a language is abandoned by it’s speakers..
Introduction
With the noticeable advances in the field of telecommunication, especially in the global networks and
the rich e-learning resources, it has become possible for learners to enroll in short courses and even earn
degrees without having to leave the geographical area where they reside or bear the usual expenses of such
degrees. Thus, the field of educational technology has very much linked itself to another well-known field:
Information Technology (IT). Information Technology refers to the advanced methods of and equipment
for collecting, storing, securing, and distributing data via computer networks, satellites, compact disks,
electronic archives and other means of communications (Alsaadi, 2005).
E-Learning at SQU
Alsaadi, states that the importance of e-learning has been recognized by Sultan Qaboos University.
This leads to adoption of new initiatives. Most colleges and centers have begun to use these e-learning
approaches within their own programs. E-learning at SQU has been useful for both students and instructors,
but there are many innovations and challenges of using e-learning at SQU (personal communication, April
22, 2006).
54
Fair exchange is no robbery:
A contract is fair as long as both the parties understand and agree to the conditions willingly;
after a deal is closed neither side can turn around and say that he was unfairly treated.
Studies
and anyone can download it from their website unlike WebCT which is designed only by one company.
The following graph shows WebCT usage in spring 2004 at SQU as evidence of development of the e-
learning since it has around for only a few years (CET, 2006):
Figure: WebCT usage in Spring 2004 of SQU (adapted from CET website)
Alsaadi believes that most of the challenges in e-learning at SQU are like the challenges that face
other universities and colleges around the world, but there are some challenges that SQU suffers from
more than the others. The following points show the main challenges that SQU faces in e-learning at the
present time (personal communication, April 22, 2006).
1. Financial problems.
2. Preparing instructors.
5. Technical problems.
55
However, SQU is taking major steps to solve these problems in order to minimize their negative
impact on the use of e-learning at SQU.
Conclusion
It is clear that SQU has been successful to a certain extent in implementing e-learning although
it began using e-learning just a few years ago. The innovations of e-learning at SQU have made e-
learning at SQU more flexible and useful for both students and instructors. On the other hand, SQU
faces several challenges in e-learning as is the case with other universities and colleges around the
world (CET, 2006). Finally, I would say that e-learning is used at SQU with great innovations and
useful ideas because SQU works hard to bring and solve issues of e-learning. It is the dawn of the
new era at SQU.
56
“we should study literary criticism and the theories of literature for the same reason
we read literature, to forever alter our perspectives, to escape our own vanities, and to
extend the horizon of our limitation”
Lynn Jordan Stidon
Studies
Language death
Done by:Yousuf AL Harrasi
57
Little drops of water, little grains of sand, makes the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.
Studies
Non-native writers'
problems caused by
cultural influences
Done By: Muna Yahya AL-Battashi
Introduction
Most teachers and instructors find many serious problems
in non-native speakers’ writings. One of the many issues that
cause these serious problems is culture. Some students do
not know that culture may influence the writing submitted
to native speakers but some of them know and at the same
time cannot solve it. The purpose of this research is to
define what culture is, what the problems are that non-
native writers face because of culture and what are the
suggested solutions for these cultural problems. Also, the
research will include viewpoints of doctors from Sultan
Qaboos University concerning culture and students writing
problems. In addition, if only teachers could shine a light
into the minds of each student and explain why and how
of ideas, behaviors,
they should write, the real problems would be revealed and
and material
the solutions will be easy to find.
possessions. ('' The
Lausarre Institute'',
Definition of culture
n.d.)
What stereotypes are common about people in your
culture? How close are those stereotypes to reality? How do
The problems for non-native writers caused by culture
people greet each other in your country when they see each
influences:
other at a social gathering? So, culture influences the daily
It is a widely accepted fact that culture is one of the
life of the individual. The question is "what is culture?"
problems that affects non-native speakers writing. Culture
Culture
can cause many specific problems, for instance, cultural
is the knowledge,
gaps, illogical development, and lack of critical thinking.
language, values,
customs, and
Gaps:
material objects
According to Holts (2003), cultural gaps make the essay
that are passed
in lack of connection between the ideas, the content and
from person to
the style. For example, English students organize the ideas
person and from
within the essay to make connections between them and
one generation to
to give examples and explanations of ideas, while Asian
the next in a human
students would not form a direct connection between ideas.
group or society.
Holts(2003)suggests that teachers of non-native writers may
While a society is
help in solving gaps problems. For instance, teachers may
made up of people, a
try talking to their students about these cultural differences
culture is made up
to help them understand how to differentiate between their
58
59
60
Writing would give you the magic to fly without wings, to see without
eyes and to touch without hands. Just a heart and you will visualize
your sensations and emotions with a profound interest.
Muna Al-Battashi