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Arabic Studies Program promotes awareness through Iraqi Author Day |
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Tuesday, 29 April 2008 |
by EMILY MELTON
Intern News Reporter
The Arabic Studies Program at Appalachian State University will hold the 2nd annual Iraqi Author Day event today to raise awareness of the program.
The event will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the University Bookstore.
“Many students don’t know that Appalachian teaches Arabic,” philosophy and religion professor Dr. William Hutchins said.
“Iraqi Author Day gives people a chance to hear Arabic,” Hutchins said. “It’s not a pro-war or anti-war event. It’s not political at all.”
 Students will have the opportunity to hear Arabic texts read aloud on Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Bookstore. Photo by Anna Donlan
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He said the excerpts read will allow those who attend to familiarize themselves with the language.
“I want to let students know that classes they might not think
Appalachian offers are available to them,” Hutchins said. “So hopefully
the event will speak for itself.”
“It will let everyone know that the Arabic Studies Program is here,” he said.
A student from the Arabic Studies Program and foreign language and
literature graduate, Ghada M. Gherwash, was selected to read excerpts
from six Iraqi authors.
Gherwash was selected based on her ability to speak Arabic fluently and naturally.
Hutchins will then translate the excerpts from Arabic to English.
Hutchins has been translating Arabic works since 1974, when he made his break by translating Playboy Magazine.
This year, Hutchins expects to translate three books and two papers.
One of the excerpts to be read during the event is from a novel once banned in Iraq due to political conflict.
It covers a series of hilarious, surreal and sometimes horrifying adventures, according to Publishers Weekly.
“Iraqi authors – whether in exile or in Iraq – write in difficult
conditions, physical and psychological,” Hutchins said. “One simple way
to support their efforts to tell their country’s stories is to read
their works.”
For more information, contact William Hutchins at 828-262-2427.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
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