Offering driver’s license exam in Arabic
Offering driver’s license exam in Arabic, I was surfing through Facebook on April 24 when I came across an article by Marissa Sulek about “an Arabic man” who had failed his driver’s licence test 14 times. I had three reactions as a Coptic woman: first, there is no such thing as a “Arabic man.”
Second, there would be a torrent of racist prejudice in the comments. Third, we’ve heard this story before. For decades, it has been a problem. Regardless, I began reading the article.
As I expected, the story lacked any analytical or empathetic explanation of how this man understands how to drive, has a clean driving record, has a licence from another state, has studied extensively, and speaks English fluently, and yet continues to fail this exam. The comments section, of course, was even worse. After decades of dealing with this blowback, I’d want to explain a few points.
Advantage of river’s license exam in many languages
To begin with, driving is not an example of American exceptionalism. Many places around the world have vehicles and driving processes, implying that learning to drive does not require the ability to communicate in English. Because cars were designed during a period of widespread illiteracy in the West, symbols, colours, and simple words serve as ways of communication: yellow suggests slowing down, orange denotes a work site, and red signals a complete stop. Offering driver’s license exam in Arabic
While English is required to read Shakespeare or DuBois, it is not required — and should not be — to drive or understand the rules of the road in the United States. Furthermore, the majority of accidents in Nashville are caused by speeding and distracted driving (typically due to the usage of cellphones), which has less to do with understanding the rules and more to do with following them.
Importance of introducing driving license exam in Arabic
Second, it’s demonising and patronising to tell us — who support your lifestyle and needs — that we shouldn’t have mobilised. We’re the ones who serve you drinks downtown before a Preds or Titans game; we’re the ones who put food on your table and deliver your packages right to your door; we clean the halls, schools, and buildings.
Having the ability to drive allows me to take my children to the zoo, establish my own business, leave an abusive relationship, and choose where I work. Because of your prejudice, you are robbing your neighbours of these rights.
Third, the problem is not a lack of English proficiency. The largest challenge, in my experience working on the ground with Arabic-speaking Christians and Muslims, is a lack of time to study. It’s really difficult to balance taking care of your children, paying rent, studying for your citizenship exam and learning U.S. history, as well as arranging rides to and from work. Offering driver’s license exam in Arabic
While parents are preparing dinner, their children quiz them. They promise to take their children out and have fun, knowing that being stuck at home takes a toll on children’s minds. They’re still getting their bearings in this country, figuring out where to buy food, pray, and buy furniture.
Bottom Line
I am a strong proponent of the driver’s licence exam being offered in Arabic. It is already available in Arabic in the majority of states in the United States. Across the state, tens of thousands of our neighbours speak Arabic. Any racist, prejudiced, pro-corporate attitudes should be preceded by human dignity and community resiliency. This city was built by us. The rewards of our labour are due to us.