University assesses plan to ‘Arabise’ medical sciences

Egyptian social media has been abuzz with debate about Al-Azhar University’s potential plan to Arabise medical sciences amid concerns about its possible impact on students and medical education quality, writes Ahmed Mostafa for Ahram Online.

“A detailed scientific study is currently being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of Arabising medical sciences," Al-Azhar University confirmed on Wednesday 22 January. It added that the study considers all academic, technical and practical aspects. “Any decisions on this matter [Arabisation of medical sciences] will be made once the required studies and scientific discussions are completed,” according to an official statement from the university.

Supporters of the move argue that it is crucial to restoring Egypt’s intellectual heritage and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign languages in academia. However, detractors express concerns that English remains the dominant language of scientific research and that Arabisation could hinder students’ access to the latest medical knowledge and advancements.
Full report on the Ahram Online site