So, one day in Arabic class we decoded some Arabic cartoons, and were then obliged to draw a caricature of our own. I drew this picture, which has actually been in my mind all year. The thing about formal Arabic is that it's immensely complicated, with an endless series of rules. Whenever you think you've learned how something works - like pronouns, for example - it turns out that there's a whole sub-series of rules they didn't tell you about. I've realized that Arabic is like the Hydra in greek mythology because every time you cut off one head, it grows back TWO. Anyway, for those of you who don't read Arabic, the warrior girl is titled Student (feminine form) and the monster is called Arabic. The necks have got the names of different parts of speech - verbs, nouns, listening, case endings, all of which give us a considerable amount of grief. The heads are breathing out the word homework.
Anyway, the picture seems to have really hit a nerve with the other students and the teachers. I ended up making photocopies because my friends wanted them for their rooms! Interestingly, girls liked it much more than guys - no guys wanted a copy. They said it was too violent. I think they were uncomfortable seeing a girl with a sword lopping these long necks off - ask Dr. Freud about it.
Arabic students, enjoy. Observers, please sympathize with our travails!
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