Indianapolis, Indiana — The 2024 retirement of Dr. Amira Mashhour, Senior Lecturer Emerita of Arabic, left the Arabic Studies program without a full-time instructor in Arabic language. The program sought to address this challenging situation (1) by making available intermediate and advanced level classes via IU Bloomington’s Summer Arabic Workshop and Study Abroad and (2) by hiring a new associate faculty member to teach beginning Arabic on campus and in person. After interviewing a number of candidates for the position, Program Director Dr. Edward Curtis appointed Samia Alajlouni to the post.

Ms. Alajlouni is an excellent fit for the program since she is a community-engaged scholar who pursues the applied use of Arabic language and translation in intercultural communications. She currently serves as a research associate of the Whole Health Initiative, a project of the Indianapolis Muslim Community Association and the Global Health Communication Center in the IU School of Liberal Arts. In addition, she is the former project manager for the Mental Health for Refugees in Jordan Program; an associate producer of the WFYI documentary, “Arab Indianapolis: A Hidden History;” and former secretary of the Indiana Muslim Advocacy Network.

The program recently asked Samia Alajlouni to share her thoughts about her new post. That interview, edited for length, is reproduced here.

In the fall of 2025 Beginning Arabic will be offered on campus for the first time since the retirement of Program Director Dr. Amira Mashhour.

Q. How do you feel about your new job? What are you looking forward to?

A. I am excited to be part of this experience!  I want to explore all the different ways students approach the Arabic language. What motivates them to learn? What are the best ways to build positive relationships with students? I want to instill a passion to learn and speak Arabic.

Q. How do your rich community connections help you with your teaching?

A. Learning happens everywhere, not just inside classrooms. Many times, experiences outside the classroom can be far more interesting and impactful on a student’s education. Community connections allow me to engage the students in experiences and storytelling beyond the classroom that are exciting, relevant, and meaningful to their lives. Community connections allow students opportunities to practice what they learn and experience the Arabic language in different settings and cultures. It will be exciting to observe students build their own meaningful connections or relationships using the skills they learn through their Arabic class.

Q. Why do you think Arabic and Islamic studies is important?

A. We live in a globalized world. Understanding different languages and religions and engaging in intercultural communication are essential for our day-to-day interactions in schools, at work, or on the street.  Arabic and Islamic studies is the first step in reducing fear of Muslims and Arabs, and building bridges of tolerance.  Beyond that, the goal would be to achieve collaboration and coordination in a society where everyone feels valued and respected.