AL UDEID AIR BASE, Qatar -- Serving as a Middle Eastern melting pot, Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar plays host to citizens, both temporary and permanent, from around the world, creating an environment where it’s not uncommon to hear a collection of sounds and dialects from many different languages, ranging from English to Arabic to French to Nepalese.
Although exotic-sounding and unique to hear, the varying languages can cause a severe lack of understanding, leading several Airmen to try and close this communication gap by teaching foreign language classes at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. These Airmen volunteer their personal time and individualized expertise to help teach others the basic conversation skills of another language.
However, for Senior Airman Evan Tuza, teaching Arabic is more than an extra-curricular activity; it’s a chance for local diplomatic endeavors.
“Learning a new language is like replacing a barrier with a bridge,” said Tuza, an electrical power production journeymen with the 379th ECES.
“Nowadays building bridges is more beneficial than building barriers because barriers create fear and division, while getting closer and learning about other cultures is a step forward to make our planet a better place.”
Born and raised in Mosul, Iraq and a native Arabic speaker, Tuza began teaching Arabic at the A&FRC to clear misconceptions about the culture surrounding his personal heritage.
“I felt like I had to teach the language because many people know very little about the Middle Eastern culture,” Tuza said. “Also, the media shows a very dim image about the entire culture, although there is a lot of history and a lot of beauty in it.”
In addition to spreading cultural awareness, Tuza believes that learning a second, or even third, language can improve people’s quality of life, such as developing the ability to multi-task, improving concentration and reducing geriatric memory loss.
“In addition,” Tuza added, “it opens one’s mind to other cultures and build self-confidence and awareness of the outside world.”
Growing up in a country without much Western influence, Tuza didn’t have a chance to really practice English until he moved to the United States in 2010. Tuza credits his English fluency to practicing with native English speakers.
“Learning and maintaining language fluency is like bodybuilding,” said Tuza. “It’s only achieved through practice.”
Tuza, paired with the A&FRC, provides the opportunity to learn and practice Arabic every Sunday at 6 p.m. at the A&FRC.
(Part of a language teacher news feature series)