LINGUIST List 15.908

Thu Mar 18 2004

FYI: The Rongorongo Script; Summer Program, Morocco

Editor for this issue: Anne Clarke <annelinguistlist.org>

Directory

1. Sergei V. Rjabchikov, On the Decipherment of the Rongorongo Script
2. S Farwaneh, Summer Program in Moroccan and Berber Languages

Dear Editor,

I continue to decipher the famous rongorongo writing system of Easter
Island (Rapa Nui). Besides, I study the Old Rapanui language.

A new article, "On the Rapanui Deity Kuhu or Kuhikia" by Sergei V.
Rjabchikov (March 15, 2004), is published on the RONGORONGO, Easter
Island Writing site at 

http://www.openweb.ru/rongo/art18.htm .

With best wishes,

Sergei V. Rjabchikov

Dear Linguist Members,

We would like to alert students, especially those in linguistics and
anthropology, to a newly established program sponsored jointly by the
University of Arizona and L'Universit� Moulay Ismail in Meknes,
Morocco. This is a great opportunity for students of anthropology and
linguistics wishing to acquire advanced proficiency in either language
for the ultimate goal of conducting linguistic research. The program
also offers courses in Moroccan culture and society, and Francophone
literature. The deadline of March 17 has been extended to early
April. If you need further information, please contact the addresses
listed in the announcement.

Samira Farwaneh


The University of Arizona in Morocco
L'Universit� Moulay Ismail
June 21-July 30

Program Highlights:
This program focuses on understanding contemporary Moroccan society
and culture, as well as providing an opportunity to take intensive
Moroccan colloquial Arabic, intensive Berber language, or Francophone
literature in French. It has both an undergraduate and a graduate
component, the latter emphasizing research opportunities and sources
within Morocco.

Classes are at L'Universit� Moulay Ismail in Meknes, Morocco.
Undergraduates seeking an exciting study abroad experience or the
specialized undergraduate or graduate interested in North African/Arab
society and culture or North African languages can benefit from this
program.

Location:
Meknes, one of the four Imperial Cities of Morocco, has a population
of at least 500,000. Located on the plain between Rabat and Fez (and
near the Roman site of Volubilis), Meknes was the capital city of the
Alawite dynasty when Sultan Moulay Ismail reigned for 55 years in the
late 17th and early 18th centuries. It contains numerous historic
buildings as well as having a vibrant souq (market) and madina (old
city).

L'Universite Moulay Ismail was founded in 1982 and during the regular
school year has about 25,000 full-time students. Within its Faculty of
Arts and Sciences are separate departments that focus on Arabic,
French, History, Geography, and Islamic Studies.

Classes:
The following classes will be offered in the program:
1) Intensive Beginning Moroccan Arabic (6 units, 120 hours of
 instruction/conversation/lab)
2) Intermediate Moroccan Arabic (6 units, 120 hours of
 instruction/conversation/lab)
3) Intensive Beginning Berber (6 units, 120 hours of
 instruction/conversation/lab)
4) Readings in Arabic Literature (advanced level, 3 units, 45 hours)
5) Francophone Literature of North Africa (in French) (3 units, 45
 hours)
6) Introduction to Arabic Language: Written & Spoken (3 units, 45
 hours)
7) Morocco: Contemporary Society and Culture (3 units, in English, all
 students take, 45 hours)
8) Research Issues & Sources in Morocco (2 units, mainly for graduate
 students, 30 hours)

The classes will be 4 days per week, allowing 3-day weekends for
travel and interaction with Moroccans, and for most students,
opportunities to use your language training. Four 3-day excursions are
included with the program, tentatively one to Marrakesh, one to
Volubilis and Fez, one to the South, such as the Ziz valley, and one
to the Rif in the North, such as Tangier and Chefchaouen.

Credit:
Students will take a minimum of 6 credits, and students can take from
6-11 credits. Undergraduate students not having any prior background
in North African studies or languages, might, for instance, take 6
units (e.g. course 5 and 6 above). Students taking intensive languages
normally will be taking 9 units (to include course 6 above), while
graduate students may be taking, in addition, course 7 above, for a
total of 11 units.

Costs:
For 6 units the cost is $3,300 while for more than 6 units the cost is
$3,600. This price includes lodging and most meals. Transportation
costs to and from Morocco are not included in the price of the
program. Transportation, lodging and most meals for the four 3-day
excursions are included.

Dates:
Monday, June 21- Friday July 30

Eligibility and Application:
The application deadline is March 17. Applications are available at
the Office of Study Abroad & Student Exchange (520) 626-9211, email:
wrightd1email.arizona.edu

For more information please contact: 
Professor Michael E. Bonine, Head of Department of Near Eastern
Studies, University of Arizona (520) 621-8012 (bonineu.arizona.edu)
or Kate Mackay, Assistant Director, Center for
Middle East Studies, University of Arizona (520) 621-8079
(kmackayu.arizona.edu). 
Students interested in the Francophone literature can also contact
Professor Carine Bourget, French & Italian Department, University of
Arizona (520) 626-0792 (bourgetcu.arizona.edu).


Samira Farwaneh
Assistant Professor, Arabic Language and Linguistics
Department of Near Eastern Studies
Department of Linguistics
Second Language Acquisition and Teaching Program
Louise Foucar Marshall Building
845 N Park Avenue, Room 440
PO BOX 210158B
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona 85721-0158B
Phone: (520) 621-8629 Or 621-8012
Fax: (520) 621-2333