Parents should help children learn standard Arabic

Readers have their say about banks, cats and more

Parents are responsible for teaching their children modern standard Arabic. Fatima Al Marzooqi / The National

In reference to your article, Is it better for your children to be reading in colloquial Arabic? (August 1), many dialects of the English language exist in the United Kingdom, spoken by families at home, but standard English, which is a global language, is taught in schools. In my opinion, it is the parents' responsibility to read to their children in Modern Standard Arabic daily, not in a colloquial dialect. For if they do the latter, they are putting their children at a disadvantage in conversing and doing business in the future with people in other Arab nations, and for a comprehensive understanding of their religious readings.

Name withheld by request

I think this is a logical move, because the language differences between Arab nations is huge. Student pass rates of Arabic are very low. Having texts in your own dialect enhances learning, and celebrates the uniqueness of local dialects.

Julie Gordon, Dubai

Banks need to be more flexible and helpful

In reference to the story, SMEs to play salient role in Dubai economy, Sheikh Ahmed says (July 31), if the Government is serious about supporting SMEs then the banks need to be instructed to assist, even for something that should be as simple as opening a bank account (which it is not, as all sorts of blocks are placed in the way).

Dave Pryce, Dubai

We are responsible for the rise in stray cat population

Why do people complain about cats? (Stray cats are the most common complaint in Dubai, July 31.) They do know that when you take away the cats, the rats return.

Michael Grantham, Al Ain 

If people sterilised their animals, instead of letting them breed and then throwing them out on the streets, this problem wouldn't exist.

Linda Tedd, Dubai

It's not the cats' fault that they exist. It's the fault of the people who don't neuter their pets.

Kate Hart, Dubai