Referencing your story headlined Being taught in English 'undermines local identity' (October 6), I have to disagree and believe that Arabs will never let go of their culture. The UAE is on its way to becoming a First World country but cannot do so if we are not competitive on the world stage economically. One way of doing that is by learning the world's common binding language.
It's not just English though, there are other regionally dominant languages such as Hindi, German, French, Spanish, Mandarin Chinese and others that we should encourage our children to learn. Also, as Muslims we learn that if we want to propagate the religion then we should be able to communicate it effectively. This logic should be applied in all fields, especially when we compete in this global economy.
If we can't communicate effectively then we will not be more successful. For example, India has done very well by making learning English a priority in its education system. Learning English is a very good thing. I wish this country continued success.
Irfan Syed, Abu Dhabi
Games coverage too negative
In reference to the article India's $6 billion Commonwealth gamble begins (October 4), is the headline worthy of reporting the opening event of Commonwealth Games? Does it reflect the reality?
All major events have had initial glitches, but the thing is that the transparency of reporting such glitches were missing in the case of other events. We had our share of misfortunes. If these glitches were reported in such a manner in any other country, then their media would be banned, the publishers would be suspended or the news censored. But India, true to its democratic and free media principle, did nothing to prevent reporting the matter in anyway the media wanted - twisted, tweaked or otherwise.
If things go well, then the media must have the maturity and audacity to say so. And a large majority of the media showed their maturity in reporting the opening of the Games. Indeed, the headline of The National was written in very poor taste.
Joe J, Abu Dhabi
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I have been a regular reader of your newspaper for a couple of years now. In today's edition, I find an error of fact with regards to a news report on the Games inauguration. Correct me if I am wrong, but I understand that AR Rehman is an Oscar winner and not just a nominee as mentioned.
Also, just a line to point out the fact that the report sounds a bit biased and negative. It would be a fact that misappropriation and sluggishness have occurred in the run up of the event but please do not make it the sole point of focus because it negates the efforts and hard work that lots of ordinary people have put into the whole event.
Raju Mathew, Abu Dhabi
Brave children deserve chance
The news that Schools evaluated on special needs (October 4) is a welcome development in the UAE's educational environment. As the relative of a toddler with a minor developmental disability, I was shocked by the news that a school in the northern emirates had expelled two pupils because of health-related problems of diabetes and a skin rash.
If such minor conditions can throw schools into such a state of agitation, what about the many children who have enormous potential but more serious disabilities? Speaking from personal experience, my nephew may be a bit short, but he's a brilliant little kid. For adults - and educators at that - to get all panicky about disabilities while the children soldier on bravely seems a most unfortunate disservice.
Coen Thornton, Abu Dhabi
HIV awareness should serve all
With regard to the cover story titled Barriers 'must be broken to slow HIV' (October 6), Dr Khadija Moalla's rallying call is to be commended for bringing out into the open a subject that is still very much taboo in the Middle East. It is clear that "religious immunity" is, on its own, an insufficient barrier to hide behind, and that serious awareness campaigns need to be introduced.
People must be encouraged to test themselves regularly regardless of the social stigmas that may be attached to the disease. Finally, as Dr Moalla rightly says that people should be helped not denounced, I think care needs to be extended to everyone else as well.
Omar S, Abu Dhabi
The price of convenience
It might be more convenient (How would you like to pay... cash, card or mobile phone? October 6), but losing your mobile phone has just became far more serious too.
Jack Johnson, Dubai
