Bridgette Soto

English Composition 110

Professor Buchanan

Love for a Non-Native

Love for a Non-Native CCNY student writer Minhajul Khan gives a descriptive unfeigned process of learning to speak Arabic and the embracement of its culture.  His perseverance and resilience to learn a difficult culture have paved the way for him to pursue additional knowledge of other languages.  Minhajul recounts how he was initially introduced to and captivated by the Arabic language and then by its history.  How it has helped him with his religion, family, and life. To further bolster his claim the writer, employs several rhetorical strategies.  The first is his elaborate vivid description of the Arabic culture and the encouragement it has given him to conquer his fears by learning diverse languages and exploring cultures. Moreover, the pinnacle of his spiritual journey was the embarkment to the Iraqi mosque.  The pilgrimage that would pave the way for his future endeavors.

Minhajul an electrical engineering major and minoring in Arabic studies at City College per his parent’s wishes.  He hopes to someday acquire a position within an engineering firm at a supervisory level.  Additionally, he enjoys reading holy texts such as the Quran, New Testament, and Vedas furthermore he enjoys the various ideologies and their history.  Minhajul also engages in peer envision writing exercises in class that have helped refine his writing techniques and approaches.  In his five-year long-term goals, Minhajul sees himself married with kids, lots of them., a degree in electrical engineering and a minor in history and Arabic studies or even maybe comparative religious studies and ambitions successful in life from all aspects, from being a great father, a great husband, a great son, a great engineer.

Minhajul is an inspiring engineering student at City College who has always been captivated by the exotic language of Arabic.  In a recent insightful interview, he shared his enthusiasm for the language recollecting his fondest memories were the quiet evenings in Bangladesh struggling to compose sentences, “feeling overwhelmed by the unfamiliar script and complicated grammar”.  Just when frustration begins to consume him, his tutor, Ahmed, smiles warmly and says, “Keep in mind that every word in Arabic has meaning and history”.  A testament to his unwavering dedication to refining his craft.  Despite his initial uncertainty about his abilities to learn Arabic, Minhajul recognized the value of honing his communication skills to grow spiritually, personally, and professionally.  His approach to writing is characterized by a candid and introspective narrative style, where he seamlessly intertwines his personal experiences with his professional endeavors. In his essay, ” Love for A Non-Native” he tactfully employs evocative and descriptive language that reflects his keen writing skills in addition to the capacity to transform his experiences into vivid and engaging essays.  In his essay, Minhajul’s intense description of his journey into the world of Arabia is marked by a profound sense of fervor and enthusiasm, evident in his use of phrases like ” the beautiful tongue of Arabic ” and ” Arabic was a life-changing event that exposed my heart and mind to a world of richness ” This rhetorical choice effectively captures the reader’s attention, inviting them to embark on his crusade and share in his exploration of new cultural experiences. 

 Minhajul employs a strategic use of imagery and metaphor to illustrate his Arabic journey. He introduces the language in his narrative as a “beautiful tongue” describing the “lovely language” as “life changing that filled his heart with richness and depth”. His pilgrimage to the Iraqi Mosque was emphasized as a moment of significance and the peak of his Arabic crusade.  Idioms such as “melodic tones of faithful worshippers’ recitation of the Quran’” including “As I stood in the middle of a breathtaking architectural giant” not only showcase his keen sensitivity to the subtleties of language but also highlight his expressive nuances and intricacies of language and culture. 

Throughout his narrative, Minhajul masterfully weaves the theme of spirituality and language. His use of phrases ” where the sands speaks of warmth during the day and wet during the nights” and recounts the Arabian peninsula is where stories of Aladin take place. The ability to engage in meaningful conversations in Arabic opened doors to friendships and cultural exchanges I could have never imagined. Reflects his innate ability to foster a sense of solidarity emphasizing the significance of mutual support and camaraderie in his spiritual and linguistic endeavors.

In his concluding reflections, Minhajul eloquently emphasizes the transformative power of language and the profound impact it has had on his personal growth. By acknowledging his grasp of Arabic, he emphasizes the lasting connections and empathetic bonds he has formed, transcending the limitations of linguistic proficiency and cultural differences. This profound sense of empathy and unity showcases his innate ability to weave personal experiences with broader themes of human connection.  His strong connection to religion and his dedication to supersede any life challenges, there is no question in my mind that Minhajul will succeed in future endeavors.  All the best to him!!