Councillors try to turn Arabic
Fourteen councillors of Lelystad will take a course in ‘reverse integration’ tomorrow. They will do everything they can to adapt to Arabic culture.
Fourteen immigrant women will show the councillors what it is like to go through life as an immigrant. Politicians of various parties will be given a lesson in Arabic, dress in Arabic garments and go to an Arabic shop with a shopping list in Arabic. “In doing so, councillors will learn what it is like when you can only barely make yourself understood in a shop in your own town”, as a municipal spokesperson stated.
The councillors are also to prepare Moroccan dishes and go belly dancing. The reverse integration day will end with a visit to the El Imaan mosque, where a prize will be awarded to the councillor that is best-adapted to Arabic culture. Each participant will receive a certificate. At a later date, the council will discuss “any dilemmas encountered”.
Source: NIS News, ANP, 29 November 2006
