Al-Diwan brings you the latest news and analysis from the publishing and academic worlds that relate to pedagogy and knowledge production.

Education

A Powerful Voice Against Arab Stereotyping, Jack Shaheen, Dies 
By Kat Chow (NPR)

Dr. Jack Shaheen passed away on Sunday, July 9. One of Shaheen’s most well-known successes includes challenging Disney’s language choices for songs in Aladdin. From Shaheen’s research and work, more and more tropes of Arabs and Muslims in film and television were brought to the forefront of discourse.

Victory at Trinity 
By Hans-Joerg Tiede (Academe Blog)

Professor Johnny Williams’ suspension has since been reversed by Trinity College following a controversy in regards to a social media post by Williams. Following his suspension, the Trinity College chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) was vocal both in its support for Williams and in their concerns over how such a decision would negatively impact academic freedom.

Universities need to plan for a dark future if academics prefer their own Plan B 
By Ruth Barcan (Times Higher Education)

Dr. Ruth Barcan reflects on the seemingly pervasive sense of professional dissatisfaction within academia and how it is reflected in how many and which people ultimately decide to leave the profession.

In German Museums, Insights from Arab Refugees 
By Austin Davis (Al-Fanar Media)

Through Multaka, an initiative started by Hussam Zahim Mohammad in December 2015, Arab refugees lead tours of several exhibits in Berlin museums, especially those featuring pieces from the Arab world. With this project, personal narratives are an additional lens through with exhibits can be viewed.

An App for the Timeless Culture of Nubia
(Egyptian Streets)

Mo’men Taloush takes the teaching of two Nubian dialects, Kinzey and Visicci, to an online platform. The Nubian language has historically been passed down verbally; Taloush, though, uses the application to make a semiformal language platform that also includes lessons in history.

Publishing

Algerian Writer Samira Negrouche on Her 3 Mother Tongues, Translating Poetry, and Collaborative Writing 
By M.Lynx-Qualey (ArabLit)

Samira Negrouche discusses how her upbringing with languages and writing has influenced her view on translating pieces of literature, specifically poetry. In the interview, Negrouche also touches upon politics and its role in writing and translating her poetry.

Translation: Is more Arabic Literature Being Published in Hebrew? 
By Dennis Abrams (Publishing Perspectives)

Abrams looks into the limited Hebrew translations of Arabic texts and contrasts that with the recent increase of both new and older Arabic titles.