Malik (TeacherAssistant)

The ability to take Arabic in a school has been life changing. My understanding of the language and culture has been skyrocketing since I walked into my class. It facilitated the whole reasoning to me studying abroad in the first place, and I couldn't have done it without the support and backbone the class had offered. I was even given the ability to be a Teachers Assistant for my class, helping mentor and teach the new generation of speakers for the world.

Ethan (Arabic 2-4): 

I would recommend taking Arabic at Lane for many reasons. First off taking it in High School advances your knowledge so much more than if you took it in elementary school. Take me as an example. I took Arabic for 9 years at my old school, so you'd think I would be fluent coming into Lane. That was not the case though for me. In these 3 years at Lane, I have learned far more Arabic than in all the other 9 years I took. Second of all, Arabic at Lane allows you to learn more not just about the language, but about all the vast Arab cultures worldwide. It allows you to learn more about cultures you are unfamiliar with even if you aren't from an Arab country like me. Lastly, I know that taking Arabic in High School may seem very daunting but I promise it isn't that much work. Most of what you will do can be done in class leaving you with having homework not very often. The teaching at Lane's Arabic program is amazing and Mr. Danja will always check on you to make sure the work isn't too much or too hard. I promise you that taking Arabic at Lane will be one of the best decisions you could make and you won't regret it.  

Arfan (Arabic 1-2)  

I really love Arabic class. This class encapsulates a journey through culture and uncovers new horizons. The teacher truly teaches us through humor, hard work, and dedication. Arabic is a language spoken by 400 to 490 million worldwide as a first or second language. We get to bridge many gaps and forge new connections. Arabic class at Lane Tech is like a hidden gem that helps many ready for the world. Taking a language class is required in high school, so people think it truly doesn't matter what language they choose, I felt the same way at first, but then Arabic class by Mr Danja opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Arabic. This language will always be with me, like certain skills like swimming or skating. Through this class I have been able to develop such immense connection with the language of Arabic and Arabic culture, and it opened up so many opportunities that I am very grateful for. This class has taught me that the Arabic language is a science as well as an art. I am certain that this class will have a similar impact on anyone who chooses this class as well. 

Elisabeth (Arabic 1-4) : You should take Arabic! Do not be discouraged by people saying it's one of the hardest languages to learn. I took it without knowing a single word, and three years later, I can hold an entire conversation in Arabic. Learning a language, this especially, depends entirely on what you put into it. The class is taught not by grammar rules or vocabulary, but by stories that teach you the meaning of words in context, which is arguably more important than rote memorization. I am going to Morocco this summer because I have really enjoyed learning Arabic and want to take my level of fluency to another level. So take Arabic! 

Ari  (Arabic 1-3)

In Arabic 3, we spend a lot of time speaking and reading in a fun environment where you truly always feel included in the class without feeling bored or repetitive. We learn by doing TPRS, where we all read together as a class while Mr. Danja asks questions periodically to make sure all students are continually focus. Even though I am a computer science and STEM based student, I still think that Arabic 3 is a useful class and the best language class I have ever taken.

Fatimah (Arabic 1)

Arabic I has not only given me the chance to expand my knowledge of the language, but also meet new amazing people, as well as a great teacher. I've been able to excel and move at a pace that works for me, while also working with the class to bring the language and experience together. I would recommend this for anyone looking for good times, knowledge, and new experiences. 

Arsum (Arabic 1-3)

Hello, I am Arsum, a student currently taking Arabic 3 with Mr. Danja. As a Muslim growing up, I would read the Quran, but have absolutely no understanding, and the best recitation of the scripture, as my pronunciation wasn't the best. Mr. Danja's Arabic class, however, really did help me in those skills and taught me more, such as speaking and writing skills, which I found were particularly useful when I for the first time went to Saudi Arabia. I was able to have small conversations with locals and was able to order an entire meal at a McDonalds. In conclusion, I do believe that the Arabic class here at Lane Tech is truly useful.

Elie (Arabic 1-3): 

Arabic at Lane has been one of my favorite classes I've ever taken. This class has been so much more than just learning a language, it's been a family. Despite not being a native Arabic speaker, I've learned the language and the culture, and I've loved it. Mr. Danja has been one of my favorite teachers I've ever had, and he really brought the class to life. Additionally, having friends such as Jacob and Ethan in this class really helped improve my learning. I've made lifelong friends in this class, and I've learned so much at the hands of Mr Danja. Overall, I highly recommend taking Arabic at Lane. I couldn't imagine my life without taking it.

Patrick (Arabic 1)

Arabic class is very fun. It has accelerated but understandable learning. Our teacher, Mr. Danja, is one of the best teachers I've ever had, and he has helped me learn so much throughout the year. I really do feel like I am on the track of becoming fluent in Arabic in the future. I highly recommend this language class, and it is one that anyone can start learning.

Amal (Arabic 1)

Arabic is a beautiful language to read, write, speak, and act out. The Arabic program at Lane consist of not just boring lesson and homework (we rarely get homework), but we make stories based of our lives, and others. We sing, act out and have fun. The Arabic program at lane isn't just a class, it's a community and I'd be honored to see incoming champions to join us. 

Arabic class is incredibly interactive, fun, and while challenging at times allows me to push myself to expand my vocabulary in Arabic. The class doesn't feel like a lecture but a collaborative workshop among my peers. It allows for me to interact with my classmates while still doing fun activities. Overall, the class is something I would highly recommend and while the language can be a bit challenging at times it is an experience I wouldn't trade for any other.

Warsame  (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic class is one of my favorite parts of the school day because of Mr.Danja's style of teaching. When I first selected my language class, I expected it to be just as it always was, walking into class and doing worksheets. However, from the first day, I was astonished at how interactive the class was. To this day, I still wonder why other teachers do not take this approach. 

Sloane  (Arabic 1)

I really enjoy being part of the Arabic program at Lane Tech. The classes are engaging, supportive, and they’ve helped me build real confidence in reading, writing, and speaking Arabic. Mr. Danja is passionate and makes the language feel approachable by connecting it to culture and real-life situations. Overall, the program has made learning Arabic both challenging and rewarding, and I’m grateful for the skills and perspective I’ve gained through it.

Careem  (Arabic 1)

Taking an Arabic class is a blast because the curriculum strikes the perfect balance between fast-paced growth and clear, manageable lessons. My teacher, Mr. Danja, is truly exceptional and has been instrumental in my massive progress throughout the year. I genuinely feel like I’m on a direct path toward future fluency thanks to his expert guidance and support. I can’t recommend this course enough, as it is an accessible and rewarding experience for anyone looking to start their language journey.

Ibraheem  (Arabic 1)

I am very happy with my choice to take Arabic at Lane. The environment created by the teacher, Mr. Danja is welcoming and supportive to beginners, and is very fun. In class, instead of just memorizing vocab like in generic high school language classes like Spanish and French, I actually use the language in conversations with my peers on a regular basis, practice my writing skills, and build my Arabic skills through speaking activities. 

Leeyah  (Arabic 1)

As intimidating as learning Arabic may sound, it is a surprisingly easy language to grasp. In my class, we start by learning the alphabetical system, which helps with our understanding as we slowly transition to using words and phrases. This class is very effective if you want to gain a lot of knowledge in Arabic at a relatively fast pace. 

Leen (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic is classified as a complex language so taking this language is highly favored by colleges and universities. The teacher, Mr. Danja, makes this language much easier to digest. Because of this, getting good at Arabic is not very hard at Lane Tech and allows for new opportunities such as internships, scholarships, and recognition.

Ranya (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic should be kept because it's very impressive to learn considering it's one of the hardest languages to learn. It gives even more diversity to Lane's languages and gives students more options. The teacher makes sure we all understand before moving on and is very helpful.

Rutba (Arabic 1-2)

I think arabic is a great program at Lane Tech. It's a language understood by people from many different countries and is helpful in communicating. The way of teaching in this class helps us understand how to apply things we learn in real life situations. The class isn't stressful. It allows for students to progress and build upon their knowledge. There is less work in this class than other classes which is great for people who need to take a language class but already have a busy schedule. 

Maryam (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic is an engaging course taught by a great and funny teacher (Mr. Danja). Although Arabic is typically overshadowed by other languages at Lane Tech, it deserves way more recognition than it gets. The difficulty of the language is balanced by the informational yet humorous way Mr. Danja teaches. If you were to take Arabic, you will be left with memories that will stay with you for the rest of your high school journey!

 Quincy (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic is one of my favorite classes at Lane! The community is great, the teacher is very funny, the workload is manageable, and there is a lot of student input that is considered in every aspect of the class. The learning process builds up a base in the alphabet, then uses repetition of words through stories to make comprehension as easy as possible. We learn the words that show up the most and the words that would be most useful in the case that we were actually talking to someone in Arabic, and we learn how to interact in different situations. All in all, it's a very fun and engaging class where you learn a lot with minimal drawbacks to your courses or your overall high school career. Would highly recommend.

 Anggun (Arabic 1-2)

The Arabic classes at Lane Tech are fun and engaging classes! Four years of Arabic, 1-4, each year the coursework gets more difficult and challenging. It is an awesome class because it does not follow the traditional patterns of teaching like grammar, language structure-- instead it focuses on storytelling, imagery, speaking, and social contributions while learning grammar and all that along. It is a very fun class and is an easy grade if you can focus in class. There is RARELY any homework!!! Plus, Mr. Danja is a very funny person, and casting his funny persona aside, he is incredibly helpful and will surely navigate your troubles. You will experience unforgettable memories in Arabic. 

Muhammad (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic is a very nice class to take in general. Our teacher, who is the only Arabic teacher here at Lane works hard to make sure we understand everything in Arabic.  He is very funny too. Our Arabic class is like a nice little community and you should join. I highly recommend it. Arabic is a very nice language in general too. Learning may be hard and you may make mistakes but you will learn from them and get better. Overall very good and people should join. 

Edessa  (Arabic 1-2)

This class has taught me so much, from learning the alphabet to knowing how to write my own stories in Arabic. One component that really makes this class stick out is our main Arabic teacher, Mr. Danja. Mr. Danja is one of the best teachers I have ever had and he's very thoughtful and respectful to how you are in class. When you don't understand or are having trouble communicating, he will help you out as much as he can, even offering tutoring after school for those who are struggling. I've come from a family where most are from Iraq and though they know Assyrian, my home language, learning Arabic has helped me communicate with them even more, not limited to my abilities. Whether it be a language goal or a communication circumstance, this class will prepare you for all of it. This will be the class I miss most when I graduate and I really hope that this language choice will be forever going at Lane.

Keira  (Arabic 1-2) 

I started learning Arabic on Duolingo, and I wasn't very good. However, I knew enough that starting in Arabic I would be a lot of review. So, I decided to go to Arabic II. I was super unprepared, and I soon realized I was in over my head. But, as the year continued, I found myself learning way more rapidly than I ever could with Duolingo. The class is taught by creating stories that introduce new vocabulary and grammar in more regular contexts than worksheets. These are helpful because they offer new material, while still expanding on common verbs or familiar words, and we can describe certain situations with related words from the same story. Overall, this class really helped me improve my Arabic with the unique learning style and immersion. 

Alyssa  (Arabic 1-2) 

Deciding to take a risk and enroll in Arabic for my language classes was a worthwhile choice. Since the beginning of my Arabic journey, I've had countless opportunities to push myself to my limits and succeed beyond what I thought was possible. Despite being intimidating at first, the positive environment of my language classroom and productive collaboration with classmates have allowed me to thrive in Arabic. I can read and write confidently, get to listen to natural Arabic speech everyday to refine my pronunciation, and recite stories that improve my knowledge of grammar. Going into Arabic, I had zero experience with the language besides a few words and phrases. Since then, I steadily acquired enough skills to utilize the language outside of class and with my family back home. You won't regret taking this risk! As long as you are prepared to commit time to practicing every day and building discipline in your language, this class is definitely for you.

Oscar (Arabic 1-3):

We don't focus on mastering the grammar rules, but rather the main aim of the class is for you to communicate. In other words, what you say in Arabic doesn't have to be exact or perfect, nor does what you hear from others have to construct into a perfect English translation in your head, as long as you get the general meaning. This is important to understand for all languages and will make it easier for you to break down the language barrier with others.

Salih  (Arabic 1-3)  

Arabic is a challenging language that rewards hard work and focus. The curriculum at Lane is very rigorous and the teacher is also determined to help students become better people and better Arabic speakers.

Nirvana  (Arabic 1-3) 

I love Arabic class. It really makes me think about the way the language works and relates to other things. Arabic is super fun and Mr.Danja makes learning Arabic fun and easy. I really encourage others to take this class.  

Sarah  (Arabic 1-3) 

I really like taking Arabic because I like the teacher since he pushes everyone to do well but we also have fun at the same time. Learning the language is super cool and when I tell people I take Arabic they think it's cool to hear. 

Jacob  (Arabic 1-3)

I love Arabic as a class and I love learning in it. It is a very new learning experience and is very hands-on. You learn a lot by engaging with the teacher very frequently and the stories we make in class are funny but also packed with very important information the teacher teaches us to learn very easily. I am very familiar with classmates too because there is only one Arabic class so you get to know the people in your class really easily.

Anthony  (Arabic 1-3)

In my time of taking Arabic, I have learned a lot of fundamentals that apply to the way I think now. I have developed how to speak a new way I didn't know before, I have grown to learn how different pronunciations are, and I have overall been taught to continue practicing in my writing skills and pursue with confidence.

Mahnoor  (Arabic 1-3) 

It was challenging, but I would say to take it if you are okay with that! Since it's the same teacher, you get used to his teaching methods and that makes it easier to grasp the language and actually learn it. It also helps build friendship as you are with the same people for 3 years!

Enkidu  (Arabic 1-4)

Arabic is a very easy paced class. Not only did I understand it, but I also learned to appreaciate the language. Mr Danja is really thoughtful when it comes to crafting the lessons and practices that help you build a really strong foundation for the language.

lilly  (Arabic 1-3)

I love Arabic. I have learned so much from this class, even beyond just speaking the language. I have developed problem-solving skills, an understanding of middle eastern culture, and history as well. Furthermore, I have gained life-long friendships with my peers, as I have stayed in class with them for three years. 

Mohammad (Arabic 1-3)

 Arabic is a great language to learn for many reasons. One reason is that colleges and employers will acknowledge that you took the time to learn a difficult language compared to another language like Spanish or French. This would increase the likelihood of getting admitted or employed. You could understand a portion of various texts like the Qu'ran, which could be helpful in various scenarios. Learning Arabic can be enjoyable at times as well. I believe that the benefits of taking Arabic are much better than an additional AP credit in the junior or senior year.

Isaiah  (Arabic 1-3)

As a Junior at Lane tech, I still remember my first days here even coming in the summer for orientation and to choose classes. I was in a place in my life where I wanted to get closer to god but I wanted to get more closer to Arabic and Islamic practices. In order to do that I decided to take Arabic. Immediately when I came to the class I knew it would be different, the letters, and pronounciation were nothing like English. However, I didn't let that stop me.  Since this is the only Arabic class, I was able to build a strong bond with the friends I made in here since I have them for 3-4 years. I recommend Arabic because not only is it a good challenge, it's been a fun language to learn and the experiences I've had in this class have been the best times in my high school experience. Also, Mr.Danja has been a great teacher. The lessons aren't just saying and reading words, but the importance of fun learning. Through fun and creative stories you're able to enjoy your time in here while also learning the language. I've seen a huge improvement in my Arabic while also having some very good times in this class. That's why I recommend joining the Arabic language program.

Adel  (Arabic 1-3)

When I first came into this class, I was only able to speak Arabic at home pretty fluently. But I didn't know how to read or write which is why I took this class. In the past 3 years I learned not only how to read and write, I was able to use these two in aspects like religion and other future jobs.

 Safwan  (Arabic 1)

Arabic 1 is a very fun course. The teacher is very unique and has a very great perspective as a teacher. Mr. Danja makes the class fun with collaboration and creating new and unique stories for all of us. Arabic 1 is not necessarily hard as all the work given can easily be completed in class and the class has no homework. All in all, I would recommend freshman to take Arabic as it is very light and easy. It has a great fun teacher that actually loves their job and what they do, and has great classmates with stories and our TA which is also very passionate as well.

Mohab  (Arabic 1)

My name is Mohab and taking Arabic 1 as a freshman here at Lane was an amazing experience. With the class being very engaging and constantly promoting a positive  learning environment. Encouraging a cooperative and friendly community  among the students taking Arabic while also maintaining a productive workspace in the classroom. Taking Arabic has allowed me to learn the language and also engage with it. Learning parts of the languages culture and history. While also applying it to the present or the future. As a whole being a part of the amazing Arabic 1 class and taking Arabic was a very fun and very educational experience. I do recommend for anyone thinking of taking Arabic to try it out.

George  (Arabic 1) 

In this Arabic 1 class, I learned a lot of new words in a language I never knew before. It was really fun learning as we spoke as a class and collaborated together often. I really reccomend this class to anyone who seems interested in learning a new language as Arabic isn't as hard as people think and is a fun way to learn.

Caitlyn  (Arabic 1-2)

I entered Arabic as a fun elective because I had already completed all my language graduation credits. Because of the cool looking characters, I wanted to learn more about Arabic and also be able to comprehend the language. The class is not too hard and very engaging. So, I was able to learn the language faster. I encourage you to take Arabic if you like enthusiastic teaching and learning that is not too hard but also not too easy.

Huda  (Arabic 1-3)

I think Arabic is a really fulfilling language to take in high school as it helps you stand out when you compare yourself to the thousands of students taking Spanish. Also, for all the years you take Arabic, you will be with the same students because there is only one class for each level. If you sign up with your friends it is a class that you are guaranteed to have with whoever else signs up, which is nice. The teacher, Mr. Danja, is also really nice, and Arabic is just a fun class to take in general. 

Mohammed  (Arabic 1-3)

I suggest taking Arabic because although I'm a native speaker, I think it isn't as hard as people say it is to learn. Not only does Mr. Danja make it fun and interactive at Lane, but he also makes it easy. It's important to learn another language and any language would be fun, but from personal experience I would suggest Arabic.

Fatima  (Arabic 1-2)

Hello, I am Fatima, a sophomore at Lane Tech in Arabic II. This is by far one of my favorite classes in my schedule. Our Arabic teacher, Mr. Danja, truly is amazing! The class is set up so that you are learning new vocabulary everyday while having fun. The stories you read are personalized to you and your classmates, making everything very interactive. Learning how to read, write, and speak in Arabic is a unique ability. It might seem like a challenge learning such a foreign language, though Mr. Danja truly makes it a breeze. This class is one I definitely wouldn't pass up! 

Chan Yu  (Arabic 1-2)

Mr Danja is easily the best language teacher at Lane Tech. In my 2 years with him I have learned Arabic at a rapid pace. This is because he teaches without making it feel like a lecture. 10/10 is what I would recommend to anyone interested in choosing a language at Lane.

Ahmed  (Arabic 1)

Arabic One helps me by connecting me to my culture and allowing me to communicate with family and others who speak Arabic. It improves my reading, writing, and speaking skills, which helps me feel more confident using the language in everyday situations. However, Arabic One also challenges me because the grammar rules, sentence structure, and vocabulary can be difficult to remember, especially when reading and writing. Pronunciation and spelling can also be tricky since Arabic uses a different alphabet, but even with these challenges, the class helps me grow and improve over time.

Zahra  (Arabic 1-2)

The way Arabic is taught at Lane is like no other language class. It is taught in a way where everyone can benefit from it in real life. As a native Arabic speaker, I learned from exposure to the language which is similar to the way Mr. Danja teaches it. Arabic is a very diverse classroom exposing students to many new cultures. People who have never heard Arabic a day in their lives can speak after just a few months, which is impressive considering Arabic is known to be one of the hardest languages to learn. 

Alex  (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic class is my favorite class! I get to learn Arabic while having fun, getting to know everyone and learning at the same time. I've had many fun times with not only my friends, but my teacher Mr. Danja. His way of teaching really helps improve my speaking and understanding of Arabic. I love this class so much and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a fun experience. 

Nuri  (Arabic 1-2)

The class is very fun and very educational to me. I enjoy learning new languages especially when recognizing certain key words, with my native language (Spanish). I also enjoy the teacher's method of using historical events to include vocab words and his method of teaching step by step. Having one Arabic teacher, helped me meet other students and make friends. A lot of other students know Arabic, this creates a much easier opportunity to ask for help from classmates rather then asking the  teacher.   

Ali  (Arabic 1-3)

I love the Arabic class because it helps me learn more about my native language and get used to different dialects. I used to have so much trouble with writing since I was always a slow writer. But after help from Mr. Danja and practice in writing Arabic so much, my speed in writing has improved so much that it even helped me during other classes where I had to write a lot. Learning is also very fun since Mr. Danja makes jokes and funny stuff to make it more entertaining and not a chore. The parts where we also constantly talk and help each other is great as we participate in a lot of group activities where we had to get creative with our imaginations. I highly recommend the Arabic Testimony for anyone who is interested.

Sherra  (Arabic 1-2)

I love taking the class although it could be challenging it is really fun and you can learn alot from it. 

Munia  (Arabic 1-2)

Taking Arabic is a way for me to connect to my culture. Although I'm a fluent speaker, Mr. Danja makes the language fun to learn by having us practice using different activities. We focus less on grammar and more on the ability to communicate with others using the language so that we can put what we learn to use. 

Ferdowsa  (Arabic 1-2)

Arabic was a very helpful class for me, I learned how to read and write the alphabet very quickly and became decently fluent in the time that I learned Arabic.

Joana  (Arabic 1)

Arabic at Lane Tech is a great language to take if you want to branch out and try something new. You should not be intimidated if you think it might be too hard because the lessons are paced so that nobody will be behind. You will be able to learn the alphabet, read stories written about your fellow classmates, and write your own stories about yourself!

Miera  (Arabic 1)

Arabic is a unique language that not only teaches you the language but also teaches you how to adapt and not give up even if it seems impossible. It is definitely hard to re-learn and alphabet and write and read in the opposite direction but it teaches you not to give up and once you accomplish this, everything starts to feel lighter and easier.