Prince George, B.C. – Those wanting to learn a second language will have the opportunity to do so starting today.

Arabic lessons will take place at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) from 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm in Building 5, room 5-173 (just behind the library) and continue each Sunday.

The lessons follow an introductory class held the beginning of last month at the offices of the Immigrant and Multicultural Services Society.

“Everybody is welcome,” says Ahmed Adel Nasr, the man who will be teaching the class. “It’s free, you can invite anybody. I did this two years ago for some of my friends for a semester. I’m doing it again because many refugees are coming.”

Nasr, who is a UNBC graduate student and from Egypt, says people can expect to learn the alphabet, basic phrases, and perhaps even some slang.

As for those who may question the need to learn Arabic, he says there could be a couple of reasons.

“I know refugees or whoever comes to Canada should speak English and this is the most important thing for them to get a job,” he says.

“I know it doesn’t make sense because they’re not going to use it anywhere else but some people are interested to learn. Maybe some have Arabic friends or are planning to travel around the Middle East.”