The Five College Arabic Language Initiative is set to present the 6th Annual “Arabic Night” on Friday, Nov. 11 at Davis Ballroom, Smith College. This social event is expected to gather students, faculties of the five colleges, and members of the community in general to celebrate Arabic culture.

“The goal is to give a chance to students from the five colleges to meet one another and to communicate in an atmosphere that celebrates the Arabic culture,” stated Mohamed ElSawi Hassan, director of the Five College Arabic Language Program.

Yasser Darwish, teacher and performer, has been invited to perform crowd interactive Egyptian folkloric dance and “Tanoura,” which is sufi whirling or sufi spinning. Professor Yasmeen Daifallah would also be singing traditional Egyptian folkloric songs, informed Nahla Khalil, lecturer in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures at the University of Massachusetts.

The event also promises  Middle Eastern delicacies and dessert. Henna artists will be present to contribute to the festivities.

“[Arabic Night aspires] to get students, faculty and families together in a social event and to celebrate the different cultural aspects of the Arabic language outside the classroom,” said Hassan.

Hassan informed that the events rotate between college campuses each year. Last year, ‘Arabic Night’ was hosted at Amherst College, and at UMass the year before.

“We generally have a turnout of 250 plus people. In UMass we have had over 300 guests,” Hassan said.

The students from five colleges, along with their faculties, are expected to meet one another and practice the Arabic language with the influence of Arabic music, Arabic calligraphy, and Arabic food under this initiative. Admission to this event is sponsored by the Five College Arabic Language Initiative and free.

Nujhat Purnata can be reached at [email protected].