Honaida Ahyad

Professor Honaida Ahyad is a distinguished faculty member at Stony Brook University's Language Learning and Research Center, where she brings her expertise in teaching Arabic and its rich cultural heritage to students. With a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Stony Brook University, she has honed her teaching skills through previous experience at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her academic journey is marked by a commitment to dismantling cultural barriers, a mission she pursues through various grant-funded projects and educational initiatives. In her classes, Professor Ahyad fosters an inclusive environment that welcomes a diverse array of students, including heritage Arabic speakers, those without any prior background in Arabic, and Muslim students from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds. She places a strong emphasis on collaborative learning, encouraging students to share their cultural traditions, assist one another in developing language skills, and engage in meaningful discussions. This approach has not only enriched the classroom experience but also led to significant student achievements, such as earning prestigious scholarships. Professor Ahyad is a passionate advocate for the study of both Arabic and Hebrew, underscoring the importance of understanding languages beyond their portrayal in the media. She believes that learning these languages opens doors to a deeper comprehension of cultural nuances and fosters mutual respect among different communities. Her dedication to this cause is evident in her efforts to create a physical space where students can gather and practice Arabic outside of class, further enhancing their language proficiency and cultural understanding. Her innovative teaching methods and dedication to cultural education have made a lasting impact on her students, many of whom have gone on to excel in various fields. Professor Ahyad's work continues to inspire a new generation of learners to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the Arabic language and its cultural context. Through her tireless efforts, she is helping to build bridges between cultures and promote a more inclusive and understanding world. Professor Ahyad's contributions to the field of linguistics and cultural education have been recognized by her peers and students alike. Her commitment to fostering an environment of mutual learning and respect has made her a beloved figure at Stony Brook University. As she continues to push the boundaries of language education, she remains a beacon of inspiration for those who seek to explore the world through the lens of language and culture.