When we think about learning a new language, we often picture traditional classrooms, textbooks, and repetitive grammar exercises. But what if there were a more engaging, hands-on way to learn? One that uses arts, culture, and interactive experiences to make the process fun and memorable? That’s exactly what Ibtissam Attieh is doing with her innovative approach to teaching Arabic through her platform, http://www.craftntalk.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Ibtissam for Episode 81 of the Localization Fireside Chat, and our conversation was nothing short of inspiring. We talked about everything from her journey as an educator to her mission of breaking down stereotypes about the Arabic language and culture.
If you’re passionate about language education, or simply interested in new approaches to teaching, you’ll want to stick around for this deep dive into how Ibtissam is revolutionizing Arabic learning for students in the U.S. and around the world.
A Passion for Language and Culture
Ibtissam’s story is both impressive and relatable. Originally from Lebanon, she moved to the U.S. and has spent over two decades teaching Arabic. What stands out is her deep belief in the power of language to bring people together and create understanding across cultures. Arabic, she explains, is spoken by over 500 million people worldwide, but learning it in the Western world, especially in the U.S., can be a challenge.
Teaching Arabic in Texas might sound unusual, but as Ibtissam told me, there’s actually a strong demand for it. Her students come from all backgrounds—some are heritage learners with Arabic roots, while others are American students who see the language as a gateway to exciting career opportunities, like working in government or the FBI. Arabic is even classified as a critical language by the U.S. government, opening doors for students in fields like national security and international relations.
But for Ibtissam, it’s not just about the job prospects. “The more we understand each other’s language and culture, the better we can communicate, and the more peaceful our world becomes,” she said during our chat. This belief fuels her teaching philosophy, and it’s what led her to create http://www.craftntalk.com.
CraftNTalk: Learning Through Culture
So, what exactly is Craft N Talk? As Ibtissam explained, it’s a platform that connects language learners with native Arabic speakers—teachers, artists, and musicians—who bring the richness of Arabic culture directly into the classroom. But here’s the twist: instead of relying on traditional lectures or PowerPoint presentations, Craft & Talk uses arts and crafts to make learning more interactive and engaging.
For example, students might learn Arabic calligraphy or create traditional artwork while conversing in Arabic. This immersive experience helps them connect with the language in a more meaningful way, while also learning about the cultural context behind the words. As Ibtissam put it, “You can’t teach Arabic in the same way you would teach any other language. You need to make it fun, engaging, and relevant to the students’ interests.”
And this hands-on approach is paying off. Not only are students more excited about learning Arabic, but they’re also retaining more information because they’re actively participating in the learning process.
Supporting Lebanon’s Community
But Craft & Talk isn’t just about teaching Arabic to students in the U.S.—it’s also about supporting Ibtissam’s home country of Lebanon. In the wake of the tragic Beirut explosion in 2020 and the ongoing economic crisis, many teachers and artists in Lebanon have struggled to make ends meet. Craft & Talk gives them the opportunity to connect with international audiences, offering virtual teaching sessions and workshops that provide much-needed income.
Ibtissam’s platform is a perfect example of how language and culture can create real-world impact, both educationally and economically. By offering remote work opportunities to educators and artists in Lebanon, she’s not only enriching students’ learning experiences but also helping her country’s people during a difficult time. As she explained, “Lebanese people are not lazy. We just need opportunities to share our culture and passion.”
The Role of Technology in Language Learning
No modern conversation about education would be complete without talking about technology. Ibtissam is no stranger to incorporating tech into her teaching, whether it’s using AI to enhance lesson plans or leveraging online platforms like Zoom to deliver interactive workshops.
She believes that technology, when used thoughtfully, can be a powerful tool for educators. “We can’t be afraid of AI or technology,” she said. “It’s there to help us, not replace us.” Ibtissam encourages other teachers to use AI as a tool to spark creativity and make their lessons more dynamic, while also reminding students that technology should complement, not replace, human interaction.
Looking to the Future
As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Ibtissam what’s next for her. With a smile, she told me that her goal is to continue expanding Craft & Talk, reaching more schools, universities, and language centers around the world. She hopes to bring her unique approach to Europe, Asia, and beyond, spreading a deeper understanding of Arabic language and culture along the way.
Her message to educators is clear: don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Traditional methods of teaching are not enough for today’s students, who need interactive, culturally immersive experiences to truly connect with the material. And for anyone considering learning Arabic? Ibtissam says go for it. “Learning a language isn’t just about words—it’s about understanding people and building empathy.”
Final Thoughts
My conversation with Ibtissam was a refreshing reminder that language learning can and should be more than just memorizing vocabulary. It’s about connecting with the culture, history, and people behind the language, and Craft & Talk is doing just that.
If you want to learn more about www.craftntalk.com or the full interview, you can check it out on the Localization Fireside Chat YouTube channel. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this one!
Connect with us:
🌐 Website: https://www.L10NFiresidechat.com
🔗 LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/localization-fireside-chat
📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9BSrJLTE_ZHUdlnUwRGpCw
🔗 Learn more about Craft & Talk: https://www.craftntalk.com
Until Next time this is Robin Ayoub Signing off
Robin Ayoub 
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