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A Cradle of Life in Egypt: Arabic, Coptic Orthodox, and Family Bonds!

My name is Mareez Saad, and I am a Computer Science major at Loyola University, with a minor in Arabic Language and Culture. My personal journey to learn Arabic has been fueled by my desire to reconnect more deeply with my heritage and family in Egypt. I was born there and immigrated to the USA when I was seven years old. Hence, my elementary education was in my native language, Arabic, which came to a halt after moving to the USA and the need to learn English. Growing up, I spoke Egyptian Arabic, but as I grew older, my proficiency in formal Arabic waned and I could not read or write.

Being a Coptic Orthodox Egyptian, my family’s roots trace back to the earliest eras in Egypt's history. For those who don’t know, Copts are an ethnoreligious group primarily associated with Egypt and the Egyptian Christian community. Christianity was introduced to some parts of Egypt in the 1st century AD by Saint Mark, the Evangelist, making it among the earliest Christian communities in the world. In the 7th century, Islam spread throughout larger regions of North Africa including Egypt. Currently, Copts are a minority comprising about 10-15% of Egypt’s population.

There are several key distinctions between the Coptic church and other Christian denominations. Firstly, the Coptic Church has its own liturgical language known as Coptic, which is derived from ancient Egyptian. Additionally, the Coptic Church follows the Alexandrian Rite, which has unique liturgical practices and traditions. The Coptic Church also has theological differences from other Christian denominations. For example, it holds a distinct Christological belief known as “Miaphysitism”, which emphasizes the unity of Christ's divine and human nature in one nature. This means that Christ is both flesh and spirit in one united nature. This differs from the Chalcedonian beliefs held by many other Christian denominations, which emphasize the two distinct natures of Christ.

Over and above that, the Coptic Church has a rich history and tradition that sets it apart from other Christian denominations. It has faced persecution and yet maintained a strong sense of identity and cultural heritage.

Being an Arab, I enjoy the food, the music, the people and of course the language. I made the decision to relearn Arabic in my sophomore year at Loyola, which has enriched my life by facilitating communication, fostering cultural understanding, and strengthening familial bonds. One of the immediate benefits of learning Arabic is the ability to communicate with my family in Egypt more effectively. While English is widely spoken in urban areas, such as Cairo, where my family stays, Arabic remains the primary language of daily life and heartfelt conversations. My visits to Egypt have become a more enriching experience, as I can now converse with my relatives without relying solely on family members who speak English.

This summer, my friend Jade and I visited Khan el-Khalili, a famous bazar/market located in the historic center of Cairo, Egypt. It is one of the oldest and most renowned markets in the Middle East, dating back to the 14th century and has left its mark in Arabic literature. Located near Khan el-Khalili is Al-Azhar Mosque and University complex- situated in the heart of Cairo. Khan el-Khalili is known for its vibrant atmosphere, traditional architecture, and diverse range of shops and stalls. Being a popular tourist spot, visitors can explore the 5,000 square meters of goods and products. With its beautiful Mamluk-style architecture, buildings are tall and slender, made of brick and stone, and decorated with ornate embellishments. While there, I conversed with vendors in Arabic and found it to be a wonderful experience. I could converse and laugh with strangers on the street, and I would have never been able to connect with them on that same level if I had spoken to them in English. Learning any language can open new doors, opportunities, and perspectives between culture and people.

My grandparents, who immigrated to the U.S. in 2002, retained their Arabic fluency, but the language barrier between us grew into a minor obstacle. However, my some-what proficiency in Arabic has proven helpful in assisting my grandparents as they navigate life in the United States. They often encounter challenges when dealing with official documents, medical appointments, or even simple day-to-day tasks because of language barriers. As their translator, I am able to alleviate their stress and ensure that they receive the support they need. Moreover, being their advocate has deepened my appreciation for the sacrifices they made when they left Egypt in pursuit of a better life for their family. It has strengthened the bond between us, and I am proud to be the link that connects them to the culture of their homeland while helping them adapt to life in a foreign country.