Teaching Arabic Language in High Schools in the Pahlavi Era (a Review of the Collection of Arabic Grammar and Reading Books in 1940)

The most important factor in designing a textbook is the goals that are defined for the lesson. Achieving these goals results in selection of appropriate content and specific method. In addition, reviewing the earlier textbooks is always a key to recognize the weaknesses and strengths of the textbooks and inspire new ideas and innovation. In 1940, “Arabic Grammar and Reading” book, in three volumes, has been used for teaching Arabic in Iranian high schools. It is the first book written for teaching in all high schools in Iran. This research has examined the aims, content and method of such books with a content analysis approach. The content of the book focuses on cultural categories and the reflection of such cultural components. The research revealed that the main purpose of the book was to teach Arabic to understand literary and ancient texts. To achieve these goals, deep learning of Arabic grammar and choosing the literary and ancient texts were focused upon. Accordingly, the method used in this textbook is grammar translation method. Regarding the cultural components, the results indicated that the authors paid special attention to the religious  figures. Authors introduced political and religious figures without considering appraising and valuing them. Their approach to introducing these figures was positive and natural in which no specific religious and ethnical viewpoint was adopted.